Mine Action Operation Specialist

• Under the direct supervision of the our client &UNMISS (our client in South Sudan) Head of Project Unit/Chief of Operations (HPU/COO), the Mine Action Operations Specialist (MAOS) will be responsible for the administration and management of the work in support of activities related, but not limited to operations, quality management (QM) in mine action and capacity development of the National Mine Action Authority Survey/EORE teams (hereafter ‘NMAA teams’) including training on Landmine/Explosive ordnance (EO) threat analysis, operational planning and development of the NMAA staff capacity.

• Our client supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peace building, 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 

• 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 UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with our client, UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients. The Director is responsible for administering and providing 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.

• Under the direct supervision of the our client & UNMISS Head of Project Unit/Chief of Operations (HPU/COO), the Mine Action Operations Specialist (MAOS) will be responsible for the administration and management of the work in support of activities related, but not limited to operations, quality management (QM) in mine action and capacity development of the National Mine Action Authority Survey/EORE teams (hereafter ‘NMAA teams’) including training on Landmine/Explosive ordnance (EO) threat analysis, operational planning and development of the NMAA staff capacity.

• Ensure on behalf of our client that all mine action activities by the NMAA teams are conducted in accordance with the National Technical Standard Guidelines (NTSG) and the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and the NMAA’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• In line with delegation of responsibilities, provide timely technical support and guidance to the NMAA teams and/or other mine action implementing partners (IPs) as delegated by the HPU/COO.

• Responsible for overseeing the operations conducted by the NMAA teams and other client IPs that he/she has been assigned to, as well as for their activities in respective Area of Responsibility (AoR).

• Ensure administrative responsibilities that he/she has been assigned to, such as operational trackers, are timely completed and accurate.

• Participate in the annual review of the South Sudan NTSGs by conducting a thorough analysis and provide credible feedback to ensure the document remains relevant to the South Sudan operational context. 

• Responsible for monitoring activities of other Mine Action partners (NGOs) he/she has been assigned, to assure they remain NTSG compliant; and provide coordination or support if requested,in case of security incidents or Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC).

• Where applicable, provide coverage for the respective sub-office and act as client’s focal point, responsible for liaison with and support to any relevant UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Section, humanitarian agencies and other parties.

• Regularly conduct operational visits to various field locations to support the NMAA teams.

• Consistently review all operational reports for the NMAA teams to ensure that the data thereof is accurate before submission to the IMSMA database.

• Monitor security situation and conduct risk assessments when required; report to client’s operations management and, where applicable, adjust the deployment of the NMAA teams.

• Based on an agreed work plan and emerging priorities, conduct operational tasking for the NMAA teams funded by the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) and ensure operational activities are in line with task implementation plans and operational efficiency is maintained throughout the process.

• In conjunction with client operations management plan monitor trainings, accreditations and external monitoring of operational activities, task completions and any other activities as part of QM process mainly for the NMAA teams and also other in-country IPa.

• Conduct analysis of the NMAA teams’ performance and reported outputs, including monitoring and evaluation of the NMAA teams’ daily progress reports (DPR) and EO/Survey reports and similar formal reporting.

• Ensure operational outputs for the NMAA teams are in line with the donor commitments.

• Keep abreast of NTSGs, IMAS and the SOPs of the NMAA teams and all other IPs operating in South Sudan, but also with task-specific implementation plans.

• Coordinate with the NMAA Director General and NMAA operations officers to plan NMAA teams deployments and adequately respond to a range of logistical and support activities for the NMAA teams. This involves periodic logistical checks, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) checks, submission of logistics requests and similar activities.

• Where applicable, on behalf of client attend any UN and humanitarian meetings as delegated by the HPU/COO.

• Ensure timely support to the UN Mission is conducted as priority. Such requests include but not limited to providing Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) to the UN staff and humanitarian personnel, coordinating various clearance activities in support of UN, joint patrols with UN troops,management of destruction of UN Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) unserviceable ammunition.

• Participate in any board of inquiry to investigate any incident or accident.

• Perform other tasks as directed by the clients Operational Management.

This role reports to the HPU / Chief of Operations

• Master’s degree with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience or a minimum of 11 years in military or police service

  in lieu of master’s or bachelor’s degree.

• 11 years of mine action relevant experience is required.

• Management of mine action operations experience is desired.

• Experience with landmine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) of conventional EO including bulk ammunition and Battle Area Clearance (BAC) is required.

• Experience working in volatile or immediate post conflict environments is desired.

• Experience in EO disposal techniques such as pyrotechnic torches or disruptors is desired.

• Knowledge of International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) is required.

• Experience with the QM processes regarding humanitarian mine action is desired.

• Experience in capacity building and training foreign nationals in mine clearance or EOD techniques is desired.

• Computer literacy, experience in using MS Office is required.

• Fluency in English (writing, reading & speaking) is required.

• Valid Driving License (Ability to drive off-road vehicle is required)

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level 3 (or equivalent) is required.

This role has no team management responsibility.

• Successful candidates are required to adhere to UN Core values which are integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity.

• Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for this role.