Global Technical Advisor

Peace and Security Cluster

Project management is conducted in line with UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM), which incorporates best practices in the field, as well with a view to quality and cross-cutting initiatives such as workforce and talent management; knowledge and information management; health, safety, social and environmental management; gender parity and mainstreaming; and diversity and inclusion. This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented in accordance with partner requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations through the leadership of the Cluster Director, who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients. 

The Global Technical Advisor strives to ensure that PSC’s operations are not only compliant with International Mine Action Standards and other relevant global frameworks, but that PSC is also striving to be at the forefront of operational best practices, championing innovation, and operational support, creating a highly effective and impactful role within PSC.

• Support PSC and relevant stakeholders in developing and refining programme and project design from an operational and technical perspective, ensuring alignment with global mine action standards and strategic objectives

• Provide expert operations advice to the PSC Senior Management Team

• Proactively research new opportunities for operational engagement, contributing to PSC’s strategic expansion and innovation

• Lead the design of concepts of operations for new projects and programmes, ensuring they are informed by global best practices and technical expertise. Conduct assessment missions and develop documents associated with new ETM opportunities including resource plans and risk management plans. This includes alignment with: 

  • UNOPS operational, financial, procurement, and project management standards

  • Health, safety, social, environmental, gender, and information management policies

• Ensure operational approaches and plans are informed by the unique context of each programme, leveraging global knowledge and expertise to create scalable and adaptable implementation strategies

• Review and provide technical input into:

  • UN-to-UN/UNOPS Project Agreements

  • Solicitation documents for contractors and grantees

  • Comprehensive human resources plans tailored to operational needs

• At the request of the PSC Senior Management Team, conduct oversight visits of ongoing programmes and projects. Identify potential risks and mitigation plans. Take note of lessons and best practices, for portfolio wide dissemination

• Maintain strict adherence to technical standards, including IMAS, NTSGs, IATG, and MOSAIC

• Oversee, coordinate, and monitor global mine action operations, ensuring:

  • Quality assurance and risk management systems are robust and standardized across all operations

  • Consistent application of technical standards and innovation-driven practices in operational execution

  • Timely and effective corrective actions for underperformance or contractual issues

• Represent PSC in global forums, technical networks, and stakeholder engagements, ensuring PSC is recognized as a leading operator in Explosive Threat Management

• Collaborate with UNOPS regions to support their advancement and implementation of ETM programmes and projects

• Actively identify, engage, and prioritize stakeholder networks that advance PSC’s operational objectives and strategic positioning

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to support the development, implementation, and review of technical standards and treaty obligations

• Establish and lead a global community of operational experts, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the integration of gender responsive, innovative practices across programmes

• Develop, implement, and maintain systems for capturing, disseminating, and applying lessons learned and best practices

• Champion innovation by identifying emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies to enhance PSC’s global operations

• Design and lead initiatives for knowledge dissemination, ensuring alignment with organizational and programme objectives

• Guide and mentor operational staff globally, promoting a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and innovation

• Ensure training and development plans address technical and leadership growth needs, fostering a high-performing and inclusive team environment

• Conduct regular performance reviews, address issues promptly, and celebrate achievements to maintain morale and productivity

Education

• Advanced university degree (master degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience

• First level university degree (bachelor degree or equivalent) with 9 years of relevant experience

• Secondary school diploma (high school or equivalent) with 13 years of relevant military or police experience

Work Experience

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

• A minimum of 5 years of proven and applicable experience (within the past 10 years) in explosive threat management is required, in particular, experience managing 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 the following standards is required

  • International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)

  • International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG)

  • IMAS Level 3+ IEDD Advanced (T&P 09.31/01/2019)

• 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) standards is desired

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 organisations that train and educate EOD specialists in accordance with IMAS standards. Individuals are responsible for providing proof of completion.

Language Requirements

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

• Fluency in another official UN language 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 

• 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

Contract type: International ICA
Contract level: ICS-11 (P4, IICA-3, LICA-11 equivalent)
Contract duration: Ongoing (subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance)