HSE Specialist; OSP​/DC​/Exchange

This position is on-site based in Damascus Governorate, Syria.

The HSE Specialist is responsible for implementing and monitoring Health, Safety, and Environmental management systems across OSP, Data Centre, and Exchange Building construction and commissioning activities within the programme. The role ensures that all operations are conducted in compliance with the project HSE Management Plan, applicable local regulations, and internationally recognised safety standards, with the primary aim of achieving zero harm to personnel, the environment, and third parties.

• Implement, monitor, and enforce the project HSE Management Plan, Site Safety Rules, and Method Statements across all OSP, data centre, and exchange building construction and commissioning activities.
• Conduct daily site safety inspections and hazard identification walks across all work fronts, documenting findings, issuing safety observations, and verifying corrective actions through to close-out.
• Review and approve contractor and sub-contractor HSE documentation before activity commencement, including Risk Assessments, Method Statements (RAMS), Permit to Work (PTW) requests, and toolbox talk records.
• Manage the Permit to Work system for high-risk activities including working at height, confined space entry, hot work, and mechanical lifts.
• Lead and conduct incident investigations for all accidents, near-misses, and dangerous occurrences, completing root cause analysis (RCA), issuing corrective and preventive action (CAPA) reports, and communicating lessons learned across all work fronts.
• Deliver HSE induction sessions for all new personnel arriving on site, ensuring compliance with minimum training and competency requirements before site access is granted.
• Monitor contractor compliance with emergency response procedures, first aid provisions, fire prevention measures, and environmental controls.
• Compile and submit weekly and monthly HSE performance reports to the Senior Project Manager, including leading and lagging indicators, manhours worked, near-miss frequency rate (NMFR), total recordable incident rate (TRIR), and HSE observation counts.
• Coordinate with client and authority HSE representatives during site inspections, audits, and regulatory visits.
• Always maintain site safety notice boards, safety signage, emergency contact information, and evacuation master points in current and compliant condition.
• Monitor and enforce environmental compliance including protection of existing utilities, cable routes, ground disturbance permits, and waste disposal procedures during OSP civil works.
• Support the implementation of COSHH controls for hazardous materials used on site including UPS battery electrolytes, refrigerants, diesel fuel, and construction chemicals.
• Conduct periodic HSE audits of contractor safety management systems and issue formal audit reports with graded findings.

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of HSE site experience on large construction or infrastructure projects, with at least 2 years on data centre, telecom, or mission-critical facility projects.
• NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) as a minimum; NEBOSH International Diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of international HSE standards and frameworks including ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and applicable local regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience administering Permit to Work systems, conducting RAMS reviews, and leading incident investigations with formal root cause analysis.
• Experience with environmental management controls for civil construction including OSP trenching, cable laying, and reinstatement activities.
• Proficiency in HSE reporting platforms and ability to produce professional, data-driven HSE performance reports.
• IOSH membership or equivalent professional HSE body membership is desirable.
• Full professional proficiency in Arabic is required; a working knowledge of English is an advantage for producing required reports and delivering sessions.