Head of Operations (Internal PSC Mali candidates only)

Peace and Security Cluster

The United Nations Mine Action Service (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.

With Security Council resolution 2690 (2023), it was decided to terminate the mandate of MINUSMA, effective 30 June 2023, after a decade of continuous activities. The Council requested MINUSMA to initiate the cessation of its operations and transfer of its tasks on 1 July 2023, along with an orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal of personnel, aiming to conclude the process by 31 December 2023. The liquidation of MINUSMA is set to commence on 1 January 2024.

In alignment with these mandates, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has engaged UNOPS PSC to implement a mine action programme in Mali. This programme aims to support MINUSMA's liquidation efforts, focusing on ammunition and explosives disposal in the context of camp clearance and explosive ordnance risk assessment for the remaining camps during MINUSMA's liquidation from 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2024.

Operations – Design and planning

Support the HPU in providing input to the 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, Project resource plan and Training Management Plans

• 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:

o   UNMAS / UNOPS Project Agreements

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

o   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.

• 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.

Stakeholder management

• 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

People management

• Support in recruitment, train, guide, empower and develop 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 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.

• 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

• 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

b. Work Experience 

• 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, in particular, experience managing one or more of the following activities:           

• Proven project management experience related to stakeholder management, work planning of EOD operations or resource management is required.

• Proven Training Management experience related to developing Training Management Plans for skills, competencies and knowledge transfer associated with Mine Action activities is desired

• Experience applying one of the following standards is required 

• Experience applying the following standards is desired - Modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC)

Required Certifications:

• EOD Level 3 qualification is required 

• Project Management Qualification is required

(*Project management Qualification must be from a recognized provider of Project Management learning such as PRINCE2, Association for Project Management, Project Management Institute)

c. Language

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

• Fluency in French (read, write and speak) is desired 

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
Contract level: IICA 3 (ICS 11) 
Contract duration: 6 months with possibility of extension


For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

• 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.