Вакансія: Hazardous Waste Analyst, NPSA-8, DS – Kyiv, National Position

Background

Since February 2022, the escalation of the war has caused severe damage to the increasingly fragile social and humanitarian situation in Ukraine.

The damages arising from the conflict generate massive amounts of debris and a vast number of unstable damaged buildings throughout the conflict areas. Many of these damaged buildings are posing a threat to public health through potential uncontrolled collapse.

One of the imminent needs for rehabilitation and recovery in Ukraine is effective and speedy debris removal and disposal with appropriate measures for mine/explosives, hazardous materials and environmental safety. The widespread presence of debris and damaged buildings/infrastructure are also severely impeding the return of residents as well as posing a risk to human health from such hazards are asbestos, hazardous waste and unstable buildings. The large quantities of debris strewn in streets, open public spaces and residential plots will inhibit the safe return of residents, restart of businesses and public services.

Over the many years of asbestos’s existence on the national market, asbestos products (and other hazardous waste) have been used everywhere and in large volumes, including in construction and the public utilities sector. Therefore, it is expected that the damages caused by military operations will generate a significant amount of ACM waste and enormously increase health and environmental risks.

Today, the Ukrainian legislation is coming close to European standards. It now protects workers from life-threatening risks associated with exposure to asbestos in the workplace, and safeguards the population from the harmful effects of all types of asbestos in everyday life. UNDP has been implementing emergency demolition and debris management projects, combined with the initiatives of mine action hazardous waste management, and debris recycling. These activities aim to enable the rehabilitation and reconstruction of infrastructures to support the resilient and environmentally-sound recovery of war-affected communities in Ukraine. Hazardous waste management should be prioritized during such restoration and recovery, integrated into the government post-conflict needs assessments, and fully aligned with relevant national and sub-national recovery plans.

Therefore, building environmental, social, health and safety capacities at the local and regional levels to ensure sound asbestos materials management throughout their life cycle is one of the key priorities of the development of an efficient debris and hazardous waste management system.

To this end, UNDP is recruiting a Hazardous Waste Analyst who ensure the quality and efficiency of the hazardous waste management works under relevant UNDP’s projects and initiatives in accordance with direct supervision provided by Debris Removal Specialist with guidance of Head of Debris Management Unit and under overall guidance by the respective Programme Managers. The incumbent will also provide technical advice to the respective project counterparts to ensure proper hazardous waste management and promote policy advocacy for safe and hazardous-free environment. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Analyst will support UNDP’s projects and initiatives through providing his/her technical expertise to plan, implement, supervise, and monitor the activities related to hazardous waste management. The incumbent is expected to carry out the following tasks:

Ensure effective project planning and implementation:

• Ensure efficient and effective delivery of the Project activities in the areas of hazardous waste management and debris removal/recycling.
• Contribute to preparation of work implementation plans, and other related documents for timely commencement and implementation of the activities.
• Participate in the needs/situation assessment and preparation of plans for the successful implementation of the activities (construction, demolition and debris removal work, utilization, treatment and safe disposal of hazardous waste).
• Conduct an assessment on the scope of work prior to implementing the Project(s) activities;
• Contribute to preparation of operational and management guidelines for implementation of supported projects for hazardous waste management.
• Ensure adherence to relevant government laws and regulations as well as selected direct administration procedures and verify compliance of hazardous waste management.

Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set:

• Supervise the contractors’ work who perform related to the Project(s) activities. Collate the contractors’ (who perform hazardous waste/chemical-related activities) reports and feedback into daily and weekly works progress report to Debris Management Specialist and Project Managers.
• Provide technical support and conduct quality assurance for   the preparation of supporting documents in line with Project objectives and tasks.
• Take measures to prevent and eliminate defects and make propositions on optimization.
• Liaise with debris removal and mine action components of the Project(s) to ensure safe and smooth  work of the UNDP contractors; 
• Monitor the existing digital systems (UNDP’s and national) for reporting of the hazardous waste treatment, removal, disposal works and other activities to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
• Analise risks under hazardous waste/chemical treatment during implementation of the Project(s) and propose solutions for mitigation or elimination of such risks.
• Participate in project monitoring visits to the project sites (of construction, demolition, debris removal work, with advising on the progress of work from hazardous waste/chemical treatment perspective), reviewing implementation progress against agreed plans and milestones.
• Support with preparation of project(s) reports, including progress and annual reports, as well as ad-hoc technical reports.
• Ensure handover of the completed works to the relevant authorities.
• Conduct relevant trainings on hazardous waste (including asbestos) management for UNDP contractors, relevant stakeholders, beneficiaries and recipients.
• Provide technical analysis for relevant equipment related to the hazardous waste/chemicals work to ensure sufficient procurement processes.
• Review norms, certification and other requirements (environmental, energy efficiency, related to the work materials) and provide technical advice in case selected projects require permissions, certificates, licenses, other permitting documentation, as required.
• Contribute to the preparation of manuals and instructions/procedures documents for rayon, city- and/or oblast authorities to follow, including overall guidance to the state-level authorities.
• Ensure preparation of necessary technical documentation.
• Ensure mainstreaming of gender equality considerations in the field of expertise, promotion of a safe and enabling environment free of any kind of discrimination and abusive behavior, and gender-responsive communications based on corporate principles.
• Liaise with respective governmental organizations to ensure effective and timely implementation of the component activities 
• Ensure coordination/partnership with relevant governmental, non-governmental and communities for mutually reinforcing impacts.
• Maintain close liaison with state, regional and local project partners, ensuring optimum participation and promoting ownership of authorities in the implementation of the Project(s).
• Participate in relevant meetings and share information with partners and UN agencies.
• Contribute to implementation of the Project communications strategy and plan.
• Collaborate with the project team in assessing any indications poor/unsatisfactory quality performance of UNDP’s and/or  providing   defective equipment that could cause malfunctioning and promptly inform Debris Management Specialist, Head of Debris Management Unit, and Project Managers. 

Establish partnerships and open channels of communication:

• Guide the selected municipalities and final beneficiaries to assess the needs, identifying the priorities regarding hazardous waste management and treatment activities.
• Provide advisory support to final beneficiaries and assess the adequacy of operations.
• Advise and support government and local communities for the preparation of related documentation and collaborate with relevant government and local authorities in view of projects’ activities for hazardous waste management.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the direct supervision of Debris Management Specialist or designated officer in close collaboration with Head of Debris Removal Unit under overall guidance of  the respective Project Manager, the Analyst  will provide  technical support to effectively implement  various aspects of hazardous waste/material activities and deliver the intended project results, which include providing technical guidance to regional and local government clients and supervise the UNDP Contractor regarding hazardous waste works and other relevant actors  who perform work under UNDP’s  Project(s).

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:    LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline 
Think Innovatively:    LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements  
Learn Continuously:    LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback 
Adapt with Agility:    LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible  
Act with Determination:     LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident 
Engage and Partner:    LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships 
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:    LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination  

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Direction & Strategy – Strategic Thinking 

• Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.
• Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.

Business Direction & Strategy – Effective Decision Making 

• Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.

Business Direction & Strategy – Negotiation and Influence 

• Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolv6e points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates win-win situations.

Partnership management – Strategic engagement 

• Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives.

Finance – Budget management 

• Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets. 

Procurement – Supplier/relationship management 

• Knowledge of supplier management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.

Security Services    Safety management (including Air, Road, Fire)

• Knowledge of air, road, and fire safety programmes/systems and ability to assess risks and identify mitigation measures.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements:

• Advance University degree (master’s or equivalent) in Chemistry, Environmental, Engineering, Constructing or other relevant field, OR 
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with two additional years of extensive progressively relevant experience is accepted in lieu of Master’s degree.

Min. years of relevant work experience:

• Up to 2 years (with master’s degree) or minimum 2-years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in managing hazardous waste management projects, environment management or in other related fields.

Required skills:

• Experience and excellent knowledge of regulations and requirements in the field of hazardous waste (including asbestos) management.
• Proven experience in chemical and hazardous waste management including chemical safety issues.
• Demonstrated experience in technical specifications for chemical and hazardous waste treatment procedures.
• Experience in procedures for quality control procedures.
• Familiarity with national legislation in the area of construction, norms and standards of construction works, including critical infrastructures.
• Excellent usage of computers and office software packages, including engineering design software.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

• Experience in the field in proper chemical and hazardous waste management with valid certification will be considered an advantage.
• Experience of working with relevant stakeholders from the governmental and non-governmental institutions involved into recovery and IDPs as well as economic and social development issues at the national and sub-national levels will be a strong advantage.
• Experience in the field of procurement of civil works and services is an asset 
• Experience of working or liaising with UNDP and familiarity with its bidding procedures will be considered an asset.

Required Language(s) :

• Fluency in Ukrainian is required. 
• Fluency in English is required.

Disclaimer

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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 23 September, 2024.

If you wish to apply for this or other positions, please visit UNDP in Ukraine website, section Jobs and apply:

https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/19549

UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest. Applications may only be submitted for specific vacancy.

Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.