Associate Small Arms Officer (ASAO)

Peace and Security Cluster

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (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 Head of Cluster 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 Head of Cluster who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Cluster 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.

* CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

Under the supervision of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Project Manager, your duties and responsibilities will be to:

• Provide support to develop and strengthen the partnership between the UNMAS and the CNC-ALPC, with a primary focus on the implementation of the new NAP.
• Support the CNC-ALPC in the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation mechanism as well as an entity supervising the national adaption plan (NAP) implementation to measure its progress.
• Support initiatives to coordinate SALW control and weapons and ammunition management programs and projects at the national level, in cooperation with the CNC-ALPC and together with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and other stakeholders.
• Prepare project progress reports and supporting the program section with regular donor reports.
• Participate in enhancing the synchronization of Arms Embargo Unit information flow and gathered intelligence within MONUSCO.
• Support in development of information sharing mechanisms or approach with neighboring UNMAS programs, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and partners to improve information sharing.
• Provide support to develop partnership to enhance corporation between DRC Security Force including DRC Border Police Force for sharing information.
• Provide support to the training of MONUSCO personnel for the collection of information on SALW at field level, including through the finalization and roll out of a guide on weapons identification and documentation.
• Undertake other tasks as directed by the UNMAS Chief of Operations or SALW Project Manager.

* CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!
Education

• Advanced University degree (Master degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international law, development studies, or related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; OR
• A First level University degree (Bachelor degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international law, development studies or related field with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience; OR 
• Military (or relevant Police Experience) with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience is required. 

Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in arms embargo activities or other related experience supporting operations in post-conflict environments

• Fluency in English (speak, read, and write) is required
• Intermediate proficiency in French (speak, read, write) is required

• 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.
• 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.

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 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.
Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner 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 we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.