National Operations/Quality Assurance Officer

Peace and Security Centre

The UNOPS Peace and Security Centre (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Centre is responsible to administer, provide support and 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. It is headed by the Centre Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Centre on behalf of its clients.

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suffered nearly two decades of turmoil, particularly in the eastern provinces. The use of landmines was a feature during the conflict and Explosive Remnants of War from the fighting remain a hazard.

UNMAS established its presence in the DRC in 2002 to provide support to the Peacekeeping Mission (MONUSCO) and to conduct humanitarian mine action. It continues to work with all actors involved in mine action, and weapons and ammunition management and safety issues.

Under the direct supervision of UNMAS Chief of Operations, the National Operations/Quality Assurance Officer will support the implementation and management of mine action activities in DRC and mentors the UNMAS National Operations/QA Associates and Assistants.

Summary of Functions:

• Oversee comprehensive operational management of Mine Action (MA) offices in DRC;
• Conduct regular field visits to UNMAS DRC offices to ensure compliance with internal work procedures and ensure operational activities are in line with progamme objectives;
• Maintain regular contact with Humanitarian MA actors and ensure shared information regarding UNMAS DRC activities is accurate;
• Draft project proposal documents on requests from PM or programme section;
• Draft Terms of Reference for procurement solicitation processes, for approval by the Chief of Operations;
• Oversee the coordination of the implementation, execution and completion of all operational tasking for UNMAS DRC mine action implementers activities across DRC;
• Responsible for the supervision of National OPS/QA Associates and Assistants in the regional offices;
• Oversee the implementation of a QA management system and ensure that the system is being applied in a fair and equitable manner, and that accreditation, licensing and monitoring does not interrupt or delay demining projects;
• Assist in maintaining, revising and updating Standard Work Procedures (SWP) for UNMAS DRC MA operations;
• Understand the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS); ensure that Mine Action Organization Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in compliance with the IMAS and are conducting safe and effective Mine Action Operations;
• Understand the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG) and International Small Arms Control Standards (ISACS) to ensure implementing partners are in compliance and meeting contractual obligations;
• Analyze MA implementer reports for weekly and monthly activities across DRC in order to ensure that statistics comply with their contractual obligations;
• Assist Centre Congolais de Lutte Antimines (CCLAM) in maintaining, reviewing and updating the National Standards for Mine Action in DRC;
• Responsible for all aspects of MA related activities carried out by staff under his/her supervision and control;
• Oversee data entry into IMSMA, and/or MA Database, of all MA field reports and returns;
• Oversee the maintenance of the UNMAS operations office filing and document control systems;
• When requested, assists to conduct formal investigations of mine action incidents/accidents;
• Support the programme section with compilation of data for regular reports;
• Assist in enhancing the profile of the UNMAS office within DRC;
• Establish and maintain a professional and close working relationship with DRC Government and local national authorities;
• Develop, monitor and maintain local security networks to aid with information gathering and providing threat assessments for the safe implementation of MA activities across DRC;
• Act as deputy for Chief of Operations during absences;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience:

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in mine action operations is required. 
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in Monitoring and Evaluation is required.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience in information technology skills/MS Office is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a supervisory role with tasks including capacity Building is required.
• A Minimum EOD Level 2 certification is required.
• A National Driving License (operating manual transmissions) is required.
• Experience with international NGOs is desired. 
• Experience in IMSMA is desired.
• Experience with UN is desired.
• Experience in Justice and Security Sector Reform is desired
• Experience in Safety and Security is desired.

• Fluency in French (speaking, writing and reading) is required.
• Fluency in English (speaking, writing and reading) is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is desired.

• This is a local position, therefore only nationals of The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be considered.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Contract type: Local Individual contractor Agreement (LICA) Contract level: ICS10/LICA10
Contract duration: 6 Months with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

Work-life harmonization 

We value our people and recognize the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. UNOPS has a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offers flexible working options. This applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types across the globe.

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.