General
Description of assignment title
Environmental Engineer
Assignment country
South Sudan
Expected start date
01/04/2025
Sustainable Development Goal
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Volunteer category
International UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity
UNMISS
Type
Onsite
Expected end date
30/06/2025
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Malakal
Details
Mission and objectives
Under Resolution 2677 (2023), the Security Council determined that the situation in South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region. The Council extended the UNMISS mandate until 15 March 2024. It also emphasized that the Mission should continue advancing its three-year strategic vision defined in resolution 2567 (2021) to prevent a return to civil war, build durable peace and support inclusive, accountable governance as well as free, fair and peaceful elections in accordance with the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, UNMISS is therefore authorized to use all necessary means to implement its mandate which includes: (a) Protection of civilians (b) Creating conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance (c) Supporting the Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement and the Peace Process (d) Monitoring, investigating, and reporting on violations of humanitarian and human rights law The overall ceiling for uniformed personnel is maintained at 17,000 troops and 2,101 police, including 88 corrections officers. Please refer to https://unmiss.unmissions.org/mandate for more information.
Context
Engineering Section provides mission wide operational support in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Reporting directly to the Chief of Environmental Engineering Unit (EEU) in Engineering HQ Juba, the incumbent will be responsible for engineering environmental activities in Malakal.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Environmental Engineering Unit (EEU), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Develop and implement environmental controls for solid waste, wastewater management, and water supply systems to mitigate environmental risks effectively. • Prepare and execute the mission’s environmental engineering plan in alignment with UNMISS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and applicable Headquarters (HQ) guidance, ensuring achievement of environmental performance objectives. • Lead pilot projects and tests to identify and implement innovative solutions for solid waste management in field locations. • Solid Waste Engineering Expertise: Apply expertise in solid waste engineering and management to design and oversee effective waste handling, segregation, recycling, and disposal processes. • Contribute to the planning, development, and monitoring of wastewater treatment plants to meet operational and environmental requirements. • Establish and maintain a technical line of communication with Field Engineering Offices, providing guidance and support on environmental engineering matters. • Monitor environmental situations in the field and assist field engineers in planning and implementing environmental engineering projects, ensuring alignment with best practices and mission objectives. • Produce and analyze environmental engineering data to inform and guide further development and decision-making processes. • Review technical drawings for constructability, completeness, and alignment with project specifications. • Assist in administrative tasks to support the successful execution of environmental engineering projects and operations within the Environmental Engineering Unit (EEU). • Participate in cross-functional coordination to ensure the integration of environmental considerations into mission operations. • Perform any additional tasks as required to support the Engineering Section. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote capacity development activities and transfer of skills to national personnel during the assignment; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. • Can perform the UN protocol on environmental health and safety in the workplace and inside camp.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
3 years
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
5 years
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering with focus on environmental engineering and/or water resources concentration, Solid Waste Management, Water Resource Engineering and/or related areas of study.
Competencies and values
• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.
Skills and experience
• At least five (5) years of experience is required; with three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of environmental engineering or civil engineering with solid waste management. • Experience in project management of relevant projects is an asset; • Proficiency in AutoCAD required, Solid computer skills, including full proficiency in various MS Office application (excel, word, power point) and office technology equipment; hydraulic modelling; • Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System; Sound security awareness.
Area(s) of expertise
Engineering and construction
Driving license
Have a valid driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4×4 Heavy and light duty vehicles. Required
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Living conditions vary between UNMISS duty stations. Each duty station where UNMISS has a field presence has basic residential camp facilities, which includes running water and electricity. Candidates should be aware that accommodation may be austere with the possibility of water shortages and power blackouts. On arrival in Juba accommodation will be on a share basis. Ablutions will also be shared. As the accommodation situation improves single unit accommodation, with an attached ablution, should become available in all locations. Hard wall accommodation is available in Juba. All UNMISS duty stations apart from Entebbe, Uganda are considered non – family duty stations. The security level of UNMISS duty stations is classified by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) who will brief on arrival. A number of locations in South Sudan are prone to conflict. Primary health care services (preventive and curative) are provided in 11 United Nations Owned Equipment (UNOE) Level-I clinics, 21 Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) Level-I clinics, 4 COE Level-II medical facilities within the mission area and the establishment of contractual agreements for Level-III and Level-IIII care outside the mission area. The 4 Level-II facilities available in Juba, Bor, Malakal and Wau, run by the Troop Contributing Countries (TCC), take referrals from the Level-I clinics and provide hospital-based care. The climate is tropical with a rainy season in many areas, which should normally span from around April to October. Ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions is essential.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
Scam warning
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