Monitor, UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism , Multiple positions

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. 

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has resulted in wide-spread humanitarian crisis, and has left at least 80 per cent of the population (21.1 million people) in need of assistance[1] as of 2017.  The impediments on commercial imports to Yemen have led to a severe lack of basic items including food and fuel.

In order to address the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, the restoration of the unimpeded free-flow of commercial goods to areas of the country not under the control of the Government is essential.  The United Nations Security Council resolution 2216 (2015) decided Member States shall take necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer from or through their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned.

In order to facilitate the unimpeded free-flow of basic commercial items to Yemen’s Red Sea ports , the Government of Yemen requested the UN to provide a verification and inspection  mechanism  to ensure commercial cargo entering  Yemen’s territorial waters is compliant with UNSCR 2216 (2015).

A:         In accordance with the UNVIM guidelines, the incumbent will lead the document verification process(desk review) of the clearance requests submitted to UNVIM in order to facilitate the provision of a certificate of clearance for legitimate commercial imports and humanitarian cargo destined to the Yemen Red Sea Ports while ensuring compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015).

1. Creates a case file on the internal database for all received clearance requests.
2.  Ensures the verification process of the clearance requests is conducted in a timely and efficient manner.
3. Assesses, analyses and investigates the clearance requests and request for supporting documents where necessary.
4. Conducts internal discussions and consultations with Coordination Officers, Monitors, Inspectors and other UNVIM staff to obtain a consensus on requests and resolves any discrepancies before the request is cleared for further processing.
5. Ensures the cargo does not contain any prohibited items as per UNSCR 2216 (2015) and as declared by the requesting entity.
6. Categorises the cargo list into Food, humanitarian cargo and suspected cargo if required.

B:         In accordance with the UNVIM guidelines, represents UNVIM during the monitoring, screening, inspection, seizure and disposal processes of containerized, bulk or break bulk cargo destined to Yemen’s Red Sea Ports in international waters or trans-shipment ports.

1. Works with importers, traders and port authorities to process container screening and inspections are compliant with UN and Government of Yemen guidelines.
2. Monitors the screening and inspection process of suspected items in trans-shipment ports as outlined in UNSCR 2216(2015).
3. Ensures that the relevant sections of the database are populated properly
4. Prepares monitoring and inspection reports as per the reporting templates and provide them to the Coordination Officers for onward perusal.

C:         In accordance with the UNVIM guidelines, oversee primary and secondary inspections of vessels and cargo in international waters or designated regional trans-shipment ports respectively.

1. Verifies relevant information and documents from relevant UNVIM colleagues or database sources.
2. Coordinates the inspection planning dates, times and procedures with internal and external entities.
3. Ensures the inspection of the vessel, cargo and crew is conducted according to UN guidelines.
4. Engages shipping entities and port authorities to obtain relevant documents.
5. Drafts inspection reports listing the conclusions of the inspection for the UN Security Council.

Results Orientation: Handles multiple projects/tasks and delivers them; ensures timely and consistent follow up on projects; is efficient and successful in handling time-bound projects; identifies critical factors and focuses energy to achieve them; is aware about self-development and identifies ways to enhance competencies.

Teamwork: Always works with others to accomplish goals/tasks; treats all members of team in a professional manner and with respect regardless of origins, gender, religion and race; is open to different points of view; communicates with all team members without bias and seeks to address any problems immediately; completes own assignment and monitors self-progress in order to making contribution to team goals; is dependable in times of crisis.

Ability to Analyse: Is fact-based in his/her approach to problem solving; reviews and analyses information; takes reasoned approach and discusses them with other key players of a balanced view; has a back-up/contingency plan ready for high risk/complex projects; is able to break down complex tasks into manageable parts to achieve completion.

Decision-making: Does not jump to conclusions or offer quick fix solutions when faced with a problem scenario; examines facts and presents workable options; can cope with uncertainty and incomplete information to come up with skilful decisions. 

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, logistics, procurement, security, Maritime Affairs or related fields.

• A first-level university degree in combination with required qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in supply chain, logistics, security and related fields.
• Experience in Monitoring of commercial shipments will be an asset
• Experience in computers and office software packages (MS Office, Excel, etc.).

• 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.
• 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.