Operations Assistant - Weapons and Ammunition Management

Job categories Administration, Project Management

Vacancy code VA/2025/B5001/30030

Department/office GPO, NYPO, PSC, Peace and Security Cluster

Duty station Mogadishu, Somalia

Contract type Local ICA Support

Contract level LICA-5

Duration Ongoing contract (Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance)

Application period 21-Apr-2025 to 04-May-2025

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Head of Project Unit (HPU) and direct supervision of the Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) Advisor, the National Operations Assistant – Weapons and Ammunition Management will provide support to AUSSOM, FGS, and Federal Member States (FMS), as appropriate. The functional responsibilities, following a period of training, include:

• Assist the WAM Advisor in preparing technical support to AUSSOM, FGS and FMS with Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) to reduce the risk of loss, theft and diversion and Unplanned Explosions at Munition Sites (UEMS).
• Assist the WAM Advisor in preparing technical support to AUSSOM and FGS with the development of policies and procedures to improve and standardise the processing of captured weapons and ammunition. The procedures will be developed in conjunction with the appropriate weapons and ammunition storage, marking and recording keeping requirements.
• Facilitate the participation of the WAM Advisor in coordination meetings with focal points and stakeholders relevant to WAM activities in Somalia.
• Assist the WAM Advisor in preparing technical support and advice to AUSSOM, FGS and FMS in the establishment of procedures and capacities for the safe disposal of weapons and ammunition. The disposal of illicit, surplus, and obsolete weapons and ammunition constitutes an important element of a comprehensive WAM programme. 
• Provide logistical support, including coordination and minute-taking to stakeholder engagements related to WAM.
• Coordinate with the WAM Advisor to deliver technical assessments of Somalia’s weapons and ammunition management capability to inform recommendations for improvement at the FGS and FMS levels. Assessments are fundamental to inform targeted and evidence-based control measures and will enable the FGS to optimise and mobilise available resources and seek tailored support.
• Assist the WAM Advisor in preparing technical advice to improve measures and interventions to curb the illicit flows of weapons and ammunition into and within Somalia and mitigate their adverse impact on security and stability.
• Support the WAM Advisor strengthening the centralised system for the importation, registration and distribution of weapons and ammunition at the FGS and FMS levels, including the establishment of transfer controls to ensure effective and harmonised practices at the state level while strengthening overall federal control. 
• Assist the WAM Advisor in preparing technical advice to the FGS with improvements in efficiency of weapons marking and record-keeping programs at the federal level and incrementally extend similar capacity to the state level, including improvements to strengthen record-keeping systems across all forces and along the supply chain. 
• Arrange meetings and engagements with stakeholders, including relevant FGS and FMS ministries as required.
• Assist with monitoring technical recommendations to ensure all advice and support is provided in alignment with relevant international standards and assist with interpretation as required (English to Somali).
• Implement any other tasks requested by the HPU and/or WAM Advisor.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• First Level University Degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience; OR 
• Secondary education with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience.

Work Experience:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in supporting or assisting projects related to the Security Sector, Operational Support, Project Management, Stockpile/Logistic Management or related fields. 
• Experience in report writing and MS Office is required.
• Experience in working with or coordinating with government agencies is desired.

Certifications:

• Certified EOD IMAS Level 2 is desirable.

Language:

• Proficiency in English (spoken, written and reading) is required.
• Proficiency in Somali (spoken, written and reading) is required.