Environment Officer (Еколог)

Main Functions:

Under the guidance and management of the Programme Manager and NPA Country Director, the Environment Protection Officer is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing all NPA environmental activities in NPA Ukraine. The position requires extensive and prolonged travel to NPA’s field operations throughout Ukraine. 

Area of Responsibilities: 

The Environment Protection Officer (EPO) shall:

• Coordinate staff trainings on environmental protection and climate change mitigation; Draft, implement, monitor, and evaluate the Country Office Climate and Environment Policy (Statement of Commitment) and/or Action Plan (and ensure that it is by NPA’s Global Climate and Environment Policy)
• Coordinate, implement and monitor all NPA environment and climate change mitigation-related projects and activities in Ukraine;
• Implement NPAs climate and environment policy and environmental management system in Ukraine;
• Coordinate all NPA environment and climate activities with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders and partners, including NPA’s Head Office; 
• Conduct environmental assessments and develop mitigation measures and plans to minimize negative environmental impacts and promote environmental enhancement opportunities within NPA Ukraine;
• Contribute to developing and implementing climate change adaptation strategies to promote climate change resilience in NPA’s mine action operations.
• Coordinate the collection and reporting of data on NPA’s environmental performance as required by NPA’s Environmental Assessment and Management system (EAM) and/or donors;
• In cooperation with NPA’s partner(s) and Head Office, coordinate and contribute to the documentation and analysis of the impact of armed conflict and the use of explosive weapons on the environment.

Specific Duties:

• Assist the CD and Programme Managers with developing NPA Ukraine's environment and climate policy-related work, including implementing NPA’s green tools and environmental requirements, in addition to developing projects and initiatives;
• Ensure that departments and program staff are aware of and uphold NPA’s Global Climate and Environment Policy;
• Establish relationships, maintain and liaise with relevant authorities, environmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders and networks;
• Coordinate the regular collection and reporting (at least yearly) of data to NPA’s Head Office on the Country Office’s environmental impacts, risks, mitigation measures, and issues, as identified in the Green Office Tool and for the ICRC Humanitarian Carbon Calculator. 
• Serve as a coordination point to gather information identifying gaps in NPA’s climate and environment performance and to identify opportunities to enhance NPA’s climate and environment performance;
• Seek to implement or advise the Country Office management team to implement environmental activities, including identifying possible funding, greening activities, piloting new projects and activities, working with communities before/during/after mine action activities, and more.
• Contribute, develop, and/or give input to concept notes, proposals, and reports for the CD and the Programme Managers in accordance with agreed deadlines and donors’ requirements.
• Target resources and work towards improving the planning process so that projects and operations are carried out with a focus on quality, cost efficiency, and impact.
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations and report non-conformity issues to CD and the Programme Manager.
• Document the short-term and long-term damages to infrastructure by the use of explosive weapons and the war through research, data collection, and photos. 
• Contribute to increased understanding of the relationship between conflicts, conflict pollution, and environmental degradation and how it affects civilians. 
• Contribute to capacity development of program staff and further organizational/methodology development.
• Training for emergency preparedness and response in case of environmental incidents during and/or caused by NPA operations;
• Making efforts to mitigate and prevent adverse environmental impacts, avoid pollution and degradation of soil, air, and waterways;
• Provide reports on work and activities, including operations, periodically and/or on request.
• Perform other related tasks or duties as assigned by the Country Director and/or the Programme Manager.

Required qualifications:

Must-Have:

• Relevant higher education or equivalent qualifications in a relevant environmental science;
• At least two years of previous experience in a relevant role;
• Proven ability to plan, develop, and manage different projects, including monitoring and evaluation of projects; 
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective professional relations with relevant stakeholders, particularly national organizations and stakeholders.
• Written and spoken proficiency in the English language.
• Ukrainian mother tongue (written and spoken).
• Good computer skills.  
• Valid driving license. 

Desirable:

•  
• Experience in the implementation of environmental risk assessments, environmental management systems, and development of mitigation measures.

Other qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to cooperate and work in a multi-cultural/multi-national setting.
• Solid analytical, structured, and innovative skills.
• Be adaptable, flexible, and able to work in a hostile environment and under challenging circumstances. 

Additional Considerations:

• Abide by the policies and personal code of conduct set by the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and represent the organisation loyally and responsibly.
• Adherence to NPA Ukraine SOP at all times. 
• Adherence to all internal regulations and disciplines set by NPA.