Operations Specialist - Quality Assurance (Training)

Peace and Security Cluster

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. 

UNMAS as a component of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) provides explosive hazard management capacities, including mitigation, to ATMIS as part of a logistical support package. Non-lethal tactical advice and analysis is delivered by UNMAS technical advisors located in each ATMIS Sector Headquarters and at ATMIS Force Headquarters, who support ATMIS planning and operations. UNMAS support includes both enabling (“operate in spite of IEDs”) and response (“defeat the device”). As a component of the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) UNMAS also supports the Federal Government of Somalia, including the Somali Police Force, Somali Explosive Management Authority and National Security Advisor. 

•Comprehensive general operational management of Quality Management (QM) team;

•Coordinate, facilitate and prioritize all operational tasking within QM team;

● Provide technical advice and assistance to improve quality assurance/quality control framework, specifically by working with the UNMAS regional Operations Officers and other key stakeholders, and designing and implementing technical courses/training and develop an effective framework;

• Ensure that UNMAS (UNOPS) Somalia training and mentoring contractor(s) applies an effective internal Quality Management System;

• Represent UNMAS Somalia in accreditation of instructors and mentors, providing guidance to UNMAS contractors and Project Managers;

• Conduct regular Quality Assurance visits at designated TCC training locations , either in Troop Contributing Countries national training centers and/or training locations within Somalia;

• Provide guidance on corrective actions to be taken by organizations, following a Quality Assurance inspection.

• Ensure proper maintenance of QA documentation and files;

• Maintain up to date Standard Working Procedures and Training Management Packages reflective of the IED threat in Somalia;

•Test detection equipment on types of Improvised Explosive Device components and draft technical specifications and recommendations for equipment  that is suitable for the Somalia IED threat;

• Act as the Investigating Officer for Detailed Independent Investigations or Boards of Inquiry for Explosive related accidents or incidents, and ensure findings are reflected in training and mentoring;

• Promote sharing of knowledge within Project team;

• Responsible for guidance on, and inspections of storage, transport and use of energetic materials used by UNMAS contractors and ATMIS;

• Ensure implementation of a Quality management system and ensure that the system is being applied in a fair and equitable manner, and that monitoring does not interrupt or delay activities;

• Provide advice and input into the development of strategic and procedural documents related to EOD/IEDD matters in support to projects as requested;

• Other tasks as directed by the Project Manager.

•  Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR 
• A First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; OR
• Military Experience (or relevant Police Experience) at the Senior NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) or Officer level (or equivalent) with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience; OR
• If an applicant lacks both university qualifications and military experience s/he must have at least 11 years of relevant experience with internationally recognized demining organizations.

Experience:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in management in a military, humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development context.
• At least 5 years of experience in operations planning and/or management is required;
• At least 3 years of experience of planning and management in the field of explosive hazard mitigation in required;
• A minimum of 3 years cumulative Search experience in EOD/IEDD to include route search operational deployments abroad in a high threat environment is required;
• Computer literacy, in particular experience of using MS Office.

Certification:

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) level 3 qualification is required; Certificate is to be submitted as part of the application.

(EOD qualification must be from organizations that train and educate EOD specialists in accordance with IMAS standards - Test and Evaluation Protocol 09.30/01/2022. Individuals are responsible for providing proof of completion.)

• Intermediate or Advanced Military Search qualification from military institutions is required . Certificate is to be submitted as part of the application.
  

• Internationally recognized driving license.

Language:

● Fluency in English (reading, writing and speaking) is required.

1. Contract type: ICA
2. Contract level: IICA-2
3. Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

• 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.