Social and Environmental Senior Analyst

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to private sector development in a challenging environment, working with a diverse team and international partners to achieve significant impact and build national E&S expertise and capacity in Afghanistan.

About The Project Office

Since 1995, UNOPS has maintained an active presence in Afghanistan, delivering efficient, agile services in support of both humanitarian response and development efforts. Prior to August 2021, the Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) implemented projects across a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure, procurement, capacity building, and environmental protection. In response to evolving humanitarian needs, AFCO has shifted its focus to supporting life-saving initiatives and basic human needs. Current priorities include managing large-scale cash-for-work programmes, procuring emergency supplies, and providing inter-agency coordination, communication, and accountability support.

Role Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Programme Manager, the Social Senior Analyst ensures that the project activities are prepared and implemented in compliance with the project’s Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), and subproject-specific E&S instruments. The Social Senior Analyst will be required to travel to project areas for monitoring and supervision purposes.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Programme Planning and Implementation

• Analyze applicable E&S instruments, including the E&S Management Framework (ESMF), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and develop and lead the project’s E&S management system, ensuring alignment with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), global standards and evolving project needs.
• Actively contribute to program planning, development, and execution by advising on the integration of social standards and risk mitigation measures into project activities.
• Support the Deputy Programme Manager and cross-functional teams to ensure that social standards and risk mitigation measures are embedded throughout the project’s design, implementation, and monitoring phases.
• Lead on the implementation of all E&S related instruments relevant to the project, including but not limited to ESMF, Labor Management Procedures, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse / Sexual Harassment Action Plan, Security Risk Management Plan, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, and respective sub-project E&S instruments.
• Train Implementing Partners and Contractors in E&S risk management procedures and requirements, and monitor the implementation of E&S risk management requirements by Partners.
• Review and clear E&S screening and E&S instruments for sub-projects by Partners.
  
  

• Plan, coordinate, facilitate, record and report on consultations with project stakeholders for the purposes of the project as defined in the project’s E&S instruments.
• Facilitate discussions and negotiations to address social risks and ensure stakeholder concerns are addressed proactively, as per the Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
  
  

• Monitor the implementation and compliance with E&S requirements as per the project’s E&S instruments
• Prepare comprehensive E&S reports for the World Bank and other stakeholders, ensuring the accurate presentation of social standards’ and risk mitigation measures’ performance, challenges, and recommendations.
• Support the continuous improvement of the project’s monitoring systems by analyzing feedback, adapting to emerging trends, and refining social risk mitigation measures accordingly.
• Ensure that social risk mitigation processes and systems are continuously improved based on lessons learned, field observations, and stakeholder feedback.
• Contribute to long-term project sustainability by embedding strong risk mitigation measures that respond to evolving social and environmental challenges.
  
  

• Under the supervision of the Project Manager, lead the development, implementation, and improvement of the project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), ensuring that it is fully functional and accessible for stakeholders.
• Act as the internal and external focal point for the GRM, ensuring timely responses to grievances and addressing concerns raised by affected communities or stakeholders, including responding to Third Party Monitoring Agents’ reports on E&S-related issues.
• Analyze trends in grievances to identify systemic issues and recommend strategic actions to prevent recurrence.
  
  

• Lead training sessions on social standards and risk mitigation measures for the UNOPS team, implementing partners, and contractors.
• Share knowledge and best practices on social risk mitigation measures implementation, building the capacity of project personnel and stakeholders to adhere to environmental and social standards.
• Document lessons learned from the field and provide regular updates and recommendations for improving project practices.
  
  

• An advanced university degree (e.g. Master), preferably in Social Science, Anthropology, Sociology, Development Studies, Community Development or other relevant discipline is required.
• A first-level university degree, preferably in the above-mentioned areas or related field, in combination with an additional two (2) years' experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
  
  

• Knowledge of UN systems/policies/norms and the World Bank’s ESF for social safeguards is an asset.
  
  

• A minimum of two (2) years’ professional experience in social risk management and sustainability or social development fields with a Master’s Degree or four (4) years with a first-level university degree.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (e.g. MS Office newer versions, Google Suite Applications) is required.
• Knowledge of environmental safeguards compliance is required.
  
  

• Experience working with the World Bank, UN agencies or other donor agencies, government ministries, and/or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is valued.
• Experience working with private sector partners, grant programmes, grievance redress mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement.