Operations Specialist - Ammunition and Weapon Management

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - PSC

Peace and Security Cluster

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance PSC on behalf of its clients. The Director is responsible for administering and providing oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.

UNMAS

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is a division of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). UNMAS is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly (RES/68/72) to ensure an effective, proactive and coordinated response to the problem posed by a wide range of explosive hazards. Legislative mandates also recognize UNMAS technical expertise in responding to threats posed by unsecured and unsafe conventional weapons and ammunition stockpiles. As an office within DPKO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates.

UNMAS as a component of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) provides explosive hazard management capacities, including mitigation, to AMISOM as part of a logistical support package. Non-lethal tactical advice and analysis is delivered by UNMAS technical advisors located in each AMISOM Sector Headquarters and at AMISOM Force Headquarters, who support AMISOM planning and operations. UNMAS support includes both enabling (“operate in spite of IEDs”) and response (“defeat the device”). As a component of the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) UNMAS also supports the Federal Government of Somalia, including the Somali Police Force, Somali Explosive Management Authority and National Security Advisor.

Functional competencies

*CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY *Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Under the general supervision of the Head of Policy & Analysis Unit, and direct supervision of the Weapons, Ammunition & Explosives Management (WAM) Advisor, the Operations Specialist - Ammunition and Weapon Management will provide support to AMISOM, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Federal Member State (FMS) levels, as appropriate. S/he will be responsible for the following functions:

• Provide technical support to AMISOM, FGS and FMS with Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) in order to reduce the risk of diversion and Unplanned Explosions at Munition Sites (UEMS).
• Provide technical support to AMISOM and FGS with the development of procedures to improve and standardize the processing of captured weapons and ammunition. The procedures will be developed in conjunction with the appropriate weapons and ammunition storage, marking and recording keeping requirements.
• Provide technical support and advice to AMISOM, FGS and FMS in the establishment of procedures and capacities for the safe disposal of weapons and ammunition. The disposal of illicit, surplus, and obsolete weapons and ammunition constitutes an important element of a comprehensive WAM programme.
• Support technical assessments of Somalia’s weapons and ammunition management capability to inform recommendations for improvement at the FGS and FMS levels. Assessments are fundamental to inform targeted and evidence-based control measures and will enable the FGS to optimize available resources and seek tailored support.
• Provide technical advice to improve measures and interventions to curb the illicit flows of weapons and ammunition into and within Somalia and mitigate their adverse impact on security and stability.
• Support the FGS with strengthening the centralized system for the importation, registration and distribution of weapons and ammunition at the FGS and FMS levels, including the establishment of transfer controls to ensure effective and harmonized practices at the state level while strengthening overall federal control.
• Provide technical advice to the FGS with improvements in efficiency of weapons marking and record-keeping programs at the federal level and incrementally extend similar capacity to the state level, including improvements to strengthen record-keeping systems across all forces and along the supply chain.
• Provide technical advice to strengthen national systems and capacities to control and manage weapons and ammunition throughout their lifecycle in order to meet the operational needs of the security sector and prevent loss and diversion, as well as misuse.
• Ensure all advice and support is provided in alignment with relevant international standards.
• Identify continuous improvements and lessons learned;
• Implement any other tasks requested by the Head of Policy & Analysis Unit and/or WAM Advisor.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational 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/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR
• First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; OR
• Military or Police Experience at the Senior NCO (Non-commissioned Officer) or Officer level (or equivalent) with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience is required.

Work Experience:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in International Relations, Peace and Conflict and/or Security Studies, Ammunition and Weapons Management, Project Management or related field.
• Within relevant experience, two years of experience in Ammunition and Weapons Management or Operations is required.
• Experience in report writing is required.

Certifications:

• Certification in Ammunition Technical Officer Qualification (or equivalent) is required.

Language

• Fluency in English (speaking, writing and reading) is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA

Contract level: I-ICA 2 Contract duration: ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.