Technical Specialist – Environmental (Air Quality Control Expert) (Retainer) at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Operations management

• Facilitate the finalisation and adoption of a national framework for air quality monitoring in Timor-Leste, integrating clear protocols for data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
• Provide support in the development of an air quality standard decree law for Timor Leste. 
• Oversee the deployment and operation of a hybrid ambient air quality monitoring network, combining low-cost sensors and reference-grade particle counters (including low-cost sensors for fine particulate matter (PM2.5 / PM10) and nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes at multiple sites across Timor Leste.
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of air quality monitoring equipment, including development of SoP/manual for operation and maintenance of the AQM sensors and the Air Quality Monitoring Application, ensuring community ownership for the installed air quality sensors
• Implement innovative deployment of technological resources combining meteorological data and MAIAC/Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) PM2.5 satellite data overlaid on quality sensor data to enhance accuracy of air pollution early warning. 
• Oversee design, development and deployment of an accessible real-time air quality public notification and alert system for proactive public actions, the Air Quality Mobile Application integrated with data from the hybrid air quality monitoring network. 
• Facilitate the integration of sensor-generated data from Timor Leste into UNEP’s Open Data Management System, in coordination with UNEP GEMS Air, and other existing open data sharing platforms.
• Integrate use of open-source environmental monitoring solutions into the air quality framework to enhance the closing of data-action gaps by matching pollutants to upstream causes and sources so they can be forestalled.
• Monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of operational support services to ensure seamless delivery of project outcomes, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Project planning and coordination support

• Facilitate definition and agreement of institutional roles and responsibilities (including ownership and operation and maintenance of the network, data sharing) amongst government departments related to air quality monitoring, such as the National Directorate of Pollution Control (Ministry of Tourism and Environment), National Directorate of Meteorology and Geophysics (Ministry of Tourism and Environment) and Department of Environmental health (Ministry of Health). 
• Coordinate and manage engagement of partners for optimal delivery of technical outputs, including Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES), which is developing the Air Quality Mobile Application. 
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement workshops with the members of the Climate and Health Working Group and other relevant actors, to align multi-stakeholder efforts with project objectives and timelines and to enhance awareness of air pollution, related health risks and actions to reduce impacts on health and well-being.
• Establish targets and timelines for implementing technical training programs and system deployment, ensuring timely achievement of project deliverables.

Procurement and logistics

• Manage logistics for stakeholder engagement workshops and technical training sessions, ensuring smooth delivery of all project components.
• Ensure compliance with UNOPS procurement standards for sourcing equipment and services.

Human Resources Development 

• Develop and deliver in-country technical training programs to build the capacity of local stakeholders in air quality monitoring, data management and quality assurance, during installation and post-installation, ensuring they are equipped to manage the air quality monitoring network effectively and implement the air quality monitoring framework. 
• Deliver capacity-building for the National Directorate of Meteorology and Geophysics and the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders, on use of the Air Quality Mobile Application and managing and maintaining the air quality forecasting system. 
• Delivery capacity building for National Directorate of Meteorology and Geophysics and other government stakeholders on how to overlay MAIAC/Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) PM2.5 satellite data and other meteorological data on data from low-cost sensors to generate air quality forecasts, warning alerts and health impact advisories and advocacy.
• Deliver stakeholder engagement workshops to enhance awareness of air pollution, related health risks and actions to reduce impacts on health and well-being.
• Provide supervision and guidance to project staff, including a Local Technician, involved in installation of the air quality monitoring network and undertaking data analysis.

Administration and Information Technology (ICT) 

• Implement a centralized system for managing air quality data, integrated to the Climate Data Information System (CDIS), ensuring data integrity and accessibility for reporting purposes.
• Put in place processes for the flow and sharing of air quality monitoring data from the low-cost sensors, to the CDIS, to the Air Quality Monitoring Application. 
• Facilitate the integration of sensor-generated data from Timor Leste into UNEP’s Open Data Management System, in coordination with UNEP GEMS Air, and other existing open data sharing platforms.
• Facilitate the use of ICT tools to enhance the efficiency and reliability of data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.

Knowledge Management

• Establish a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in air quality management, encouraging collaboration among stakeholders, to enhance capacity of local stakeholders in managing and interpreting air quality data. 
• Produce detailed reports on the framework's implementation, including insights on air pollution levels and health risk mitigation strategies.

Skills

• Air Quality, Capacity Building, Knowledge Management, Operations Management, Procurement, Project Planning

Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in environmental science, environmental engineering, meteorology, atmospheric science, electrical engineering or a related field with 7 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the above mentioned fields with 5 years of relevant experience is required.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is work in operations management, preferably in a large international organization, with a focus on Environment projects in developing countries. 
• Experience in hands-on management of complex projects related to air quality monitoring is required.