Head of Operations

Peace and Security Cluster

**This roster replenishment is being launched in response to a current vacancy in Mali.  Even though this roster is designed to serve vacancies worldwide, candidates who express interest in deploying to Mali within the next three months will be prioritized.  Candidates who are not interested in deploying to Mali would still be considered, but at a later date.**

The duties and responsibilities of the ICS-11 Head of Operations and the ICS-10 Operations Officer are similar to each other, with the difference in grades being determined by the complexity, funding portfolio, and other criteria linked to the level of responsibility of the specific position. An ICS-10 Operations Officer may be responsible for all aspects of the terms of reference or may be specialized into one or more areas only. An ICS-10 operations officer may also be responsible for managing junior personnel.

Reporting to the Head of Project Unit (HPU), the Head of Operations will carry out the following duties:

Operations – Design and planning 

Support the HPU in providing input to the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP) on programme and project design documents from an operational and technical standpoint, such as: 

• Programme strategy (e.g. vision, mission, strategic results framework, stakeholder analysis; risk analysis; resource mobilization strategy)

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

• Concept of operations

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

• Design, implement and oversee a robust quality management and information management system

• Design and maintain a risk management system focused on problem solving which ties into contract management awareness; maintain and utilise risk and issues logs

• Organise debriefing with the grantee/contractor to provide feedback on performance against deliverables and if necessary, discuss corrective actions to be taken in following months, recommend liquidated damages and/or lead dispute resolutions if necessary

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

• Lead Boards of Inquiry as relevant

• Ensure operational plans are cost effective and reviewed regularly

• In support of the HPU, contribute to monitoring budgets/expenditure for over/under spend and adjust planning accordingly

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

• In support of the HPU, upon request from the CMAP, engage national mine action authorities and/or relevant Government ministries for purposes of coordination as requested, specifically relating to 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

• Support in recruiting, training, guiding, empowering and developing the operations team, with consideration for individual training and development needs 

• 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 all genders, 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

• Implement relevant tools and templates to effectively manage efficient and effective operations

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

• Initiate and undertake lessons learned exercises, including the sharing, effective filing, and incorporation into future operational plans and ensure information sharing

Education

• Advanced University Degree (master degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience; OR

• First Level University Degree (bachelor degree) with 9 years of relevant experience; OR 

• Military or police experience with 13 years of relevant experience

Required Certifications

• EOD Level 3+ qualification (in any specialist EOD activities as described in Test and Evaluation Protocol 09.30/01/2022 (e.g., Bulk demolitions, guided weapons, aerial bombs etc.) is required

*EOD qualifications must be from organizations that train and educate EOD specialists in accordance with IMAS standards. Individuals are responsible for providing proof of completion.

• Relevant experience is defined as operations experience in a military, humanitarian, post-conflict, or development context

• A minimum of 5 years of proven and applicable experience (within the past 10 years) in explosive hazard management is required, especially in one or more of the following activities:

• • Explosive Ordnance Disposal including multiple items and logistical demolitions

  • Non-technical survey 

  • Technical survey

  • Mechanical clearance and ground preparation 

  • Mechanical assisted clearance operations in an urban environment

  • Manual mine clearance 

  • Battle Area clearance

  • Road clearance

  • High Risk Search (HRS) and/or Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD)

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience (within the past 10 years) managing people is required

• Experience applying one of the following standards is required 

  • International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)

  • International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG)

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

• Experience applying Modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC)
  is desired   

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (read, write, and speak) is required

• Fluency in another official UN language is desired

• 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.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
  
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, 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 recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us
We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity
With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.