Environment Officer Job at UNHCR ~ Paradaise Today

Environment Officer Job at UNHCR

General Background

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State.

While UNHCR's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, our ultimate goal is to help find durable solutions that will allow them to rebuild their lives in dignity. There are three durable solutions pursued by UNHCR for 6.4 million refugees in protracted situations: voluntary repatriation; local integration; or resettlement to a third country. While pursuing durable solutions UNHCR additionally tries to increase the self-reliance and livelihood opportunities of refugees.

Context for the Post

UNHCR is committed to ensuring adequate access to energy, and sustainable environmental management in its operations to improve the protection and wellbeing of Persons of Concern (PoCs). In this regard, the Energy and Environment Unit at UNHCR in Geneva oversees a broad range of related projects and supports enhancing environmental management in the field through technical guidance and situation analysis.

Providing refugees with access to sustainable, clean energy can enhance livelihood opportunities and basic services such as the provision of clean drinking water, health care, and education. It can increase safety in and around camps at night, while allowing for more time to study, work and socialise. In addition, fuel costs can be reduced, freeing resources for other essential services. All while improving the wellbeing of refugees and safeguarding the environment. Further, as displaced persons rely on the natural resources surrounding them, there is a need to address environmental issues, particularly as these can contribute to tensions with host communities amongst other risks.

UNHCR, mandated to protect the rights and wellbeing of refugees, has implemented measures to address these issues, including providing refugees with fuel-efficient stoves, solar street lights, and solar lanterns, and implementing environmental activities such as land rehabilitation.

As such, UNHCR is currently seeking an Environment Officer to work within the Energy and Environment Unit in the Operational Solutions and Transition Section (OSTS) at its Geneva headquarters. The role of the assignment is to assist the UNHCR Energy and Environment Unit in undertaking environment related projects and provide technical guidance to the field on environmental related matters.

The Environment Officer will support the Energy and Environment Unit in undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments, and coordinating natural resources management projects. This includes supporting environmental rehabilitation, solid waste management, woodlot establishment and management, and developing Community Environmental Action Plans (CEAP).

Description of Duties

Support the revision and development of guidance and policies related to sustainable environmental management, solid waste management and environmental rehabilitation. Revision and development of such materials will require field missions.
Map environmental projects in the field, including updating data on environment in relation to energy, solid waste, agroforestry, forestry, erosion, water conservation, livelihoods, shelter and others.
Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments in selected operations.
Develop Community Environmental Action Plans (CEAPs) in selected operations.
Provide specialized technical support to field operations on environmental matters, including rehabilitation, natural resources management, solid waste management, woodlot establishment and community environmental action plans, with consideration for cross-sectoral challenges.
Undertake technical missions as required; particularly in supporting environmental audits and coordinating regular assessments on environmental conditions in refugee hosting areas.
Assist with the development of training materials and tools for training on environmental challenges in refugee operations.
Work in close coordination with all relevant sectors and clusters at UNHCR, including WASH, health, Shelter and Settlements, livelihoods, energy, protection, camp coordination & camp management.

Qualifications

Advanced university degree in environmental studies, environmental engineering, natural resources management, or related fields;
Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience of which a minimum of 4 years is of relevant international field experience;
Fluency in written and spoken English; French is an asset, as is basic knowledge of another UN language;
Working Experience with GIS and analyzing remote sensing data and mapping;
Excellent communication skills;
Computer literacy in MS Office Suite and other relevant software;
Demonstrated ability to work independently, and in a multi-cultural environment;
Flexibility and adaptability;
Willingness to travel and work in harsh environments.