Overview
Support the Head of Operations in providing inputs on programme and project design documents from an operational and technical standpoint.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the HoO in providing inputs on programme and project design documents from an operational and technical standpoint.
- 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.
- Support the conduct of operations in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards.
- Support the conduct of operations in accordance with mine action technical standards.
- Contribute to the oversight, coordination, and monitoring of mine action operations and performance.
- Design, implement and oversee a robust quality management and information management system.
- Design and maintain a risk management system focused on problem solving.
- Organize debriefing with the grantee/contractor to provide feedback on performance.
- Advise the HoO on potential technical and operational issues and opportunities.
- Lead Boards of Inquiry as relevant.
- Ensure operational plans are cost effective and reviewed regularly.
- Contribute to monitoring budgets/expenditure for over/under spend and adjust planning accordingly.
- Manage relationships with the Head of Operations and other direct UNOPS stakeholders.
- Engage national mine action authorities and/or relevant Government ministries for purposes of coordination.
- Represent the HoO in relevant technical and operational fora.
- Promote inclusive engagement with national authorities, communities, and stakeholders.
- Support in recruitment, train, guide, empower and develop the operations team.
- Mentor and advise operations personnel in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects.
- Uphold and actively promote UNOPS Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) standards.
- Ensure that confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms are in place.
- Support the HoO with leading national and international UNOPS personnel in a multicultural team.
- Foster and role-model a safe, inclusive, and enabling work environment.
- Ensure that performance review processes are applied equitably.
- Uphold the highest standards of conduct and take decisive action to address behaviours that undermine inclusion, equity, and psychological safety.
- 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.
- Contribute to lead and manage lessons learned exercises.
Required Experience
- A minimum of 5 years of progressive operational experience (within the past 10 years ) in explosive hazard management or mine action in humanitarian, post-conflict, or high-threat environments.
- Proven track record managing complex clearance operations, including at least 3 of: Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA)/ Explosive Threat Management, including demining, improvised mines, underwater, battle area clearance (BAC), and EOD in operational settings; HMA-specific Mechanical Mine Clearance, including Mechanical clearance, Mechanical Ground Preparation, Mechanical-assisted clearance, Rubble removal and clearance operations; IED Threat Mitigation, including IEDD and High Risk Search in operational settings; Physical security/stockpile management (PSSM) or weapons/ammunition management (WAM) per IATG and MOSAIC standards; Stockpile destruction or Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) weapons disposal.
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience (within the past 10 years) leading multicultural teams in field operations, including QA/QC oversight, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
- Experience applying one of the following standards is required: International Mine Action Standards (IMAS); International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG).
- Demonstrated experience designing/implementing quality management systems, risk registers, and using modern information management systems to drive operational decision-making.
- Experience with national authorities for NTSG/IMAS adaptation and accreditation processes.
- Experience using information management systems such as Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA).
Qualifications
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience is required OR Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant or related fields with 9 years of relevant experience OR Secondary School with 13 years of relevant experience.
- IMAS-equivalent Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level 3 qualification is required.
- IMAS-equivalent Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level 3+ (in bulk demolitions, guided weapons, and aerial bombs as described in Test and Evaluation Protocol 09.30/01/2022) is required.
