DEADLINE: 11/04/2025

Principal Safety and Health Environmental Officer (SHEO)

Contract

Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is hiring a Principal Safety and Health Environmental Officer (SHEO) tasked with ensuring URC operates in a safe, healthy, and environmentally sustainable manner. This role involves developing and implementing safety, health, and environmental policies, ensuring compliance with national and international standards, and promoting a culture of safety across all URC operations, including railway infrastructure and marine services.

Reports to: Managing Director
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Employment Type: Full-time, Contract Basis (3 years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance)

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Policy Development and Implementation
- Formulate and enforce safety, health, and environmental (SHE) policies and procedures tailored to URC’s operations.
- Ensure alignment with Uganda’s Occupational Safety and Health Act, Environmental Management laws, and international best practices.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- Conduct regular risk assessments and audits across URC facilities, railway lines, and marine vessels to identify hazards.
- Develop and implement mitigation strategies to minimize accidents, injuries, and environmental damage.
Training and Awareness
- Design and deliver SHE training programs for employees, contractors, and stakeholders to enhance safety awareness.
- Promote a proactive safety culture through campaigns and regular communication.
Compliance and Reporting
- Monitor compliance with SHE regulations and standards, liaising with regulatory bodies like NEMA (National Environment Management Authority).
- Prepare and submit periodic reports on safety incidents, environmental performance, and compliance to management and external authorities.
Incident Management
- Investigate accidents, near-misses, and environmental incidents, identifying root causes and recommending preventive measures.
- Maintain an up-to-date incident register and ensure timely follow-up actions.
Environmental Sustainability
- Oversee waste management, pollution control, and sustainable practices in URC’s operations, such as fuel usage and emissions from locomotives and vessels.
- Lead initiatives to reduce URC’s environmental footprint in line with national climate goals.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering, or a related field from a recognized institution.
- A postgraduate qualification in Safety, Health, or Environmental Management is an added advantage.
Experience:
- Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in safety, health, and environmental management, with at least three (3) years in a supervisory role.
- Experience in the transport, railway, or marine sector is highly desirable.
Skills:
- Strong knowledge of SHE regulations in Uganda and international standards (e.g., ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001).
- Excellent analytical, training, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in risk assessment tools and safety management systems.