Operations Specialist - Explosive Threat Mitigation

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.

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information - Mali Programme

Mali is facing a problem of weapons and explosive hazard contamination because 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 supervision of the Support to National Authorities Project manager, the Operations Specialist- Explosive Threat Mitigation will be an integral part of the EOD/IEDD cell and as such will contribute to the preparation, execution and coordination of all the advisory and training activities in support of the MDSF. S/he will contribute more specifically to the preparation and execution of staff and heads of elements training as well as the drafting and coordination of the doctrine and procedure documents, in close coordination with the other EOD/IED TM technical Specialist and the Operations section. Her/his obligations and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct mainly the CIED staff courses held by UNMAS in support of Malian Defense and Security Forces (MDSF):

  • Prepare the conception of the course, create the Training Management Plan (TMP), coordinate with partners;
  • Conduct and chair the course, do the specific classes consistent with his/her expertise, coordinate with support and partners in the program;
  • Review, prepare the lessons learned and validation of TMP with other offices of the program;
  • Depending on availability of partners, be prepared to make a second iteration of the course.

• Create or update the doctrinal framework of the CIED standard operational procedures of the MDSF:

  • Support the creation of a Working Group dedicated to CIED doctrine in coordination with MDSF and other partners;
  • Coordinate and provide when pertinent the technical and tactical insight to this working group with the aim of validating the MDSF procedures related to CIED;
  • To feed this working group with data, review the current MDSF documents that have already been published with UNMAS support;

• As part of his/her general mission as an EOD/IED-TM instructor:

  • Identify needs and requirements in the fields of training, mentoring and advisory support;
  • Help control, create, and implement the training activities of the cell;
  • Provide expertise when needed;
  • Contribute to the proper information management of the activities;
• Contribute to the general workload of the project;
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education: - Master’s Degree or equivalent with 5 years of relevant experience required; OR - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent 7 years of relevant experience; OR - Military Experience (or relevant Police Experience) at the Senior NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) or Officer level (or equivalent) with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience

b. Work Experience - Relevant experience is defined as experience in EOD/C-IED training and operations - Within relevant experience, 3 years’ experience in EOD/C-IED as a commander or staff officer is required. - Proven experience in capacity building in support of security / defense forces in Africa or Middle East is desired.

c. Language Requirement - Fluency in French (read, write and speak) is required - Intermediate English (read, write and speak) 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: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Contract level: IICA 2 (ICS 10) Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – 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

• 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.