Programme 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.

Background - UNMAS

Established in 1997, UNMAS leads, coordinates and implements mine action under United Nations legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council, which include explicit references to remnant IEDs. 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."

UNMAS is a unit within the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) within the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). 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 his designated 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 DPKO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates. 

Background – UNMAS Iraq

• Prepare draft budgets and project proposals for new projects and extensions of ongoing projects as required by the Programme Manager;
• Draft Programme Quarterly and Annual reports;
• Prepare donor reports and funding proposals, including ad-hoc reports as required;
• Prepare periodic substantive reports for implementing partners against donor contributions, projects and activities;
• Prepare periodic financial reports to local authorities as required;
• Provide logistical and substantive support for visits of donors and other delegations;
• Assist the Programme Manager during donor visits, visits to embassies and presentations and visits to/by Mine Action stakeholders in country;
• Liaise with UN partner agencies and donors in mine action in obtaining up to date information on potential funding and projects;
• Attend inter-agency meetings and assist on any programme issues;
• Provide programme information to partner agencies, non-governmental organizations and contractors and UN agencies;
• Maintain documentation of decisions and actions taken on programme issues;
• Actively engage in public information initiatives and maintain close working relationships with UN partner agencies on public information activities;
• Any other duties as requested and tasked by the Programme Manager / Senior Programme Officer.

Education and Relevant Years of Experience:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in business administration, project management, social science or other related field with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience; or 
• First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in business administration, project management, social science or other related field with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience

Work Experience:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in programme management, project management, or business administration
• Experience in humanitarian affairs is desired
• Experience in mine action is desired
• Knowledge of the UN mine action policy and Mine Action Information Management Policy is desired
• Experience in donor reporting and preparing project proposals is desired
• Computer literacy is required
• PRINCE2 Foundation or a similar foundation level project/programme management certification (i.e. PMP, PMI) is desired.  

Languages:

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

Travel:

• Willingness to travel both within Iraq and internationally as required.

• 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.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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.

 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.