Operations Assistant , Multiple positions

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.

This position is for multiple duty stations which are; Kalemie and Kananga. Under the direct supervision of National Operations (OPS) Officer and technical guidance from the International Operations/Quality Assurance (OPS/QA) Officer, the National Operations Assistant assists with the coordination of mine action activities in DRC. The functional responsibilities include:

• Assist with monitoring the weekly operational activity reports to ensure that all MA partners have provided the required information;
• Assist with the coordination of Quick Impact Projects (QIP) manged on behalf of MONUSCO;
• Assist with conducting project monitoring visits of contract or QIP implementing partners;
• Manage the day to day admin services of the sub-office including responding to inquiries, collecting, filing and submission of data to the programme office;
• Participate in coordination meetings with MONUSCO substantive sections and MA organisations and report back to the National Ops Officer;
• Assist in the tasking of MA organisations operating under the coordination of the sub-office;
• Support to the National Officer in conducting routine on-site Quality Assurance (QA) of Mine Action (MA) operations as part of the accreditation process for new implementers;
• Assist in planning, coordinating and prioritising all QA field visits and assessments for MA implementers operational throughout DRC;
• Guide contractors in QA field visits and ensure that reports on MA activities are shared with the sub-Office;
• Assist in debriefing with demining organisations following QA assessments and provide support on any specific corrective actions to be taken following an inspection which finds a critical non-conformity;
• Assist with liaison with all MA role players including local government authorities, Congolese National Police (PNC), Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), commercial contractors, NGO’s and other UN Agencies to ensure unreserved cooperation;
• Support the monitoring all operations and/or activities in compliance with the National Mine Action Standards and Guidelines (NTSG) for DRC;
• Assist in the interpretation of mine action documents (English/French);
• If requested assist in accident/incident investigations during Boards of Inquiry;
• Perform any other duties as required.    

• Secondary Education with minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience is required OR 
• A First level university Degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management or other relevant field combined with minimum of one (1) year of experience is required.

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in operations or project support.
• A minimum of 3 years of recent experience in the implementation of Mine Action operations is required.
• A valid national driver’s license (operation of manual transmissions) is required.
• A Minimum EOD Level 2 certification is required.
• Experience in MS Office is desired.
• Experience in Report writing is desired.
• Experience in Security Management is desired.
• Experience in conducting investigations is desired.
• Experience in the Tanganyika region is desired.

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

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.

Contract type: Local Individual contractor Agreement (LICA)

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.