Programme Specialist,  Social and Environmental Standards

• Support the development of a long-term training and capacity development plan for UNDP.
• Develop a proposal and curriculum for a certification training on the SES, including presentation of different options and return on investment.
• Work closely with UNDP’s Office of Human Resources to explore different training options.
• Support the development and implementation of a series of webinars on the SES.
• Support the development of content for face-to-face trainings and presentations on the SES.
• Performs other relevant duties as required.

• Work closely with Regional Hubs and experts within BPPS to provide demand-driven support to Country Offices to ensure implementation of the SES.
• Provide support and guidance to teams that are or may be undergoing a compliance review process led by UNDP’s Social and Environmental Compliance Unit.
• Support the coordination of SES support offered to Country Offices through UNDP’s Risk Reference Group.
• Performs other relevant duties as required.

• Work with Country Offices to ensure greater awareness of the Stakeholder Response Mechanism.
• Guide Country Offices through the process of establishing the SRM.
• Support the development of communications materials for various stakeholders on the SRM and SECU.
• Performs other relevant duties as required.

• Conduct spot-checks of SES related project documentation to assess quality and identify potential recommendations or offers of support that can be made.
• Maintain and manage a spot-checking tool, guidance and database.
• Work closely with Regional Bureaux country support teams to build their capacities to review the quality of SES project documentation.
• Performs other relevant duties as required. 

• Document case examples and lessons learned that can be widely shared and used in training materials.
• Support the update and development of guidance and tools for UNDP’s SES Toolkit.
• Support the rollout and implementation of UNDP’s online Social and Environmental Screening tool. 
• Performs other relevant duties as required.

• Ability to make new and useful ideas work.

• Ability to persuade others to follow.

• Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.

• Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.

• Ability to get things done.

• Knowledge of methodologies, tools, systems and implementation of social and environmental standards and safeguards. 

• Knowledge of key elements of programmatic risk management.

• Knowledge of programme and project management, results based management, and quality assurance processes.

• Knowledge and experience with institutional change processes and institutionalization of policies including through capacity development, systems, reporting, etc.

• Ability to set goals and indicators and to interpret and synthesize results into usable information to inform policy, strategy, and/or action.

• Ability to prepare quality briefs and/or speeches.

• Ability to engage with other agencies, donors, and other development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships.

• Ability to manage knowledge and lessons learned, facilitating knowledge exchange and shared learning in an organization.

• Master’s Degree or equivalent related to Sustainable Development, Environmental and Social Policy, International Development, or related field.

• Five years of relevant professional work experience.
• Experience designing and implementing social and environmental safeguards. 
• Experience conducting environmental and social impact assessments and developing management plans. 
• Experience with conducting trainings, developing guidance and tools, and communications.
• Familiarity with Independent Accountability Mechanisms.

• Proficiency in English (oral, written and presentation). 

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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