Associate Programme Support Officer

Peace and Security Centre

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. The Cluster is responsible to administer, provide support and 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. It is headed by the Cluster Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Cluster on behalf of its clients.

Background - UNMAS

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is a division of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). UNMAS is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly (RES/68/72) to ensure an effective, proactive and coordinated response to the problem posed by a wide range of explosive hazards. Legislative mandates also recognize UNMAS technical expertise in responding to threats posed by unsecured and unsafe conventional weapons and ammunition stockpiles. As an office within DPKO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates. 

Background – UNMAS Iraq

The UNMAS Iraq programme was formally established in June 2015, at the request of the UN Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Iraq, to lead the UN efforts to mitigate explosive threats in the country, as well as to support the enhancement of national and regional mine action capacities. UNMAS is supporting multiple layers of operations under the UNMAS Iraq Strategic Plan which focuses on three main components:
1. Explosive Hazard Management;
2. Capacity Enhancement, and
3. Risk Education. 

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the Associate Programme Support Officer will be responsible for the following assigned tasks:

• Support to the Senior Programme Manager and Deputy Programme Manager in coordinating the internal governance and set-up of the Iraq Mine Action Programme.
• Management of the Senior Programme Manager’s office, ensuring an environment of professionalism and teamwork at all times, and setting exemplary standards of conduct for the programme team;
• Establishment of an effective network and exchange of information with internal partners and important business clients; coordination of the information flow in the office and dissemination of programme and interoffice communication to personnel as required
• Coordination and organization of intra-departmental meetings with United Nations Mine Action Services (UNMAS) teams in New York; UNOPS PSC and with different Sections of the Iraq Programme
• Efficient and discreet management of the long-term Donors and calendar of appointments and commitments for the Senior Programme Manager and Deputy Programme Manager, maintenance of backup documentation and monthly update for discussion and decisions by the Senior Programme Manager and Deputy Programme Manager
• Preparation of agendas and supporting documentation for the Senior Programme Manager’s meeting with Local Government Officials and other stakeholders.
• Focal point for the Programme Initiatives requested by the Senior Programme Manager or Deputy Programme Manager, and up-date the Senior Programme Manager in the progress and developments of such initiatives and monitoring of deadlines and results expected.
• Coordination and liaison with Iraqi mine action authorities and other government offices and partners
• Organization of special programme events such as Mine Action Day events, receptions for high-level invitees from missions, governments, UN agencies, governmental/non-governmental organizations and other partners.
• Establishment/maintenance of all hard copy and electronic files, reference materials and confidential records as required, and evaluation of information for retention or disposal.
• Determination of work priorities, drafting of reports, routine correspondence, interoffice circulars, general briefing notes, documents, minutes of meetings and translations when required.
• Preparation of spreadsheets, database files, presentation materials and tables ensuring appropriate style and accuracy of information.
• Provision of all other related administrative, logistical, protocol and substantive support for visitors, partners and other delegations, when required;
• Assist the Communications team in the absence of the primary communications officer;
• Assist the different projects teams (Risk Education, Explosive Hazard Management, Training and Information Management) in liaison and translation in the absence of the main liaison officers;
• Provide translation and interpretation support in the absence of the main liaison officers; and
• Performs other relevant duties as required.

Education and Years of Relevant Experience:

• Advanced University degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Relations or any other related field  with one (1) year of relevant experience or;
• First level university degree (Bachelor's Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Relations or any other related field with two (2) years of relevant experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of one (1) year combined experience in Programme Support or General Administration or Events and Conference Management is required;
• Experience in writing reports and drafting briefing notes is required;
• Experience in the use of computers and office software including; MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint is required;
• Experience in development and/or humanitarian affairs in post-conflict environment is highly desirable;
• Previous experience with the United Nations, embassy or NGO is desired;
• Knowledge of UNOPS/UN rules and regulations is desired;
• Strong organizational and coordination skills is desired;
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure is desired.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Arabic (speaking, reading and writing) is required;
• Knowledge of another UN official language is desired.

• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• This is a local position, therefore only nationals of duty station or applicants with a valid residence permit will be considered.
• 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.
• 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.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our 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.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ 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 that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.