Environmental & Social Safeguards (ESS) Analyst

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

While climate change is observed across Nepal, the rate of temperature increase is more pronounced at higher altitudes. This temperature rise accelerates the rate of glacial retreat, increasing the size of glacial lakes located in these high-altitude areas and, in turn, their likelihood of breaching in the form of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) which cause severe flooding, landslides and mudflows that damage infrastructure and private assets, and disrupt transportation networks, agricultural production, power supplies from hydropower plants and tourism activities. Damages from GLOFs are often irreparable for decades, with considerable economic costs, particularly to downstream populations. The risk of GLOFs is further exacerbated by increasing temperatures which increase the rate of snow and ice melt and the proportion of precipitation falling as rain, which increases the volume of the lakes, thereby reducing the amount of ‘freeboard’, which increases the likelihood of overflow and the intensity of resulting floods.

The Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho and Hongu 2 Lakes are at exceptionally high risk of breaching having already exhibited considerable increases in volume, accelerated degradation of their ice-cored moraines, and a reduced amount of ‘freeboard’ as a result of climate change. Combined, these factors have destabilized the lakes, exposing the Gandaki Basin and the Dudhkoshi and Arun Sub-basins to the threat of a GLOF event. Without intervention, the risk of GLOF will be high and GLOF can adversely impacts the downstream vulnerable communities. . 

In response to this risk, USD36 millions of GCF funds, alongside USD14 million in cofinance, will be directed to reduce the risk and impacts of GLOFs at the four priority glacial lakes by shifting towards a proactive approach to GLOF risk reduction in Nepal. The proposed project presents an integrated approach to GLOF risk management in Nepal by addressing institutional and technical capacities, physical protection (both grey and green infrastructure approaches), hazard monitoring and early warning. This integrated approach will utilise GCF funds to: i) lower the water levels of four glacial lakes to reduce their risk of breaching; ii) implement Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction interventions in mountain ecosystems to mitigate the residual flood impacts from a GLOF; iii) establish and implement early warning systems to alleviate damages and prevent the loss of lives from GLOFs; and iv) strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology to plan for and respond to GLOFs and floods. These interventions will catalyse a shift from a need- and project-based approach towards proactive and pre-emptive approaches, engendered through strengthened capacity among institutions and communities. 

The project will be implemented following UNDP’s support to National Implementation Modality (NIM), with Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) under Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) of Nepal acting  as the Implementing Partner. Under this modality, UNDP is supporting DHM in recruiting key positions for the establishment of a Project Management Unit, which will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Members of the PMU will collectively be responsible for overall planning and budgeting, collaborating with other ministries, sectors and government entities to implement the project performance management system; bidding for the provision of project consultancy services; coordination with the responsible parties in terms of bidding of goods and services; disbursement and implementation of project audits, operation of accounts, monitoring and preparation of overall project reports (annual), and safeguards policy monitoring reports.

Duties and Responsibilities

The PMU will be headed by the Project Coordination Specialist (PCS). The ESS Analyst will report directly to the Project Coordination Specialist. The PMU will operate under the overall guidance of the National Project Director (NPD) — as assigned by MoEWRI. The ESS Analyst will work closely with the GESI and M&E Evaluation Analyst.

The Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Analyst will be responsible for ensuring that all project activities comply with the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and related safeguard standards of UNDP and the GCF. The Analyst will oversee the preparation and implementation of site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs),  Indigenous Peoples’ Plan , monitor compliance, and provide technical advice to mitigate risks associated with lake lowering, Eco-DRR measures, and early warning system interventions. Key duties include supporting risk assessments, establishing and operating the grievance redress mechanism, strengthening the capacity of implementing partners and communities on safeguards, and reporting on safeguards performance to the Project Management Unit, UNDP, and GCF. The Analyst will also document good practices and contribute to knowledge-sharing platforms to promote replication of safeguards approaches across the region. The role will conclude with the submission of final safeguards performance reports and integration of lessons into the project’s terminal evaluation and closure. The ESS Analyst will be responsible for the following key functions:

1. Prepare, implement and monitor Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP):

• Oversee the preparation of site-specific ESMPs in line with the project’s Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and IPP based on the project’s IPPF.
• Ensure ESMPs and  IPP  address potential risks related to lake-lowering works, Eco-DRR interventions, early warning systems, and community-based activities.
• Oversee the integration of mitigation measures into contractor agreements and project implementation processes.
• Track implementation of ESMP and IPP commitments across all project sites and ensure compliance with UNDP’s Social and Environmental Standards and GCF requirements.
• Conduct regular field visits, inspections, and monitoring of contractors, communities, and implementing partners.
• Prepare compliance reports and recommend corrective actions where risks or non-compliance are identified.

2. Undertaking of  risk assessments and impact analysis:

• Conduct environmental and social screening of activities to identify potential risks, cumulative impacts, and opportunities for risk reduction.
• Ensure assessments cover biodiversity, water quality, ecosystem services, cultural heritage, labour and working conditions, and community health and safety.
• Advise on adaptive management strategies to address emerging risks during implementation.

3. Strengthenning of  institutional and community capacity on safeguards:

• Provide technical support to government partners (DHM, DoFSC, MoFE) and local authorities on environmental and social safeguards.
• Build community awareness on environmental protection, occupational health and safety, and social risk management.
• Develop toolkits and guidelines for safeguard implementation and monitoring.

4. Support grievance redress and stakeholder engagement:

• Operationalize the project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), ensuring accessibility for women, indigenous peoples, and vulnerable groups.
• Monitor and document stakeholder engagement activities and ensure compliance with the Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
• Provide technical advice on conflict-sensitive approaches and resolution of safeguard-related grievances.

5. Plan, monitor, report and document on safeguards implementation and lessons on safeguards:

• Integrate safeguards commitments into project annual workplans, budgets, and MEL framework.
• Provide regular updates on safeguards performance to the Project Management Unit (PMU), Project Board, UNDP, and GCF.
• Support mid-term and final evaluations by ensuring environmental and social performance is comprehensively assessed.
• Capture good practices, lessons learned, and innovations in safeguards implementation.
• Contribute to project knowledge products, case studies, and regional exchanges to support replication of safeguards approaches.
• Ensure reporting reflects alignment with international standards, including the Sendai Framework and Nepal’s environmental policies.
• Integrate GESI perspectives into safeguard assessments and compliance monitoring, ensuring environmental and social safeguard standards address the rights and needs of women, men, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and marginalized groups.
• Develop and apply GESI-sensitive safeguard tools and frameworks to identify, mitigate, and monitor potential social risks and adverse impacts on vulnerable groups in project interventions.
• Facilitate meaningful stakeholder engagement, ensuring that women, youth, indigenous communities, and socially excluded groups are actively consulted and their voices reflected in safeguard planning and decision-making.
• Ensure inclusive grievance redress mechanisms, accessible to all groups—including those with low literacy, language barriers, or mobility constraints—to strengthen accountability and trust.

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

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• 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 Management    

• Partnerships Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies 
• Communication: Communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.
• Risk Management: Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks 

Business Direction & Strategy    

• System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

2030 Agenda: Peace    

• Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights: Safeguarding human rights and protecting vulnerable groups 

2030 Agenda: People    

• Gender: Innovation for Gender Equality

2030 Agenda: Prosperity    

• Inclusive Growth: Social Inclusion

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master´s degree or equivalent) in Development Studies, Social Science, Political Science, Environmental Science or other relevant discipline is required, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields in combination with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master’s degree. 

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years (with a master’s degree) or 4 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at strategic level in environmental and social safeguards or related fields.

Required skills:

• Excellent knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with GIS, remote sensing, and other digital tools for environmental and social monitoring.

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

• Experience in coordinating with diverse stakeholders (government, contractors, communities, development partners) to facilitate safeguards compliance and risk management.
• Proven knowledge of environmental and social safeguards frameworks, including Social and Environmental Standards (SES) and GCF requirements.
• Experience preparing Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and implementing Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMFs) is highly desirable.
• Practical experience with occupational health and safety (OHS) standards, labor management, and community health and safety safeguards.
• Knowledge of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and environmental protection relevant to mountain and high-altitude ecosystems.
• Experience operationalizing and monitoring grievance redress mechanisms (GRMs) and facilitating stakeholder engagement processes.
• Knowledge of climate change adaptation projects, including Eco-DRR measures, early warning systems, and water-related infrastructure.
• Experience working with government agencies at national and local levels, ideally in Nepal or similar federal contexts.
• Experience with donor compliance requirements, safeguards audit processes, and project governance frameworks.
• Prior experience with UNDP or GCF-financed projects.
• Experience in demonstrating ability to document lessons learned and contributing to knowledge products on safeguards implementation.

Required Languages:

• Fluency in English and Nepali is required.
• Knowledge of any other national language will be an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

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