Weapons, Ammunition & Explosives Management Advisor

Peace and Security Cluster

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.  It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance PSC on behalf of its clients.  The Director is responsible for administering and providing 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.

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. 

Under the general supervision of the Head of Projects Unit (HPU) and direct supervision of the UNMAS Chief Mine Action Programme (CMAP), the Weapons, Ammunition & Explosives Management (WAM) Advisor will provide advisory support to national authorities, along with regional and international stakeholders. S/he will be responsible for the following functions:

• Support the development and management of WAM projects and activities in accordance with agreed work plans, objectives, priorities, and resources;
• Provide programme and policy advice and coordination support on WAM as requested by national authorities, donors and international and regional stakeholders;
• Assist national authorities in the development of strategies, action plans, standards and projects in alignment with the Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), including measurable targets to a sustained improvement of ammunition safety and security;
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts to support national authorities with WAM through preparation of funding proposals, programme concepts and budgets;
• Conduct field and desk assessments of relevant sites aligned with Physical Security & Stockpile Management (PSSM) standards;
• Review national PSSM standards with the national authorities and security forces, considering technical guidance from implementing partners, using best practices identified in IATGs and other relevant guidance as a baseline;
• Provide training and mentorship support to national WAM personnel;
• Act as the principle UN technical advisor to national authorities, along with regional and international stakeholders regarding the safety, security and management of weapon, ammunition and explosives;
• Liaise and collaborate with appropriate national, regional and international stakeholders to facilitate information sharing;
• Identify continuous improvements and lessons learned;
• Implement any other tasks requested by the HPU and the UNMAS CMAP.

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; OR
• First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience; OR 
• Secondary/High School diploma with a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience is required.

• Relevant experience is defined as experince in the technical operation and management of weapons, ammunition and explosives;
• Experience with national capacity development of security institutions is desired;
• Experience in report writing is required. 

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

• 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.