Background Information – PSC

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. It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance 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.Background Information – Job-specific

Recent assessments indicate widespread explosive ordnance contamination in Northern Ethiopia including Tigray, Afar and Amhara regions, especially in areas that have seen intense fighting. While the full extent and impact of the contamination is yet to be established, the fighting is believed to have contaminated vast swathes of land with explosive remnants of war (ERW). Moreover, explosive remnants of war (ERW) continue affecting the life of civilians, in recent months. ERW is spread across residential areas and internally displaced persons sites, in communal locations and amongst rubble, posing an immediate risk to life, the delivery of humanitarian aid, inhibiting safe movement, and preventing access to basic services.

The project aims to reduce the immediate and long-term impact of explosive ordnance on civilians and humanitarian operations in northern Ethiopia through coordination and explosive ordnance risk education. As lead of the mine action area of responsibility, ensuring MA contributes to improving the safety of at-risk communities by establishing a humanitarian mine action sector, capable of effectively delivering on the objectives of the Humanitarian Response Plan, the Mine Action Response Programme defines and implements specific activities in accordance with emerging humanitarian needs and through needs-based prioritization, involving an analysis of the explosive ordnance threat, IDPs movement, survey data, and the wider humanitarian response.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the International Operations Specialist and the overall supervision of the Head of Project Unit, the Operations Officer – Quality Assurance will perform the following duties:

•  Support the operational management of mine action (MA) activities in Ethiopia
•  Support the Operations Specialist with the coordination of mine action activities in their Area of Operations
•  Support the Operations Specialist with the implementation of all operational activities including quality assurance of ongoing MA activities
•  Contribute to the implementation of a QA management system and ensure that the system is being applied in a fair and equitable manner
•  Assist the Operations Specialist during Explosive Ordnance Assessment activities in the Area of Operations
•  Ensure that Mine Action Organisation Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in compliance with the IMAS and that the activities are conducted in a safe and effective manner
•  Review mine action implementing partners’ weekly and monthly reports to ensure outputs align with their contractual obligations
•  Oversee data entry into IMSMA, and/or Mine Action Database, of all mine action field reports and returns
•  Support the Operations Specialist in maintaining professional and close working relationships with the Government and relevant regional authorities
•  Support the development of operational plans, work procedures, and guidelines for mine action activities
•  Participate in field visits to assess the progress of mine action activities and provide technical guidance
•  Ensure compliance with safety protocols, quality standards, and best practices in all mine action operations
•  Contribute to the training and capacity-building of mine action personnel
•  Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Competencies

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

•  Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) combined with two (2) years of relevant experience

OR

•  A First Level University degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) combined with four (4) years of relevant experience

OR

•  Military or Police experience with at least eight (8) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Work Experience

Relevant experience is defined as operational experience in a Humanitarian Mine Action context.

•  A minimum of 2 years of proven and applicable experience (within the past 10 years) in a Humanitarian Mine Action context, specifically in manual mine clearance, battle area clearance and quality assurance is required
•  Experience applying International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) is desired

Certification

•  Explosive Ordnance Disposal certification is desired

EOD qualification must be from organisations that train and educate EOD specialists in accordance with IMAS standards – Test and Evaluation Protocol 09.30/01/2022. Individuals are responsible for providing proof of completion.

Languages

•  Fluency in English (speaking, reading, and writing) is required
•  Fluency in Amharic (speaking, reading, and writing) is required
•  Knowledge of Afarigna and/or Tigrinya is desired

Additional Information

•  Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
•  Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
•  Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
•  UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
•  Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
•  We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

•  All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
•  It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Contract type, level and duration

•  Contract type: LICA (Local ICA – Specialist)
•  Contract level: ICS-9 (LICA-9, IICA-1, P2 equivalent)
•  Contract duration: Six months, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx