Operations Specialist

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) manages UNOPS' New York-based portfolios, delivering project and programme management, procurement, HR, and financial services to global partners, from the UN Secretariat to Member States. NYPO strategically positions UNOPS with these partners, fostering collaboration to achieve growth and leveraging expertise in global portfolio design and implementation. We support the broader SDGs and 2030 Agenda, primarily assisting the UN Secretariat and other New York-based UN entities with a global reach. NYPO encompasses the Peace and Security Cluster (PSC), focusing on explosive threat management, and the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC), providing diverse operational support to the UN system in New York.

General Background 

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.

Background Information - Peace and Security Cluster 

For over 20 years, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has served as a key implementation platform supporting the work of its largest partner, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). 

Through a strategic partnership, PSC delivers interlinked portfolio, programme and project management services, reinforced by robust oversight and risk management controls tailored to operations in complex and high-risk environments.

Operating under the leadership of the Cluster Director - who holds overall authority and accountability for PSC’s performance on behalf of its clients - the Cluster provides day-to-day management of UNMAS field programmes. 

This includes comprehensive support across human resources, procurement, contract management, planning, implementation, and financial oversight, ensuring full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations and donor requirements.

PSC’s service delivery is complemented by cross-cutting initiatives, including knowledge and information management, gender equality, diversity and inclusion and quality assurance.

 The Cluster enables agile deployment and operational flexibility, allowing field programmes to respond swiftly to shifting needs in dynamic operational contexts. It also plays an essential role in donor reporting and visibility, ensuring that funding is used transparently and effectively.

PSC operates within UNOPS broader commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH), as set out in the UNOPS DEI Strategy and Accountability Plan 2026-2029, the GESI Mainstreaming Strategy 2026-2029, and the Prevention and Protection against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment Strategy (updated 2023). Within the mine action context, these commitments are operationalised through the PSC GEDSI Strategy 2026-2029, which sets expectations for inclusive recruitment, workforce representation, and the integration of GESI and PSEAH into programme delivery and implementing partner oversight. All PSC roles, including this position, are expected to contribute actively to these commitments.

Background Information - UNMAS

Established in 1997, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) works to eliminate the threat of landmines, explosive remnants of war (ERW), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). UNMAS leads operational responses, coordinates mine action across the UN system, and contributes to global standards and policy development. 

UNMAS supports the UN's vision of "a world free of the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance, where individuals and communities live in a safe environment conducive to development, and where mine survivors are fully integrated into their societies." 

Operating under mandates from both the UN General Assembly and Security Council, UNMAS functions as a specialized service within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). 

UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council, or at the request of the UN Secretary-General or theirdesignated official. When instructed by the Security Council or called upon by Member States, UNMAS deploys under humanitarian, peace and security mandates. 

UNMAS main headquarters is in the UN Secretariat, New York with a sub-office in Geneva. UNMAS provides direct support and assistance in the areas of explosive hazard threat mitigation to 18 countries/territories/missions, has a standby rapid response capacity and global technical advisors in the field of IEDs and Weapons and Ammunition Management. As an office within DPO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates. 

UNMAS chairs the Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA) and leads the Mine Action Area of Responsibility under the Global Protection Cluster. It also chairs the IMAS Review Board and leads the UN Coordinating Task Force on IEDs, supporting the Secretary-General’s Disarmament Agenda.

Background – PSC Sudan

The PSC  Sudan Programme, based in Port Sudan, works in close coordination with the National Mine Action Authority (NMAA), the UN Country Team and humanitarian partners. The project aims to protect civilians from the threat of explosive ordnance (EO) and strengthen the resilience of conflict-affected communities through a comprehensive, gender-mainstreamed and conflict-sensitive mine action response. It also supports broader humanitarian, early recovery and stabilization efforts by enabling safe access to areas contaminated by EO.

PSC Sudan’s key activities include land release operations, with the operational focus expected to shift toward the clearance of AT mines, including minimum-metal variants; delivery of both direct and indirect Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), tailored to different gender and age groups; and provision of technical advice to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding (HDP) actors to help them safely operate in EO-affected environments. The project also leads the coordination of the Mine Action Area of Responsibility (MA AoR) in Sudan, co-chairing the sector under the Global Protection Cluster framework. Through this role, UNMAS ensures that mine action is effectively integrated into humanitarian coordination mechanisms and that EO threats are adequately understood and addressed at all levels.

While the Programme’s current operational footprint is primarily focused on areas under the control of the Sudan Government - especially urban areas in Khartoum- PSC Sudan programme  aspires to expand its outreach to all EO-affected regions, addressing both legacy contamination and new threats emerging from the ongoing conflict.

Under the direction of the Operations Specialist (Coordination and Compliance Officer - CCO) and Head of Operations (HOO), the Operations Specialist (Mine Action Specialist) is responsible for, but not limited to the following functions and responsibilities: 

Operations – Design and planning 

Support the CCO and/or HOO on programme and project design documents from an operational and technical standpoint, such as: 

• Workplan (e.g. nature of threat; technical personnel and equipment requirements, etc.)

• Concept of Operations

• Input into the documents above is from the operational and technical aspects encompassing mine action pillars (e.g. clearance, explosive ordnance risk education, victim assistance, advocacy and stockpile destruction)

• Ensure that workplans and implementation plans reflect gender equality and social inclusion considerations, including sex- and age-disaggregated planning assumptions for EORE delivery and land release prioritisation

• 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; key implementation documents include:

• UNMAS / UNOPS Project Agreements

• Solicitation documents used to contract third-parties (i.e. contractors and grantees)

• Human resources plan

Operations - Implementation and monitoring 

Ensure operations are conducted in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards, such as:

• Financial and procurement rules

• Contract and grant management policies

• Project management standards

• Health, safety, social and environmental standards

• DEI Strategy and Accountability Plan 2026-2029, Standard Measures for Equitable Representation; GESI Mainstreaming Strategy 2026-2029, and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH) Strategy and standards

• Information management systems and standards

• Organizational design standards and human resources policies

Ensure operations are conducted in accordance with mine action technical standards, such as:

• International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and corresponding National Technical Specifications and Guidelines (NTSGs) 

• International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG)

• Modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC)

Oversee, coordinate, monitor and conduct mine action operations and performance (both operations conducted in-house and those conducted through third-party contractors and grantees), including:

• Analyze explosive ordnance threats in specific geographical areas and developing, advising on and implementing appropriate mitigation measures, including risk assessments, movement planning, awareness training and technical guidance, to ensure the safety of UN and humanitarian personnel and operations.

• Ensure third-party contracts and grants are delivered in accordance with contractual / grant terms and conditions, including in accordance with mine action technical, operational and quality assurance processes (Implementation Plan, SOPs, task orders issuance, accreditation). This includes verifying contractor and grantee compliance with PSEAH obligations and with agreed GESI requirements, and confirming that performance reporting includes sex- and age-disaggregated data covering both operational outputs and deployed personnel, with data gaps explicitly noted.

• Review all performance reports and populate internal monitoring and reporting mechanisms (i.e. grant and contract management plans) to inform the monthly payment process including verification that agreed GESI and PSEAH requirements, and any related donor conditions, have been met before payment is certified..

• Implement the program quality management and information management system,  ensuring that operational data collection, analysis and reporting include sex- and age-disaggregated data.

• Advise the Head of Operations on potential technical and operational issues that may impact the achievement of programme / project outcomes and appropriate solutions including GESI and PSEAH risks, and ensure these are reflected in risk registers.

• Participate in Boards of Inquiry as relevant.

• Ensure operational plans are effective and reviewed regularly.

• Include GESI integration and PSEAH compliance as standing dimensions of operational monitoring and field spot checks, with findings and any non-compliance reported to the Head of Operations and shared with the PSC GEDSI Advisor

Stakeholder management

• In support of the HPU and the Head of Operations, manage relationships with the CMAP and other direct UNOPS stakeholders, particularly around operational and technical issues.

People management

• Mentor and advise operations personnel in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best operational processes.

• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the Operations team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

• Directly lead national and international UNOPS personnel in a multicultural team, ensuring a professional, ethical and well-managed operations team.

•  Create, foster and role-model a safe, inclusive culture and work environment for all personnel. Uphold zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse and ensure the highest standards of conduct. Ensure that all personnel under supervision, including contracted personnel, are aware of and comply with PSEAH obligations and reporting channels.

• Ensure that regular performance reviews are conducted, and any issues are immediately addressed.

Knowledge management and innovation

• Ensure records of operations-related files are well maintained.

• Effectively manage efficient and effective operations in their area of responsibility (AOR)

• Keep abreast of and incorporate latest/best practices, approaches and technology to enhance operational results

Required:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is required.

• In lieu of an Advanced University Degree, either (a) a First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s degree) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience may be accepted; or 

• (b) A High School Degree (or equivalent) with military or police experience may be accepted with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience.

Required:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in project management in a military, humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development context

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience is required

• A minimum of 3 years of proven and applicable experience (within the past 10 years) in explosive hazard management is required, in particular, experience managing one or more of the following activities:

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal including multiple items and logistical demolitions

• Non-technical survey

• Technical survey

• Mechanical clearance and ground preparation 

• Mechanical assisted clearance operations in an urban environment

• Manual mine clearance 

• Battle Area clearance

• Road clearance

• Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD)

• Experience applying one of the following standards is required

• International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)

• International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG) 

• Experience using information management systems such as Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) is required

Certification:

• EOD Level 3 certification is required. Certificate is to be submitted as part of the application.

Desired:

• Experience applying the following standards is desired

• Modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC)  is desired

• Experience applying gender equality and social inclusion considerations in mine action operations is desired

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments. 
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

• 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. 
• For more details about the contract types, please click 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.