In January 2026, Mozambique experienced the most severe floods in recent years, significantly affecting the southern and central regions of the country. The agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors were particularly impacted, resulting in extensive loss of cultivated land, livestock mortality and displacement, and damage to irrigation systems and fishing infrastructure. These impacts have further exacerbated the socioeconomic vulnerability of rural communities in Mozambique.
In response, the Government of Mozambique, with financing from the World Bank, requested UNOPS to support the implementation of a flood response project valued at USD 66 million. The project will focus on the procurement and distribution of emergency agricultural inputs, fisheries equipment, veterinary supplies, and vaccines in 6 most affected provinces - Maputo, Gaza, Zambezia, Tete, Sofala and Manica. UNOPS plans to set up a project team of approximately 26 personnel to support the implementation of the project. The project personnel composition include Project Management, Risk Management, Fiduciary Management, Results Management, Technical Supervision and Support Services.
As part of the donor requirements set out in the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), environmental and social (E&S) instruments are currently developed to mitigate environmental and social risks and impacts of the Project. In addition, UNOPS’ HSSE requirements stipulate a series of compliance issues specifically regarding Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) and infrastructure activities.
The Environmental and Social Safeguard Officer is to ensure that all Project activities are aligned with donor Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) and UNOPS OSH requirements.
The Safeguard Officer will be operating as part of the team, managing, and ensuring the implementation of all environmental and social standards and the occupational health and safety requirements during the project life cycle. S/he must be able to apply with/out direction, the duties, and responsibilities of the project success criteria.
E&S and OHS Compliance Monitoring
Monitor and report on assigned E&S standards and OHS requirements established by donors and UNOPS.
Support implementing partners in incorporating approved E&S standards and OHS into contracts.
Monitor the application of approved E&S instruments and mitigation measures by implementing partners, recording implementation gaps and following up on required actions.
Participate in scheduled spot checks and monitoring visits to implementing partners’ sites.
E&S and OHS Compliance Monitoring
Support implementing partners in monitoring and reporting on E&S screening processes for subprojects, in accordance with established procedures.
Conduct initial completeness and procedural compliance checks of environmental permitting documentation prepared by implementing partners; track submission and approval status; and follow up on outstanding requirements and identified issues.
Compile baseline information and draft defined technical sections of the Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), the Manual of Good Environmental and Social Practices or Simplified Environmental and Social Studies, using approved templates as appropriate to the categorization of each subproject.
Assist with routine authorized updates to relevant E&S instruments, including Labour Management Procedures, Waste Management Plans, GBV Risk Action Plans, OHS procedures and plans, Chance Find Procedures and Pest Management Plans, as applicable.
Support the implementation of the approved Resettlement Policy Framework, monitor potential land-related issues, and facilitate appropriate follow-up to prevent or resolve disputes.
Support the establishment and effective functioning of Project Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs), monitoring their application and identifying areas requiring improvement.
E&S Reporting and Corrective Action Follow-up
Track implementation of agreed corrective measures by implementing partners, escalating significant or unresolved issues to the supervisor or relevant technical counterpart.
Compile quarterly and annual reports on E&S risks, impacts, mitigation measures and implementation progress, based on monitoring findings and information provided by implementation partners.
Identify challenges, opportunities, priorities and implementation needs relating to project E&S instruments, and propose practical measures to address identified gaps and improve effectiveness.
Implementing Partner Support and Capacity Building
Assist in preparing and delivering approved training materials and defined capacity-building sessions on E&S standards, gender considerations, prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) and prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH), and applicable OHS requirements, tools and frameworks.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor within the scope of the position.