Risk Education Specialist

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 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: PSC Syria Project Unit The PSC Syria Project Unit operates as an integral part of Peace and Security Cluster structure. The Head of the PSC Syria Project Unit reports to the PSC Director who provides direction and guidance. S/he is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and closing all projects in the country in order to support substantive partners in delivering its mandate.

In Syria, PSC’s partner is the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and UNMAS’ representative in-country is the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP). The CMAP is therefore the HPU’s primary stakeholder. UNOPS PSC and UNMAS have developed a delineation of responsibilities, using a RACI responsibility matrix to define who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. The HPU is expected to work in close cooperation with the CMAP, ensuring that, in substance, the Syria mine action programme operates as one integrated team.

Operating under the mandate of Security Council resolution 2165 (renewed in 2017 with SCR 2393), UNMAS deployed the Syria Response Programme (SRP) at the request of the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator in August 2015 and subsequently activated the Mine Action Sub Cluster under the Protection Cluster to address the impact of explosive hazards within Syria. UNMAS is the lead agency for the Mine Action Sub Cluster for the Syria Response. Established in Damascus since 2018, following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Syrian Arab Republic, UNMAS strives to expand humanitarian mine action in Syria, with the aim to respond to high humanitarian needs. This includes humanitarian mine action activities prioritized in the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Syria: risk education, victim assistance, survey and clearance.

The conflict in Syria has been characterized by the extensive use of explosive weapons which resulted in large scale explosive hazard contamination, with the presence of diversified types of ordnance. According to the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) 2021 for Syria, 10.3 million people live in communities reporting explosive ordnance contamination; men, women, and children, are exposed to the threat of grave injuries and death on a daily basis. Millions of people live with a permanent disability and new conflict-related trauma cases lead to thousands of permanent disabilities requiring long-term and multi-dimensional support.

Background Information - Job-specific

Candidate with Non-UN experience are encouraged to apply! Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply!

Expected outcome: Reduce the immediate and long-term impact of explosive ordnance on civilians and humanitarian operations in Syria.

Activities: Community Based and remote/Digital Risk Education

Risk Education seeks to reduce the risks of death and injury from explosive hazards by raising awareness and promoting safe behaviour of affected communities, as defined by SRP RE prioritization tool. In Syria RE can be implemented in the form of:

• Tailored face-to-face risk education sessions through implementing partners and contractors
• Development, production and distribution of RE materials
• Public Information Campaigns
• Development of a National Risk Education Capacity to conduct Risk Education
• Development of humanitarian stakeholders capacity and engagement in Risk Education
• Digital/Remote Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) (interactive use of social media, digital applications, online learning and training platforms…)
• Community liaison and support to clearance activities (information gathering, dissemination and marking)
• Support to Victim Assistance activities (data collection and referral)

Functional Responsibilities

Candidate with Non-UN experience are encouraged to apply! Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply!

Under the initial direct supervision of the International Risk Education Officer and overall supervision of the Chief of Operations, your duties and responsibilities will be to:

• Undergo mentoring and training from the International Risk Education Officer and assist with all of the below mentioned responsibilities with the view to taking over some of the responsibilities during the mentoring phase and eventually taking over full responsibilities once the transition/mentoring period is completed.

• Ensure efficient, effective, timely and qualitative delivery of the project, in coordination with support services and program units, in line with UNMAS SRP strategy, donor, IMAS and good practices of the RE sector to the planning of the projects, as well as the smooth implementation of the projects.

• Oversee grants and contracts including follow-up on administrative and reporting needs.

• Manage Risk Education (RE) project staff, third-party contractors and consultants, including recruitment, performance management and capacity development.

• Ensure quality management of activities delivered directly by UNMAS SRP, by IPs or by trained contractors.

• Support in the management of budgets and monthly cash flow forecasts ensuring they follow corporate policies with sound budgetary structures that contribute to financial monitoring and reporting.
• Prepare reports and coordinate internal quarterly review processes, year-end closure and project closure in collaboration with the program team.
• Coordinate procurement activities of the RE portfolio, from preparation of procurement plans, terms of references, bidding process, request for awards to signature of contracts and orders.
• Oversee contract management processes and follow-up with implementing partners and service providers, including identifying capacity development needs and opportunities.
• Participate in the preparation and review of contract implementation providing comments on financial and narrative reports as well as case studies.
• Contribute to country and department strategy objectives by clearly defining, monitoring, managing and reporting on project objectives and expected results, based on identified and prioritized needs and in line with UNMAS Syria Response Programme (SRP) strategy.
• Lead the production and amendment of EORE materials and content for awareness raising, as well as EORE training and capacity building contents as required to contribute to face-to-face and remote modalities
• Contribute to the set-up of an implementation and monitoring system for the provision of RE training through UNMAS SRP e-learning platform as a complement to face-to-face RE training.
• Draft and oversee the implementation of a realistic and pertinent protocol to support an accreditation role of UNMAS SRP for Risk Education.
• Ensure internal and external EORE project information sharing and transfer of knowledge, documenting and sharing of lessons learned and overseeing change for improvement.
• Maintain an archive of project documentation and ensure access to institutional memory and technical information on related components of the project.
• Support the Chief of Operations on issues that may impact the achievement of project outcomes.
• Support senior management staff in any other matter as required.
• Contribute the development and implementation of a coaching and mentoring programme to support the transition of this role to the national Risk Education Officer.

Monitoring and Progress Control

• Regular briefings with Chief of Operations, RE staff and participation in regular team meetings (including weekly operational progress and activity tracking).
• Accurate and timely reporting on the progress of task achievement.
• Coordinate and validate Task Orders, Implementation plan and Completion reports of implementing partners.
• Set up a monitoring and reporting plan for UNMAS EORE digital application and E-learning platform to meet donor and internal reporting requirements, and monitor the impact of EORE activities.
• Liaise with the IM team to validate accuracy and completeness of data collection and data analysis (RE, Victim, Contamination IMSMA forms and Pre and Post RE session tests).
• In coordination with RE staff and Third Party Contractors, monitor and evaluate risk education activities conducted by implementing partners.
• Regular updates to the Chief of Operations and senior management team on the mentoring status and transitional timelines; providing recommendations to ensure that national skill sets are developed within the twelve (12) months timeframe.

Evidence-based programming and RE activities implementation

• Conceptualize, develop and implement baseline and endline surveys as required, including KAPB efforts, liaising with IM teams and implementing partners.
• Assist in developing plans and guidance for the integration of EO awareness within the wider humanitarian response.
• In coordination with the Chief of Operations, identify and manage contents for UNMAS digital application and E-learning platform.
• Liaise with Victim Assistance (VA) and Explosive Ordnance Assessment (EOA) teams to ensure synergies and complementarity for implementation and programming.
• Identify new opportunities and needs for development of RE activities and develop new initiatives to address these in cooperation with partners.
• Contribute to the organization and coordination of UNMAS Mine Action events (4th of April, Conferences, etc.)

Other

• Ensure compliance with IMAS 12.10, TN 12.10/01, Syrian Technical Standards and Guidelines on EORE, UN Mine Action Strategy and policies
• Participate in relevant forums/working group meetings representing UNMAS Syria Response Program Risk Education portfolio

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is required, OR
• First level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience is required.

Experience- Relevant experience is defined as experience in RE curriculum development, training delivery, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials production, RE field-team management, RE activities implementation or monitoring and Quality Assurance. - Experience in project management is required. - Work experience in Syria or other Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) countries is desired.

Language- Fluency in English (speaking, writing, and reading) is required. - Fluency in Arabic (speaking, writing and reading) or another UN official language 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.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

UNOPS offers these great additional benefits:

• Enrollment into Provident Fund: Subject to qualification, this is a plan in which UNOPS contributes an additional 15% of your monthly fee every month into a defined contribution plan.
• 2.5 days of annual leave per month
• 2 days of sick leave per month
• 16 weeks of maternity leave
• 4 weeks of paternity leave
• Healthcare insurance

Contract type: ICA/ ICS-10 Contract level: Local ICA Specialist 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 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.