Peace and Security Cluster

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with our client, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners.  It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients.  The Director is responsible for administering and providing 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.

 Purpose and Scope of Assignment .

Under the direct supervision of our client Head of Project Unit/Chief of Operations, the Mine Action Operations Specialist (MAOS) will be responsible for the administration and management of the work in support of activities related to Operations, Quality Management in Mine Action and Capacity Development of the national colleagues including training on Landmine/Explosive ordnance (EO) threat analysis, operational planning and any other development of the national staff capacity

• Ensure on behalf of our client that all Mine Action activities under his/her specific area of responsibility (AOR) are conducted in accordance with the National Technical Standard Guidelines (NTSG) and the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and implementing partners’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 

• Responsible for overseeing the operations conducted by the mine action Implementing Partners that he/she has been assigned to, as well as for their activities in AoR.

• Ensure administrative responsibilities that he/she has been assigned to, such as operational trackers, are timely completed and accurate. 

• Participate in the annual review of the South Sudan National Technical Standards and Guidelines (NTSGs) by conducting a thorough analysis and provide credible feedback to ensure the document remains relevant to the South Sudan operational context. 

• Responsible for monitoring activities of mine action partners (NGOs) he/she has been assigned to, to ensure they remain NTSG compliant; and provide coordination or support if requested, in case of security incidents or Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC).

• Where applicable, provide coverage for the respective sub-office and act as our client focal point, responsible for liaison with and support to any relevant to our client department, Humanitarian Agencies and other parties. 

• Where applicable, conduct periodic operational visits to the respective field locations to support and conduct EQA oversight for the mine action (MA) teams under his/her AOR.

• Consistently review all operational reports for the MA teams to ensure that the data thereof is accurate before submission to the IMSMA database. 

• Monitor security situation and conduct risk assessments when required; report to our client Operations Management and where applicable, adjust the deployment of our client teams as the operational or security context dictates. 

• Based on an agreed work plan and emerging priorities, conduct operational tasking for the teams contracted by our client and ensure operational activities are in line with Implementation Plans (IPs) and operational efficiency is maintained throughout the process.

• In conjunction with our client Operations Management plan monitor trainings, accreditations and external monitoring of operational activities, task completions and any other activities as part of QM process mainly for our client teams but also other in-country implementing partners. 

• Conduct analysis of our client teams’ performance and reported outputs, including monitoring and evaluation of the teams’ Daily Progress Reports (DPR) and EO/Survey reports and similar formal reporting. 

• Keep abreast of NTSGs, IMAS and the SOPs of all Implementing Partners working in South Sudan, but also with task-specific Implementation Plans.

• Where applicable, attend any relevant UN and Humanitarian Meetings.

• Ensure timely support to the UN Mission is conducted as priority. Such requests may relate to providing Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) to the UN staff and humanitarian personnel, conducting various clearance activities in support of UN, joint patrols with UN troops, management of destruction of UN Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) unserviceable ammunition (the list is not exhaustive).  

• Participate in any board of inquiry to investigate any incident or accident to which assigned.

• Perform other tasks as directed by our client Operational Management.

• Head of Project Unit/Chief of Operations

Key competencies:

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

• Open to change and flexible in a fast-paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

• The the Mine Action Operations Team
  

Education:

• Mine action experience with 11 years of relevant experience is required.

Work experience:

• Relevant experience in Mine Action operations management

• Experience with Landmine Clearance, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Battle Area Clearance (BAC) is required.

• Experience with the QA and QC processes regarding humanitarian mine action is desired.

• Experience in capacity building and training in mine clearance or EOD techniques is desired.

• Computer literacy, experience in using MS Office is required.

• Experience working in volatile or immediate post conflict environments is desired.

• Experience in disposal techniques such as pyrotechnic torches or disruptors is desired.

• Knowledge of International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) is required.

Languages:

• Fluency in English (writing, reading & speaking) is required.

•  Certifications (Please attach a copy to your application)

• Valid Driving License (Ability to drive off-road vehicle is required)

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level 3 (or equivalent) is required