Job Openings at UNOPS

JOBS IN KENYA UN JOBS UNOPS JOBS

Environmental and Social Risk Management Advisor – (Homebased Retainer)

Analytical and Technical Tasks:

• Participate and provide advice in the rolling out of TSU Environmental and Social (E&S) risk management as a service to UNOPS projects, including the design of E&S instruments and systems, and their implementation in line with donor requirements.
• Advise business development and project teams strategically on integrating E&S considerations into proposals and pipeline development, ensuring that safeguards enhance competitiveness and donor confidence.
• Prepare, review, and oversee project- and site-specific E&S instruments, including Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP), Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), and Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP).
• Advise project teams on screening, risk categorisation, and stakeholder consultations, framing these not only as compliance requirements but also as opportunities to strengthen partnerships with governments, donors, and communities.
• Advise on and verify the implementation of mitigation and corrective measures, including spot checks and reporting, and guide project teams strategically on balancing compliance, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
• Provide strategic oversight and input into the monitoring and reporting of E&S performance for assigned projects, ensuring that indicators and impacts are captured in ways that inform donor dialogue, portfolio learning, and decision-making.
• Communicate TSU services regionally and provide guidance to project leads on how E&S integration can strengthen portfolio growth and positioning.

Capacity Building:

• Deliver training and capacity-building on E&S tools and frameworks for project teams, as well as for new TSU and UNOPS personnel.
• Impact of Results:
• Relevant project activities related to E&S risk management are successfully implemented.
• UNOPS personnel capacity in E&S risk management is strengthened.
• UNOPS remains compliant with E&S obligations.

 Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex…

Education: 

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental or Social Science, or a related field, is required. 
• A bachelor’s degree in Environmental or Social Science or a related discipline with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience: 

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in environmental and/or social risk management analysis or implementation is required, with at least 4 of those years involving the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework.
• A proven track record in conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), preparing Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), and developing Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) is required.
• Experience in preparing other E&S instruments such as Labour Management Procedures, and Resettlement Policy Frameworks (RPF) is desirable.
• Candidates with experience in rural infrastructure projects will be given preference.
• Experience with other E&S policy frameworks is also desirable.

Social Risk Management Specialist

Analytical and Technical Tasks:

• Support the rolling out of TSU Environmental and Social (E&S) risk management as a service to UNOPS projects, including the design of E&S instruments and systems, and their implementation in line with donor requirements.
• Support the business development and project teams in integrating E&S considerations into proposals and pipeline development, ensuring that safeguards enhance competitiveness and donor confidence.
• Contribute to the preparation and quality assurance of project- and site-specific E&S instruments such as Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs), including stakeholder consultations and coordination with specialist retainers where required.
• Support project teams with screening and social risk categorisation, ensuring appropriate instruments and tools are applied by all project implementers.
• Support project teams in the implementation of social risk mitigation and corrective measures, including triggering actions where needed and conducting spot checks to confirm compliance.
• Support monitoring and reporting on E&S performance, including tracking indicators, compiling inputs on impacts and mitigation measures, and contributing to project and donor reports.
• Support the design and implementation of project Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM) to strengthen accountability and stakeholder engagement.

Capacity Building:

• Contribute to capacity-building efforts by helping deliver training on E&S tools and frameworks for project teams, new TSU staff, and UNOPS personnel.

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in social science, or a related field, is required. 
• A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in social development work is required, with at least 3 of those years focused on social risk management tasks.
• Experience with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework is required.
• Proven track record in stakeholder consultations and grievance redress mechanisms is required.

Programme Management – Senior Officer

Programme development, planning and coordination

• Support the programme office in coordinating the development of programme’s strategy plan.
• Coordinate and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in-country and at HQ, to communicate.
• Programme requirements and client capacities.

Development and follow up of resource mobilization opportunities

• Stay abreast of policies on mine action, UN policies, and cross‐cutting priorities, such as gender diversity, conflict sensitivity, sustainability and environment, to be included in programme design as relevant.
• Coordinate preparation of programme documents, including concept notes, proposals, and associated budgets and obtain approval before dissemination.
• Assist in drafting and/or receiving of concept notes and project proposals and other project documents required for the signature and implementation of new projects.

Programme Management Support

• Support drafting agreements and suggest compliance plans and monitoring frameworks to guide key departments and management teams to meet requirements of funding agreements ,in coordination with HQ policies.
• In collaboration with relevant personnel, identify monitoring mechanisms to measure delivery against targets outlined in funding agreements.
• Assist in tracking programme results against targets, alert relevant management if delivery is not on track, compile data and draft reports to internal and external stakeholders and support the management term to prepare for internal reviews.
• Assist in coordinating information flow between implementation partner and donors
• Prepare, and provide editing support for high quality summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to substantive reports, financial agreement, factsheets,..etc.

Stakeholder coordination, representation, and inter-agency collaboration 

• Assist with communication and leading specific donors contributions assigned by the Programme officer ensuring successful implementation of all UNMAS Sudan activities under their funding are achieved.
• Assist in maintaining relationships with the UN, international organizations, donors , governments, and mine action stakeholders for the purposes of facilitating activities and improving the qua∥ty and relevance of programme implementation.
• Participate in, contribute to and report on the relevant inter- agency UN mission, donor and
• inter‐governmental coordination meetings in consultation with relevant programme technical experts when required.
• Assist in the development of communication strategies, linked to resource mobilization strategies, where relevant, to maximize communication impact and outreach and build  awareness of Country Programme Objectives.
• Support the programme officer design, coordination and dissemination of public information products and communication activities as we∥ as gather and draft content for communications products and platforms, ensuring use of social media in Risk Education activities is included.
• Support preparations for official meetings, events, briefings, and field visits, and prepare talking points, briёfing notes, presentations and speeches for the management team and senior UN officials.
• Knowledge Management and Document Management
• Maintain records of programme files and other necessary programme documents such as documentation of decisions and actions taken on programme issues.
• Assist in building national capacity through close communication and review of written products of national partners.
• Assist in implementing relevant standards, tools and templates to effectively manage programme development and implementation.
• identify, contribute to, record and share the ongoing development and implementation on of best practice, lessons identified, and innovative approaches to improve overall programme performance.

Education and Minimum Years of Experience 

• Advanced university degree (master or equivalent) with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, OR 
• First level university degree (bachelor or equivalent) with a minimum of 4 years relevant experience.

Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in programme/project development or management or any other relevant fields, in either public or private sector organizations.
• Experience in donor reporting and project proposals writing is required.  

Technical Senior Officer – Environmental (Retainer)

Duties and Responsibilities:

Support Services to the Technical Team

• Assist the technical team in identifying gaps and opportunities in the countries’ biodiversity action plans to improve implementation efficiency.
• Support the preparation and submission of high-quality reports to the CBD Secretariat, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and timelines.
• Coordinate training sessions or workshops to strengthen national capacities for project implementation and reporting.
• Support the establishment of a feedback loop to refine technical support based on country-specific needs and progress.
• Facilitate connections with subregional technical and scientific cooperation support centers, to enhance regional collaboration.
• Engage with national technical teams to provide tailored assistance and share relevant resources.
• Review and provide feedback on the structure and content of the NBSAP and 7NR documents.

Project Support

• Support the alignment of project activities with biodiversity goals and priorities at national, regional levels.
• Assist in organizing meetings with national focal points to review progress, address challenges, and plan next steps.
• Conduct literature reviews, knowledge management activities, and data compilation on topics relevant to the project.
• Help in preparing and submitting required reports to donors and stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Ensure the timely preparation and submission of all required reports to donors and other stakeholders.
• Provide logistical and technical support for project-related events, workshops, and training sessions.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of a centralized database for all project-related documents, data, and communications.

Training and Knowledge Support

• Assist in integrating biodiversity targets into national development plans through training sessions.
• Support the use of innovative tools and technologies for biodiversity planning and reporting.
• Support the evaluation of the effectiveness of capacity-building activities, collecting feedback to refine future initiatives.
• Promote multilingual resources to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborate with regional organizations to identify and deliver regionally relevant capacity-building initiatives.
• Work with the technical team to ensure capacity-building materials are up-to-date and aligned with global biodiversity goals.
• Encourage participation of underrepresented groups, such as women and Indigenous Peoples, in capacity-building efforts.
• Document best practices, experiences, and lessons learned from participating countries.
• Assist in organizing follow-up sessions post-training to address queries and provide ongoing support.

Communications

• Ensure that all GEF Enabling Activities resources are readily accessible to users on the NBSAP Forum.
• Assist in creating multilingual resources to ensure inclusivity in communications and outreach materials.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The assignment is supervised by the Senior Technical Manager.

CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
 Education 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in international relations, sustainable development, agriculture, project management, environmental management/sciences, economic development, science, social/political science, business, management, and/or other relevant field  with two (2) years of relevant experience is required ; OR
• A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) preferably in international relations, sustainable development, agriculture, project management, environmental management/sciences,  economics, science, social/political science, business, management, and/or other relevant field with Four (4) years of relevant experience.

Work Experience 

• Relevant experience is defined as experience on at least one of the following topics at a conceptual or practical level: international environmental policy, natural resource management, biodiversity/climate change; human/civil/indigenous/women’s rights; social entrepreneurship/impact investing; local economic development; civil society engagement and education.

Portfolio Senior Assistant

Summary of Key Functions 

Implementation of operational strategies and procedures;

• Financial and Administrative Support
• Knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Financial and Administrative Support

• Assist with administrative tasks and regular monitoring of all budgetary, financial, procurement, and routine aspects of project delivery;
• Assist with the preparation and processing of budgets and required formats in compliance with UNOPS requirements for internal approval, review of budgets to confirm if funds are available; run budget reports including transaction details and exceptions; Monitor expenditures, verification for accuracy of expenditure requests (invoices, TEC) and availability of funds, completeness of documentation submitted;
• Manage administrative arrangements (e.g., logistics) for conferences/ capacity -building workshops, meetings, and events;
• Interact with colleagues, clients, and partners to exchange information on administrative issues and seek cooperation. Resolution of routine administrative and process problems, referring complex issues to the supervisor with recommendations for a course of action;
• Create Requisitions and Purchase Orders (POs); perform reconciliation activities such as closure and cancellation of POs. Inquiries on PO details and activities. Generation of PO reports for expedition, status, and details information; and create receipts including information such as distributions, rejections, and cancellations;
• Create vendor details and approval follow-ups;
• Monitoring of payments and follow-up when problems arise; Review of payment vouchers and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, compliance with UNOPS FRRs, and correctness of account code charges;
• Support the Analysis of financial reports, investigation, and preparation of adjustments as required;
• Maintain contract-tracking plan to review sub-contractor invoices and supporting documentation, and ensure that services provided and claims are in conformity with the terms of the contract;
• Act as the focal point for projects on Asset Reporting as per UN MOU requirements;
• Create, import, review, correct, and process journal entries in the General Ledger. Review and run Inquiries included in journals, ledgers, or accounting entries;
• Prepare routine project communications, documentation, reports, and contracts, checking documents for accuracy and compliance with UNOPS format and style;
• Prepare briefing materials, as required for mission travel and/or discussion on project activities and status;
• Prepare financial authorizations for project activities for approval by the Supervisor;
• Maintain accurate records of all operational and financial transactions for easy reference and retrieval; efficient document management including file closures, archiving, and monitoring due dates for project progress status reports and submission by UNOPS of substantive and financial/budget utilization reports to clients;
• Process travel arrangements and other relevant expenses according to established procedures and practice;
• Support the Project Manager in certain administrative HR matters.

Implementation of Operational Strategies and Procedures:

• Full compliance of operations with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and strategies.
• Inputs to the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in operations, in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.

Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing:

• Input and update of accurate data and information to facilitate monitoring and evaluation of project activities, and to institutionalize and disseminate knowledge.
• Use of technology and electronic systems and tools to initiate work, share information with colleagues and clients;
• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

In order to ensure quality and timely delivery of all outputs, the incumbent would be evaluated through periodic performance appraisals, focusing on client orientation, solution-drivenness, and maximizing available resources.
FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Education

• Secondary school diploma (or high school equivalent) with five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with no relevant experience ; OR
• First-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree, undergraduate or equivalent) with one (1) year of relevant experience.

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