Operations Specialist - Quality Assurance (Internal PSC Mali candidates only), multiple positions, Multiple positions

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 - Implementation and monitoring 

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:

·   Review all performance reports and populate internal monitoring and reporting mechanisms (i.e. grant and contract management plans) to inform the monthly payment process.

·   Implement the program quality management and information management system.

● Advise the Head of Operations on potential technical and operational issues that may impact the achievement of programme / project outcomes and appropriate solutions.

● Participate in Boards of Inquiry as relevant.

● Ensure operational plans are effective and reviewed regularly.

Stakeholder management

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

People management

• 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.

• Effectively manage efficient and effective operations in his AOR 

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

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is required.

• In lieu of an Advanced University Degree, either (a) a First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s degree) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience may be accepted; or (b) a minimum of 11 years of military or police experience may be accepted (see “Experience” below)

b. Work Experience 

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

• A minimum of 3 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:

• Experience applying one of the following standards is required

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

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

Certification:

• EOD Level 3 certification is required. Certificate is to be submitted as part of the application.

(EOD qualification must be from organisations 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.)

Language Requirements:

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

• Fluency in French is desired

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
Contract level: IICA 2 (ICS 10) 
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.