Explosive Ordnance Threat Mitigation Training Officer

Background Information – Our client

Our client is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, our client provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organisations.

Background Information - Our client Peace and Security Cluster.

For over 20 years, our client Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has provided portfolio and project management services in the area of mine action and explosive hazards, which are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls. 

Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the implementation of projects that, through the engagement of inputs such as personnel, third parties, assets, and other resources, deliver activities that produce substantive mine action outputs. 

Project management is conducted in line with our client Project Management Manual (PMM), which incorporates best practices in the field, as well with a view to quality and cross-cutting initiatives such as workforce and talent management; knowledge and information management; health, safety, social and environmental management; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); gender equality and social inclusion (GESI); and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH).  This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented in accordance with partner requirements and in line with our client rules and regulations through the leadership of the Cluster Director, who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients. 

PSC operates within our client broader commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH). 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 - Our client PSC CAR Project Unit

The Central African Republic (CAR) continues to face significant security challenges linked to the proliferation, diversion, and poor management of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and ammunition. Years of conflict have contributed to the widespread circulation of weapons, weak stockpile management systems, and limited institutional oversight. In many instances, national capacity to safely store, account for, and control weapons and ammunition remains insufficient, increasing the risk of diversion, accidental explosions, and further destabilisation. These challenges undermine public safety, weaken the rule of law, and hinder long-term stabilisation and development efforts.

In response to the emergence & escalation of incidents caused by explosive ordnance, targeting defense & security forces but primarily affecting the civilian population & also impacting MINUSCA, our client currently implementing a capacity building support program on ETM for the national defense force. This program is based on practical training & mentoring for units in affected regions. The program is also developing a project to enhance national capacity in the same field for specialized personnel, also based on training & mentoring.

Through various activities, including Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Weapons & Ammunition Management (WAM) & assistance with Small Arms & Light Weapons (SALW) management, our client contributes to make CAR a more stable & secure country for political development, the international community & its citizens.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Project Unit and the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Operations, the Explosive Ordnance Threat Mitigation Training Officer is responsible for the following tasks:

• Develop the capacities of troop-contributing countries (TCC) in the EOTM field through appropriate training programs.

• Participate in establishing standard operating procedures & specialized EOTM training sessions.

• In close and direct liaison with the relevant troop-contributing country (TCC) headquarters, oversee and lead the implementation, execution, and completion of all explosive threat mitigation training.

• Assess & recommend new training opportunities for FACA regarding prevention & mitigation measures through the introduction of relevant technologies, equipment, materials & processes.

• Develop and implement local technical solutions by identifying gaps and timelines for improving prevention and mitigation measures.

• Propose any necessary modifications or improvements to the training.

• Stay updated on international mine action standards (IMAS), International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), and UN standards for improvised explosive device disposal (IEDD); ensure that the standard operating procedures of TCCs and FACA comply with international standards.

• Support the development and review of comprehensive Training Management Plans, and ensure the delivery of specialized instruction for explosive ordnance threat mitigation within the CAR context.

• Train NDISF on EOD Level 1, 2 & 3, & Training of Trainers (ToT)

• Prepare appropriate training aid kits.

• Report to the programme on all training activities conducted through daily, weekly, monthly, and technical training reports as needed. Continuously seek areas for improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of the training program for TCCs.

• Prepare reports related to the activity delivery;

• Identify, document, and escalate GESI and PSEAH risks arising in operational activities and in engagement with national defence and internal security forces, ensuring these are recorded in the programme risk register and reflected in mitigation planning.

• This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Operations

A. Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR

• First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.

B. Certifications

• Certification at IMAS EOD Level 3 (or equivalent, as defined in IMAS 09.30 and associated Test and Evaluation Protocols) from an appropriately accredited training institution is required.

• Formal training and certification in IMAS‑compliant Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Level 2 is desirable.

• EOD and IEDD qualifications must have been issued by organizations that train and certify EOD personnel in accordance with IMAS Test and Evaluation Protocol (T&EP) 09.30/01/2022 and 09.31/01/2019.

• Applicants are responsible for providing evidence and supporting documentation that their qualifications meet this requirement.

C. Work Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in training and mentoring in explosive threat management, EOD, Search & Detect, and EO detection training/mentoring, in accordance with IMAS or similar standards.

• A minimum of 3 years of proven and applicable operational experience (within the last ten years) working in support of capacity building and improvement with armed forces, including multinational ones, is required.

• A minimum of 3 years of proven and applicable operational experience in specialized military engineering and counter-explosive threat (CET) procedures.

• A minimum of 5 years of proven recent and relevant professional experience (within the last ten years) in a similar explosive threat context is required.

• Proven experience in training or national capacity building is desired.

• Field experience in explosive threat mitigation (EO/IED TM) (within the last 4 years)

• Proven experience in Humanitarian Mine Action (within the last 10 years)

• Experience integrating gender and social inclusion (GESI) perspectives or PSEAH/safeguarding standards into technical training or capacity building with national security sector institutions (desirable).

4. Languages

• French: Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking is required.

• English: Intermediate reading, writing, and speaking is required.

• This role has no team management responsibility.

• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

• Acts as a positive role model, contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

• Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.