Coordination Officer, UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism , Multiple positions

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has resulted in wide-spread humanitarian crisis, and has left at least 80 per cent of the population (21.1 million people) in need of assistance[1] as of 2017.  The impediments on commercial imports to Yemen have led to a severe lack of basic items including food and fuel.

In order to address the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, the restoration of the unimpeded free-flow of commercial goods to areas of the country not under the control of the Government is essential.  The United Nations Security Council resolution 2216 (2015) decided Member States shall take necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer from or through their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned.

In order to facilitate the unimpeded free-flow of basic commercial items to Yemen’s Red Sea ports , the Government of Yemen requested the UN to provide a verification and inspection  mechanism  to ensure commercial cargo entering  Yemen’s territorial waters is compliant with UNSCR 2216 (2015).

• In accordance with the UNVIM guidelines the incumbent will lead the establishment and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for desk review of shipping documentation, shipping schedules, clearances and processing of pending commercial cargo shipments to Yemen.
• Under the supervision of the Project Manager, takes lead in the management of the daily workflow of the UNVIM Monitors and the operations team, including assignment of desk reviews and clearance process.
• Coordinates the deployment of inspection teams, together with the Liaison Officer and in agreement with the UNVIM Monitors.
• Oversees the maintenance of a comprehensive database and schedule of incoming commercial cargo shipments to Yemen and provides updated data for all forms of reporting products.
• In coordination with the UNVIM Monitors, organises the verification and inspection procedures in international waters and in regional trans-shipment ports.
• Oversees the operations team in conducting desk reviews and the subsequent clearances and inspections.
• Manages information flow on UNVIM operations between team members while reporting to the Project Manager and the Regional Coordination Officer.
• Verifies the validity of the submitted shipping documents.
• Conducts other activities as requested by the Project Manager.

Creativity and Innovation: Develops multiple approaches to problem solving; networks and explores variety of sources to deliver, solve problems; can create new efficient processes and systems that are the best practices of the organization; offers new and/or different feasible solutions to problems/client needs; is seen to come up with original & value added contributions to daily work; is not bound by current thinking and traditional approach.

Client Orientation: Displays openness and flexibility in daily work; consistently delivers on current assignment in order to take up new ones; is able to predict problems/constraints with current processes, proposes feasible alternatives; is comfortable with changes in procedures, processes and technology to improve work flow; is constantly challenging current work methods to arrive at a more effective and efficient ones.

Decision-making: Does not jump to conclusions or offer quick fix solutions when faced with a problem scenario; examines facts and presents workable options; can cope with uncertainty and incomplete information to come up with skilful decisions.

Teamwork: Always works with others to accomplish goals/tasks; treats all members of team in a professional manner and with respect; is open to different points of view; communicates with all team members without bias and seeks to address any problems immediately; completes own assignment and monitors self-progress in order to making contribution to team goals; is dependable in times of crisis.

Master’s Degree or equivalent in International Relations, Shipping, Maritime Affairs, Management, Business or related fields.

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in coordination, logistics or a related field.
• Understanding of commercial shipping rules and regulations is an asset.
• Previous experience in developing standard operating procedures and coordinating operations. Experience in the usage of computers and MS Office and experience in handling of web-based management systems

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. 
• Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.