Operations Specialist - Explosive Threat Mitigation

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 115,781 USD and 151,606 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

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.

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information - Mali Programme

Mali is facing a problem of weapons and explosive hazard contamination as a result of protracted and recent armed conflicts. The presence of explosive remnants of war (ERW), improvised explosive devices (IED) and insecure stockpiles of weapons and ammunition (obsolete, abandoned or neglected), poses a serious threat to civilians as well as to United Nations and humanitarian personnel operating in the country.

UNMAS deployed to Mali in January 2013 to conduct an emergency assessment of the situation with regard to explosive threats. In July 2013, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established under Security Council resolution 2100 and is currently operating under Security Council Resolution 2584 (2021). In accordance with these mandates, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has engaged UNOPS PSC to implement a mine action programme in Mali to:

• Improve the protection of civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance;
• Enhance national capacity to mitigate explosive threats and enable compliance with international treaty obligations;
• Reduce the explosive threat to MINUSMA and United Nations personnel.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall management of the UNMAS Chief of Operations, the Explosive Hazard Threat Mitigation Officer will be responsible for the liaison with different UNMAS Mali stakeholders related with the Explosive Hazard Threat Mitigation reporting activities carried out in Mali by MINUSMA, Malian Defense and Security Forces (MDSF) and Humanitarian Actors. S/he will also be responsible for providing technical expertise to MINUSMA, UNMAS Management and Implementing Partners when required in the area of Explosive Hazard Threat Mitigation.

Summary of Key Functions:

• Oversee all aspects of Explosive Threat Mitigation related activities carried out by staff under your supervision and control.
• When requested, act as the Investigating Officer for Detailed Independent Investigations or Boards of Inquiry for Mine/ERW/IED Accidents or incidents.
• Provide guidance on any specific corrective actions to be taken by Implementing Partners (IP), following an inspection, which finds a critical non-conformity.
• Develop and conduct training, and manage the quality of training on Explosive Hazards and IED Threat Mitigation as required.
• Participate to implement QA management systems and ensure that the systems are being applied in a fair and equitable manner, and that accreditation, licensing and monitoring does not interrupt or delay Operations (Mentoring, training, reporting).
• Conduct routine on-site QA of Implementing Partners operations and as part of the accreditation process.
• Stay abreast of the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG’s) and United Nations Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Standards (UN IEDD Standards); ensure that Implementing Partners Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in line with international standards when required by the Chief of Operation as part of the desk assessment.
• Disseminate within the UNMAS OPS section the new and/or updated edition of within UN International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG’s) and United Nations Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Standards (UN IEDD Standards).
• Participate in the conduct of quality assurance on all Explosive Threat Mitigation Training Management Packages (TMP)and mentorship reports carried out by contracted trainers and mentors to the benefit of project personnel, civilian and military. Support the FORCE, UNPOL and MINUSMA CEXC on the implementation and delivery the Post Blast Investigation (PBI) course.
• Support the collection of data related Explosive Hazards and IED incidents and the management of information.
• Verification of IED/EOD incident reporting.
• Provide specific training on SURVEY 123 to new OPS staff.
• Provide advice and input in the development of strategic and procedural documents related to EOD/IEDD matters in support to project.
• Support to Programme, project and operations planning and activities through the provision of IED analysis in cooperation with Safety and Security of Peacekeepers (SSP) Project, Protection of Civilians trough Mine Action (POCMA) project and Support to National Authorities (SNA).
• Support as required by the Chief of Ops and the UN Peace Mission in any policy update or refresher of technical framework for post blast investigation efforts.
• As directed by the Chief of Operations, coordinate, develop and maintain stakeholder liaison in relation to explosive threat mitigation.
• Provide advisory support and technical assistance to relevant national military units in matters of information management (compilation and reporting of incidents / interventions).

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - Master Degree or equivalent with 5 years of relevant experience OR - Bachelor Degree or equivalent with 7 years of relevant experience OR - 11 years of experience in the operations within a recognized military, police, humanitarian mine action organization, development organization, or other relevant field experience.

Certifications: - Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Certification is desired - IED Threat and Explosive Risks Mitigation and Search and Detect is desired

Work Experience: - Relevant experience is defined as experience in IED Threat Mitigation and/or Explosive Risks Mitigation functions within a recognized military, police, humanitarian mine action organization, development setting, or other relevant field experience. - Within relevant experience, 3 years experience of analysis in the field of explosive threat management, EOD, high-risk search or related field is required. - Experience in post blast investigation, chain of custody procedures and quality assurance of reporting is desired.

Languages: - Fluent in English (read, write or speak) is required. - Fluency in French is desired.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed term Contract level: P3 (ICS10) Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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.
• 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.