Org. Setting and Reporting

The temporary position is located within the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH). Pursuant to Security Council resolution 2793 (2025), UNSOH has been mandated to provide support; primarily to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the Haitian National Police (HNP), and the Haitian Armed Forces in the context of any joint operations with the GSF. Additionally, UNSOH is tasked with delivering technical assistance to the Organization of American States (OAS). The Environmental Affairs Officer at this level will be responsible for coordinating and managing actions on environmental issues in mission, mainly implementing, monitoring and revising as necessary the mission’s Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with the UN Environment Strategy for Peace Operations. The temporary position is based in Port-au-Prince and is located in the Office of the Director of Mission Support. The incumbent will report to the Chief of the mission Environment Unit. Frequent travel to other regions of Haiti or to the Dominican Republic may be required in the context of this assignment.

Responsibilities

Environmental Action Plan – Implementation

• Undertake regular environmental inspections in all mission’s sites as well as contractors’ disposal sites if any, identifying priority potential risks and possible improvement of performance, and provide recommendations accordingly;
• Conduct environmental assessments and surveys of operations, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and environmental baseline studies in liaison with relevant sections/units;
• Maintain a record of environmental issues and actions thereon at the mission, including, for example, a list of potentially hazardous installations within the mission (e.g. petrol station, warehouse storing flammables) in cooperation with fire marshals or other staff at the mission designated to deal with emergencies;
• Liaise with relevant sections and Gang Suppression Force Environmental Focal points to get a regular update on inventory of hazardous substances;
• Investigate complaints or reports of pollution, contamination, and other environment-related incidents;
• Report and recommend to the Chief of the Environment Unit to_undertake such measures as may be required to prevent or mitigate environmental problems;
• Advise relevant officers or offices on environmental issues arising from the assessments, studies and plans, including environmental information relevant to the operations of the mission; Policy and Guidance
• Support the mission efforts in implementing the DOS environmental policy and in identifying needs for drafting new or for modifying relevant specific guidance for the mission (including directives, Annual Mission Environmental Statement, Standard Operating Procedures, etc.);
• Coordinate the missions environmental action plan with relevant sections, and assist the relevant units to develop environmental management plans;
• Coordinate with relevant sections and liaise with data owners to ensure that the missions submission in the Environmental Action Planning and Performance (eAPP) and other relevant risk management and reporting systems is completed and submitted in a timely manner.
• Coordinate the drafting of the Environmental Emergency Preparedness Plan with relevant offices; Management of Environmental team and related activities
• Within delegated authority, manage the environmental activities and coordinates team towards the achievement of objectives;
• Participate in the administration, supervision and recruitment of personnel; Awareness and Training/ Mainstreaming
• Promote awareness on environmental issues;
• Provide an environmental briefing to all mission personnel including police and military contingents during their induction training;
• Deliver other environmental capacity building activities to mission personnel as required.
• Mainstream environment into mission-level SOPs, and other relevant guidance and processes;
• Engage with contractors, in close coordination with contract management colleagues, on responsibilities when relevant, including providing an environmental briefing to contractors as required.; Coordination and Partner Relations
• Liaise on environmental issues with local authorities and the office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and relevant United Nations bodies and agencies present in the country or region hosting the mission, UN Headquarters as well as regional organisations and diplomatic community when relevant; and
• Carry out any other tasks required to support the DOS Environmental Policy for Peacekeeping and Field-Based Special Political Missions and the environmental objectives of the mission as directed by the Chief of Mission Support. Competencies Professionalism: Ensure that the mission implements environmental practices that meet policy objectives, minimize risks, and protect the health and safety of mission and local personnel and the reputation of the United Nations from the possible negative consequences of poor environmental management. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to environmental risk management in field operations. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to synthesize complex information and to prepare high quality summary for senior management. Ability to apply judgement in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to analyze and interpret complex information in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; Is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental management, environmental science, environmental engineering, or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job – Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the environmental management field with a national government/administration, a large firm or international organization is required. Experience in evaluation and oversight of environmental compliance is required. Experience in implementing environmental management programs in the context of UN field operations (inclusive of peacekeeping operations, field-based special political missions and humanitarian operations) is required. Experience in developing and delivering training and capacity building initiatives pertaining to environmental management to a multinational workforce is desirable. Experience in…