Quality Management Specialist

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 74,649 USD and 97,747 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

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 2640 (2022). 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

On behalf of Mali Programme project teams, and under the overall management of the UNMAS Operations Senior Manager, the Quality Management Specialist will be responsible for all aspects of the UNMAS Mali Quality Management System (QMS), monitoring all activities conducted by UNMAS Implementing Partners and for all Mine Action activities conducted in Mali. S/he will ensure the development, review and management of all training material in coordination with the Training Officer and based on the results of external quality assurance and the evolution of the threat in Mali. The Quality Management Specialist will lead the Knowledge Management process internally and with all stakeholders.

Summary of Key Functions:

Quality Management

• Implement established Quality Management Systems (QMS) 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 activities in support of the 3 UNMAS projects.
• Support in the implementation of QA/QC management systems through Implementing Partners, ensuring that these systems are being applied in a fair and equal manner, ensure that the Implementing Partner Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in compliance with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), MINUSMA SOP and Implementing Partners are conducting safe and effective Improvised Explosive Devices Threat Mitigation operations.
• Lead for Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) process for Implementation partners, including the analysis of technical proposals/grants and update of relevant documentation to conduct the ORI in the regions and assist the UNMAS Regional offices in the process.
• Lead for the Change the Change of Personnel (COP) process during contract management activities. The QM must ensure that all the new personnel proposed by implementing partners are compliant with the SOW related to minimum qualifications and experience.
• Debrief Implementing Partners on quality assurance (QA) achievements and QA assessments and ensure that all QA assessment data is captured through the appropriate QA documentation and QA tracker.
• Provide guidance on any specific corrective actions to be taken by organisations based on the results of the different QA tools such as After Action Reviews for operations, End of Training Reports, End of Mission Reports, External Quality Assurance Forms, etc.

Information and Knowledge Management

• Develop and maintain UNMAS Mali QMS Policy and SOP. The QM will ensure that those processes are included in the internal training activities and Induction process of new UNMAS/UNOPS staff.
• Implement and monitor technical, international and national safety standards.
• Provide technical advice and assistance to improve quality assurance/quality control framework, specifically by working with the Operations Officers in regions and other key stakeholders, and designing and implementing technical courses/training and develop an effective framework;
• Stay abreast of the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), United Nations Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Standards (UN IEDD Standards) and all relevant UN Manuals and guidance documents.
• Ensure that Implementing Partners Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in line with international standards and MINUSMA/UNMAS Mali Standards through initial accreditation processes and External Quality Assurance activities and periodical review.
• Support the collection of data and the management of information through established UNMAS Mali IM and KM processes. Ensure the maintenance of UNMAS Mali Operations Portal and QMS Trackers to inform the Senior Operations Manager about the trends and findings with the Monthly Report with the analysis of the QMS tools.
• Develop and manage internal Work Practice Instructions (WPI) to ensure harmonisation of work practices.
• Provide advice and input into the development of strategic and procedural documents related to EOD/IEDD matters in support to projects as requested

Other Responsibilities:

• When requested, act as the Investigating Officer for Detailed Independent Investigations or Boards of Inquiry for Mine/ERW Accidents or incidents.
• Support programmatic, project and operation planning and activities through the provision of IED analysis.
• Oversee all aspects of IED Threat Mitigation related activities carried out by staff under supervision and control if applicable.
• Depending on the role which this position will be assigned to within the project administration setup in a specific country/programme (i.e. office structure, DOAs, OneUNOPS functions, segregation of duties, etc.), the incumbent will have responsibilities determined by UNOPS rules and regulations embodied in its regulatory framework – Organizational Directives, Administrative Instructions and other documents as periodically issued and updated by UNOPS. Reporting lines with regards to compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations are ultimately to Director of UNOPS Mine Action Centre through the respective Portfolio Manager. In addition, division of responsibilities when it comes to administrative processes in support of the programme objectives will be as determined for each country office and confirmed in writing by UNOPS Director of Mine Action Centre
• Perform other tasks as directed by the Programme Manager and Operations Senior Manager

"Qualified Female Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply"

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education:

• Master Degree or equivalent in International Peace and Security, Humanitarian Affairs, International Affairs, Peacebuilding, Social Sciences, Humanities, or related field with 5 years of relevant experience OR;
• Bachelor Degree or equivalent in International Peace and Security, Humanitarian Affairs, International Affairs, Peacebuilding, Social Sciences, Humanities, or related field with 7 years of relevant experience OR;
• 11 years of relevant experience in EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) or IEDD (Improvised Explosive Device Disposal) operations within a recognized military, police, humanitarian mine action organization, development organization, or other relevant field experience.

b. Certifications:

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Certification is desired.
• IEDD qualification certified by internationally military or civilian accredited training (desired) or a Military Search qualification from a recognized training institution (desired).

c. Work Experience:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in EOD or IEDD or Search operations within a recognized military, police, humanitarian mine action organization or development setting.
• 3 years’ experience in the field of explosive threat management or humanitarian mine action or EOD, high-risk search OR related field is required.
• 3 years’ experience in the field of Quality Management in explosive threat management or humanitarian mine action is desired.

c. Language

• Fluent in English (read, write and speak) is required.
• Knowledge of French is an asset.

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 (ICS-10) 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 Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.