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General Information

Position Title
Health, Safety, Social and Environmental Analyst
Job Category
Health, Safety, Social and Environmental
Duty Station(s)
Kabul
Seniority Level
Associate
ICS Level
ICS 08
Contract Type
ICA - LICA - Specialist - Regular
Contract Level
LICA 8
Posting Start Date
21-Jun-2026
Posting End Date
30-Jun-2026
Duration
Ongoing contract subject to the project timeline, budget availability and individual's performance

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a high-impact project aimed at improving the lives of millions of Afghans. The role offers a challenging and rewarding experience in a dynamic humanitarian and development environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development within UNOPS.

About the Region

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

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.

Job Specific Context

Following the political turnaround in Afghanistan in August 2021, the subsequent economic collapse has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. To provide immediate short-term livelihood opportunities and deliver urgent essential services in rural and urban areas, UNOPS is implementing Afghanistan's Community Resilience and Livelihoods Project (23455). Under the supervision of the Head of PIU, the Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) Analyst ensures compliance with occupational HSSE laws, procedures, guidelines and specifications and provides advice on measures needed to minimize hazards or unhealthy situations in construction sites. The HSSE Analyst is responsible for establishing a safe workplace according to legal standards and fostering a culture of attention to health, safety, social and environment management in all work sites under the project throughout the project life cycle.  The HSSE Analyst shall focus primarily on prevention of accidents and is expected to be detail-oriented and ready to act in emergencies.

Role Purpose

The Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) Analyst applies fundamental concepts to gather and analyze data in support of specialists and managers. The HSSE Analyst is responsible for establishing a safe workplace according to legal standards and fostering a culture of attention to health, safety, social and environment management in all work sites under the project throughout the project life cycle.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. HSSE Management Plan Development and Implementation

  • Prepare and/or update health, safety, social and environmental management plans, review them on a regular basis and keep them up to date at all times.

  • Advise and instruct project staff, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders on various safety, health, social and environmental related matters related to project implementation.


2. Supervision and Awareness

  • Supervise and lead the regional Heath, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) Senior Associates.
  • Support the Head of PIU in raising awareness on health and safety issues among the project team, contractors and other stakeholders.


3. Risk Assessment and Preventative Measures

  • Conduct risk assessments and enforce preventative measures on HSSE matters.
  • Inspect work sites and the work of personnel on a regular basis to identify issues or non-conformity, and enforce necessary actions where unsafe acts or processes that seem dangerous or unhealthy are detected.


4. Training and Compliance

  • Initiate, organize and conduct HSSE training for the project team, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders.
  • Oversee installations, maintenance and disposal of substances, plant and equipment to ensure they are done in conformity with applicable laws and industry best practice.


5. Incident Investigation and Reporting

  • Record and investigate incidents (including near misses) to determine the cause and to propose improvements to processes in the future.
  • Prepare reports on incidents (including near misses) and compile statistical information to present to upper management on HSSE matters.


6. Policy Adherence and Development

  • Ensure a safe workplace environment is maintained at all times without risk to health and safety of everyone including workers, UNOPS staff, other stakeholders and the general public.
  • Ensure that all Health & Safety policies, procedures, rules and regulations are adhered to and are regularly reviewed, updated and communicated.


7. Contractor Management and Reporting

  • Ensure contractors meet statutory obligations in all areas pertaining to health, safety and welfare at work, including statutory training and reporting.
  • Ensure that safety inspections, risk assessments, working procedures are managed, and contractors and employees are aware of their responsibilities in relation to health and safety issues.


8. Coordination and Communication

  • Coordinate the development of HSSE policies, systems, procedures and guidelines.
  • Ensure full and accurate health and safety training records are documented.
  • Establish a full programme of documented HSSE inspections, audits and checks.
  • Keep up to date with all aspects of relevant health, safety & welfare at work legislation and communicate relevant changes to the stakeholders.
  • Provide regular reports to the Head of PIU on relevant health and safety activities.
  • Participate in regular site meetings to report on relevant health & safety matters and to provide necessary advice.
  • Perform other related duties as required by the Head of PIU.



Skills

Communication, Environmental Management Systems, Incident Investigation, Report Writing, Risk Assessment, Safety Engineering, Training
Respect
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnerships
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Excellence
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Adaptability
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Decision-making
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

  • Bachelors degree or equivalent in Health and Safety Management, Environmental Management, infrastructure, Civil Engineering, Natural Sciences or related discipline


Desired

  • Internationally recognized OHS certification (NEBOSH, OSHA, IOSH, or equivalent)

Experience Requirements

Required

  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in managing health and safety on construction sites with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent


Desired

  • Minimum 5 years of proven experience working with the UN system and/or World Bank-funded projects is an advantage

  • A proven track record experience managing health and safety in construction, manufacturing, mining or similar production environments is an asset.

  • Internationally recognized OHS certification (NEBOSH, OSHA, IOSH, or equivalent) is highly desirable and will be considered an advantage.

  • Knowledge of UNOPS/UN rules and regulations will be an advantage.


Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement
EnglishFluentRequired

Additional Information

  • UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
  • UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
  • Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments. 
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
  • UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
  • We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
  • UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
 
Terms and Conditions
 
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
  • For more details about the contract types, please click here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.