Operations Specialist- Quality Assurance (Coordination and Compliance Officer)

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

For over 20 years, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has provided its largest partner, UNMAS, with interlinked portfolio, Programme and project management services that are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls.

Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the day-to-day management of UNMAS Field Programmes through a comprehensive approach encompassing areas such as human resources, procurement and contract management, as well as planning, implementation and risk management, that is supported by cross-cutting initiatives that include knowledge and information management, and gender, diversity and inclusion. This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented according to client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations through the leadership of the Cluster Director, who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Mine Action Office in South Sudan is based in Juba and it supports the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) as well as the national demining authorities in coordinating Mine Action activities in South Sudan.

The program has been coordinating and providing Quality Assurance (QA) of all humanitarian mine action activities throughout South Sudan since 2004. UNMAS South Sudan’s’ current operations focus on hazardous area surveys, landmine and ERW clearance and destruction, route verification and clearance, emergency mitigation measures for improperly stored ammunition, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education for UN personnel, humanitarian partners and vulnerable groups, entry point control using Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) and data management.

Functional Responsibilities

• Act as UNMAS Coordination Officer and focal point for Mine Action activities for all Agencies and ensure effective communication.
• In coordination with the Chief of Operations (COO), analyse IMSMA database and develop a realistic, measurable and achievable Annual Operations Work Plan in line with UNMAS-SS annual mandate; constantly review the work plan in line with operational opportunities or limitations and coordinate mid-term revisions.
• Act as a Compliance Officer and focal point for conformity to proposals, statement of requirements, contracts for partners regarding land release and risk awareness processes.
• Monitor and review mine action partner’s daily progress reports, External Quality Assurance (EQA) activities, and monthly progress reports.
• Maintain progress trackers, produce Contract Compliance (C3) reports and populate the Contract Management Plan on a monthly basis.
• Ensure that Mine Action Organisation’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in compliance with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and South Sudan National Technical Standards and Guidelines (NTSG); review and recommend updates to implementing agencies’ SOPs and UNMAS Standard Work Practices (SWP).
• Chair the NTSG Review Board on an annual basis and coordinate NTSG amendments processes. Support the COO by ensuring the annual UNMAS objectives are achieved through the optimum operational efficiency of all mine action activities.
• Implement capacity building activities for the South Sudan National Mine Action Authority (NMAA) technical operations staff.
• Constantly mentor UNMAS national Operations/QA Assistants and contribute towards their professional development.
• Establish and maintain areas for accreditation of all Programme assets.
• Provide oversight of the Quality Management (QM) system used in South Sudan, to ensure that the system is efficiently working and that accreditation, licensing and monitoring do not interrupt or delay demining projects.
• Conduct routine visits to mine clearance sites when needed or as directed by COO.
• In coordination with the COO, organize field visits and attend relevant UN meetings.
• Monitor and follow up on Implementing Partners’s activities.
• Approve and monitor Clearance Plans (CP) of mine action partner’s Implementation Plans (IPs).
• On behalf of UNMAS South Sudan, accept completions of CP and handover of cleared land.
• Generate weekly operational reports showcasing the humanitarian impact of UNMAS operations in South Sudan.
• Act as a bridge between the UNMAS Program Office and Operations Offices in South Sudan.
• Ensure effective interaction and coordination with other mine action actors.
• Assist in investigations of mine incidents/accidents and serve as a member of Boards of Inquiry when required.
• Monitor, analyse, and disseminate security information pertaining to armed conflict, crime, civil unrest and other hazards relevant for operational activities.
• Liaise with other stakeholders and operators involved in Humanitarian Assistance in South Sudan.
• Conduct performance review of third-party OPS/QA officers contracted by the Programme.
• Perform other related duties in support of COO.

* CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

* QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience; or
• A First Level University Degree (Bachelor's Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience; or
• Military Experience (or relevant Police Experience) with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience; or
• if an applicant lacks both university qualifications and military experience he/she must have at least 11 years of experience with internationally recognized demining organizations.

Certification

• IMAS EOD Level 3 is required.

Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in operations management, quality assurance and quality control processes in mine action operations settings.
• Experience in report writing is desired.
• Knowledge of the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) is required, with field experience in application of Land Release methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of multiple teams conducting Mine Action operations inclusive of Non-technical Survey, Manual Mine Clearance, EOD, Road clearance and Battle Area Clearance is required.
• Experience on road clearance is desired.
• Practical experience in Explosive Ordnance Disposal is required.
• Practical application of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) detection systems in Humanitarian mine clearance is desired
• Previous experience working in South Sudan is desired.

Language - Fluency in English (reading, writing and speaking) is required. - Knowledge of other UN official languages is desired.

* CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

* QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

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.

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.
• 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
• 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Contract level: IICA-2 (ICS-10) 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

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.