Environmental Specialist

Background

At Nicholas O'Dwyer, sustainability is at the core of our work. If you are looking to advance your career in a socially responsible company, which has a proven track record over 90 years, and is committed to creating a sustainable planet, we invite you to be part of our team.

Our mission is to provide innovative and reliable solutions using cutting edge technology and expertise, to ensure project success and employee satisfaction. We deliver infrastructure projects in water, wastewater, transportation, civil and structural engineering, flood protection, and energy including renewables. With headquarters in Ireland, we also operate in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

As part of the RSK Group, an amalgamation of over 200 companies with more than 17,000 employees, we benefit from a global network of opportunities while retaining our brand and autonomy.

Project Overview

This strategic initiative is a critical pillar of the Federated States of Micronesia’s (FSM) national resilience strategy, aiming to secure sustainable water and sanitation services across a highly vulnerable archipelago of over 600 islands. Under the Water Security and Resilience Improvement Project, this Project Readiness Financing (PRF) assignment is designed to address the urgent challenges of climate change: including sea-level rise, saline intrusion, and extreme weather, by preparing high-priority, climate-resilient infrastructure investments across the states of Chuuk, Pohnpei, Yap, and Kosrae.

As part of the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) consultancy, your primary responsibility will be to provide high-level technical, environmental and social safeguards, and strategic management services to the Department of Resources and Development (DoRD) and its Project Management Unit (PMU). This assignment focuses on preparing feasibility studies, and detailed engineering designs aligned with the ADF14 Thematic Window, as well the preparation of financial, social, environmental safeguards deliverables to ensure alignment with ADB’s Due Diligence framework. The goal is to ensure that all project outputs are implemented effectively, on schedule, and in strict compliance with Asian Development Bank (ADB) criteria and the requirements of potential co-financing partners (GCF, EU, DFAT). This is a unique opportunity to lead a transformative programme with a significant national impact on climate resilience in the Pacific.

We are currently seeking an experienced Environmental Specialist (International) with a minimum of 10 years' post-graduate experience to join our team for the delivery of these services. The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership in environmental assessments, particularly in marine, coastal, and small island environments, ensuring all priority subprojects meet international safeguard standards.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Leading and coordinating environmental assessments for ensuing PRF subprojects, including the preparation of ESIAs and ESMPs.
• Reviewing potential environmental impacts and ensuring strict compliance with ADB ESF safeguards policy.
• Integrating climate adaptation measures directly into environmental planning and project design.
• Supporting and leading public consultations with stakeholders to ensure transparency and community engagement.
• Overseeing environmental due diligence to ensure alignment with ADB’s requirements, including ADB ESF safeguards policy, and international best practices.
• Providing technical guidance on marine and coastal ecosystem protection within the context of water infrastructure.
• Maintaining a focus on sustainable project implementation and environmental resilience across the four FSM states.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required

• Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in conducting environmental assessments for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience working with international financing institutions such as the ADB or World Bank.
• Specific expertise and experience in marine/coastal ecosystems and small island environments.
• Proven track record in preparing ESIAs and ESMPs and managing socio-environmental due diligence.
• Experience of integrating climate adaptation measures into large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge and experience in Pacific Island countries is highly preferred.
• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English combined with superior communication, reporting, and leadership skills.