Operations Specialist - EOD Equipment Mechanic

Peace and Security Cluster

Mali is facing a problem of weapons and explosive hazard contamination because of protracted and recent armed conflicts. The presence of explosive remnants of war (ERW), improvised explosive devices (IED) and insecure stockpiles of weapons and ammunition (obsolete, abandoned or neglected), poses a serious threat to civilians as well as to United Nations and humanitarian personnel operating in the country.

UNMAS deployed to Mali in January 2013 to conduct an emergency assessment of the situation with regard to explosive threats. In July 2013, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established under Security Council resolution 2100 and is currently operating under Security Council Resolution 2640 (2022). In accordance with these mandates, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has engaged UNOPS PSC to implement a mine action programme in Mali to:

• Improve the protection of civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance;
• Enhance national capacity to mitigate explosive threats and enable compliance with international treaty obligations;
• Reduce the explosive threat to MINUSMA and United Nations personnel.

On behalf of Support to MINUSMA Project and under the overall management of the UNMAS Deputy Chief of Operations, Operations Specialist – EOD Equipment Mechanic will be working within the UNMAS Mali Joint Operations Centre and will be responsible for the maintenance, management and local repair of all UNMAS EOD and IEDD specialist equipment, distributed to MINUSMA TCCs.   

Summary of Key Functions:

• Manage, maintain and repair Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) 

• Manage, maintain and repair Metal Detector and Dual Purpose Ground Penetrating Radar and Metal Detector

• Manage maintain and repair X-Ray

• Manage and maintain EOD Equipment

They will perform the following functions in relation to this equipment:

• Perform electronic fault finding.

• Perform second line repair.

• Liaise with equipment manufacturer to solve equipment issues and provide technical feedback.

• In close liaison with UNMAS Mali Support Services, manage local asset register detailing locations and serviceability of all EOD equipment within the UNMAS Program.

• Manage the inventory of spare parts for EOD equipment including submitting requisitions for spares. 

• Procure parts and equipment.

• Advise users on maintenance issues.

• Carry out ROV maintenance training for users.

• Produce a weekly summary report of equipment states.

• Introduce maintenance management and care schedules

• Liaise with Operations and Support Services on all EOD equipment.

• ManageEquipment Fault Reports raised by users.

• Manage and husbandry of all other EOD related equipment.

• Replace the ECM Technician when needed.

• Any other tasks as indicated by the UNMAS Chief of Operations.

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant experience; or

• First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience; or

• Technical professional diploma or equivalent in Electronics with 9 years of relevant experience is required.

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in Repair and maintenance of ROV (Remote Operations Vehicles), electronic equipment.

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

• Intermediate French (read, write and speak) 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. 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.