Operations Officer

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations.

For over 20 years, UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has provided portfolio and project management services in the area of mine action and explosive hazards, that are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls. 

Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the implementation of projects that, through the engagement of inputs such as personnel, third parties, assets and other resources, deliver activities that produce substantive mine action outputs. 

Project management is conducted in line with UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM), which incorporates best practices in the field, as well with a view to quality and cross-cutting initiatives such as workforce and talent management; knowledge and information management; health, safety, social and environmental management; gender parity and mainstreaming; and diversity and inclusion. This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented in accordance with partner 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.

Operations – Design and planning 

Support the HPU and/or Head of Operations on programme and project design documents from an operational and technical standpoint for which the individual is qualified for, such as: 

• Workplan (e.g. nature of threat; technical personnel and equipment requirements, etc.)

• Concept of Operations

• Input into the documents above is from the operational and technical aspects encompassing mine action pillars (e.g. clearance, explosive ordnance risk education, victim assistance, advocacy and stockpile destruction)

• Ensure that implementation plans have viable timelines, are assigned appropriate resources, and that implementation options reflect the knowledge of the context, as well as UNOPS’ mechanisms and policies; key implementation documents include:

• UNMAS / UNOPS Project Agreements

• Solicitation documents used to contract third-parties (i.e. contractors and grantees)

• Human resources plan

Operations - Implementation and monitoring 

Ensure operations are conducted in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards, such as:

• Financial and procurement rules

• Contract and grant management policies

• Project management standards

• Health, safety, social and environmental standards

• Gender parity and mainstreaming policies

• Information management systems and standards

• Organizational design standards and human resources policies

Ensure operations are conducted in accordance with mine action technical standards, such as:

• International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and corresponding National Technical Specifications and Guidelines (NTSGs) 

• International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG)

• Modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC)

Oversee, coordinate, and monitor mine action operations and performance (both operations conducted in-house and those conducted through third-party contractors and grantees), including:

• Ensure third-party contracts and grants are delivered in accordance with contractual / grant terms and conditions, including in accordance with mine action technical, operational and quality assurance processes (Implementation Plan, SOPs, task orders issuance, accreditation)

• Review all performance reports and populate internal monitoring and reporting mechanisms (i.e. grant and contract management plans) to inform the monthly payment process

• Implement the program quality management and information management system

• Advise the HPU and/or Head of Operations on potential technical and operational issues that may impact the achievement of programme/project outcomes and appropriate solutions

• Participate in Boards of Inquiry as relevant

• Ensure operational plans are effective and reviewed regularly

• In the absence of Head of Operations, act as the Officer in Charge 

Stakeholder management

• In support of the HPU and/or Head of Operations, manage relationships with the CMAP and other direct UNOPS stakeholders, particularly around operational and technical issues

• In support of the HPU and/or Head of Operations, and upon request from the CMAP, engage national mine action authorities and/or relevant Government entities for purposes of coordination as requested, specifically relating to the review/implementation of National Technical Standards and Guidelines and/or International Mine Action Standards and other relevant international standards as well as treaty implementation/obligations

People management

• Mentor and advise operations personnel in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best operational processes

• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the Operations team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently

• Directly lead national and international UNOPS personnel in a multicultural team, ensuring a professional, ethical and well-managed operations team

• Foster a positive and enabling work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed

• Ensure that regular performance reviews are conducted, and any issues are immediately addressed

Knowledge management and innovation

• Ensure records of operations-related files are well maintained

• Effectively and efficiently manage operations in their AOR 

• Keep abreast of and incorporate latest/best practices, approaches and technology to enhance operational results

The effective and successful performance by the Operations Officer directly impacts the achievement of UNOPS project deliverables, including UNMAS programme results, and consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS.

Education

• An Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience 

• A First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience

• A High School Degree (or equivalent) with military or police experience may be accepted with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience

Experience

Relevant experience is defined as experience in managing/implementing humanitarian mine action, explosive threat mitigation, law enforcement, and/or military operations in at least one of the following activities within the past 10 years:

• Explosive Ordnance Risk Education

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal in single, multiple and bulk demolitions 

• EO Search & Detect

• High-Risk Search

• Road search and clearance in EO and/or IED threat environment

• Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD)

• Underwater EO Survey and Clearance

• Land release

• Non-technical Survey

• Technical Survey

• Mechanical clearance and ground preparation / Mechanical-assisted clearance operations in an urban environment

• Rubble removal, clearance and management

• Manual mine clearance

• Battle Area Clearance

• Animal Detection System

• Victim Assistance

• Training Development and Delivery/ National Capacity Development related to Explosive Threat Mitigation

• Quality Management

• Weapons Ammunition Management

• Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM)

Candidates will be responsible for demonstrating relevant experience for each selected category with the project’s details as part of the recruitment process.

• Experience applying to at least one of the following standards is desired: 

  • International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)

  • International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG)

  • Modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC) 

• Experience using information management systems such as the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) is desired

• Experience managing multiple teams is desired

• At least one of the following certifications is required:

  • EOD IMAS Level 3 

  • EOD IMAS Level 3+, including at least one of the following competencies i) advanced explosive theory; ii) aerial bombs EOD; iii) armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) clearance; iv) basic chemical EOD; v) bulk demolitions; vi) guided weapons

  • Search & Detect

  • High-Risk Search

  • IEDD Level 3 (Operator) / IEDD Level 3+ (Adv)

  • EO Forensics Specialist/ Post Blast Investigator

  • Explosive Ordnance Risk Education

  • Ammunition Supervisor, Manager and Inspector/ Force Explosives Safety Officer/ Ammunition Technician

  • Mechanical Mine Clearance Supervisor

  • EDD Advisor / EDD Assessor / EDD Trainer/ EDD Instructor

  • Mine Clearance Diver

• The following certifications are desired:

  • UN SaferGuard

  • NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) or similar

  • IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) or similar

Qualifying certifications shall be from international organizations that train and educate specialists in accordance with IMAS, CWA, IATG, and UNOPS EDD standards. Individuals are responsible for providing proof of competence and the curriculum of courses attended.

Language requirements

• Fluency in English and/or French (reading, writing and speaking) is required

• Knowledge of Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, Ukrainian and/or Russian is desired

• 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.