Operations Officer ( Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and Grant) - Internal Candidate only

Background Information - 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. 

The Cluster is responsible to administer, provide support and 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. 

It is headed by the Cluster Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Cluster on behalf of its clients. 

Background information – Nigeria programme. 

UNMAS has been present in Northeast Nigeria since 2018. In Nigeria, UNMAS participates in the UN Country Team, is an active member of the Protection Cluster, and the coordinator of the Mine Action Sub-Cluster under the Protection Cluster, leading coordination efforts with the national and state authorities, UN organizations, and international and local NGOs. In response to the crisis, the UNMAS Nigeria Programme takes a strategic, multi-year comprehensive approach for protection of civilians and humanitarian actors through humanitarian mine action in northeast Nigeria, supported by multi-donor contributions. This approach encompasses a range of responses, including Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) for refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees and communities, Improvised Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training for the Nigerian police and security forces, Non-Technical Survey (NTS), Information Management (IM) to record and map explosive hazards, Victim Assistance (VA), and advocacy and support for compliance with the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC), with coordination as a key cross-cutting enabling factor.

Under the direct supervision of the EORE Specialist, the Operations Officer (Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and Grant) will support the  implementation of EORE projects and grants. The Officer will assist in  planning, execution, and monitoring of EORE activities under guidance, ensuring work is aligned with UNMAS Nigeria’s strategy, International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), and relevant UNOPS policies.

Summary of Key Functions:

Operations and Coordination

• Support EORE project activities to ensure they follow established standards, guidelines, and donor requirements under close supervision;

• Assist in the overall execution of EORE grants and contracts, working closely with the Programme team and implementing partners/contractors;

• Provide support in drafting and formatting EORE materials for different delivery methods, based on guidance from specialists;

• Provide support in communication and information sharing with security sector stakeholders, national authorities, and humanitarian partners regarding EORE interventions, under the guidance of the Programme team;

• Assist in gathering information and examples to support the team in identifying approaches for EORE delivery.

Grants Management

• Assist in compiling information on the progress of grant agreements, including implementation status and any required amendments, for review by the supervisor;

• Support the collection and organization of data on grant and contract implementation against results frameworks, workplans, and budget use;

• Assist in reviewing partner reports for completeness and accuracy, and share them with the Programme team for follow-up;

• Support the Programme team in maintaining records and checks to ensure adherence to agreement terms;

• Provide suggestions to the planning of project proposals, including contributions to statements of requirements and budget creation related to grants;

• Assist in preparing solicitation documents and support administrative steps in the solicitation process;

• Participate in meetings with grantees and contractors to foster collaboration and resolve potential issues early;

• Assist in the capacity building of national grantee counterparts and national actors through training and guidance;

• Assist in tracking grantees’ activities related to PSEA and management, and share information with the Programme team.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Assist in collecting and organizing information related to performance indicators, targets, and milestones for EORE interventions under the guidance of the Programme team;

• Document and share EORE best practices and lessons learned to enhance learning and monitoring processes;

• Collect information from partners to help the team identify needs and opportunities for EORE activities;

• Support quality checks by compiling information and documentation on implementing partners’ activities.

Implementation and Reporting

• Provide support in data collection for baseline and end-line surveys under the guidance of the team;

• Contribute to the verification of field activity reports in coordination with the information management team;

• Provide logistical and administrative support for Explosive Ordnance Awareness (EOA) sessions, including preparing materials and assisting facilitators;

• Provide substantive inputs for donor reports, funding proposals, budgets, and ad-hoc reports as requested by the Programme team.

Education: 

• First level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) with 2 years of relevant experience is required; or 

• High School Diploma with 6 years of relevant experience is required. 

Work Experience: 

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in risk education, mine action, operations, or related field.

• Experience in Risk Education is required.

• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including national authorities, international partners, and local communities, is desired.

• Working experience within the UN system is required.

• Familiarity with UNOPS procedures will be an added value. 

Languages: 

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

• Fluency in at least two local languages used in Borno state is also 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. 

• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.