Senior Technical Advisor At UNOPS

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Job Specific Context

The PSC Project Unit operates as an integral part of Peace and Security Cluster structure. The Senior Technical Advisor operates as an integral part of the Peace and Security Cluster structure, reporting to the Head of Operations (HoO). S/he is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and closing all projects in the country in order to support substantive partners in delivering its mandate. Under the HoO supervision, the STA is responsible for ensuring the safe, effective and efficient conduct of operations.

PSC’s partner is the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and UNMAS’ representative in-country is the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP). While the CMAP is a primary stakeholder, the STA works closely with national authorities, partners, and other UN agencies to develop annual prioritization and tasking plans. UNOPS PSC and UNMAS have developed a delineation of responsibilities, using a responsibility matrix to define who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. The STA ensures that the mine action programme operates as one integrated team by maintaining internationally recognized drills, SOPs, and safety standards. The STA is responsible for providing operational input to the HoO, HPU and CMAP to ensure that Mine Action organizations funded through the UN work according to contract requirements.

Role Purpose

  • Operations – Design and planning
  • Operations – Implementation and monitoring
  • Stakeholder management
  • People management
  • Knowledge management and innovation

Functions / Key Results Expected:

Operations – Design and planning

Support the HoO in providing inputs on programme and project design documents from an operational and technical standpoint, such as:

  • Programme Strategy (e.g. vision, mission, strategic results framework, stakeholder analysis; risk analysis; resource mobilization strategy)
  • Workplan and Budget (e.g. nature of threat; technical personnel and equipment requirements, etc.)
  • Concept of Operations
  • Input into the documents above from the operational and technical aspects encompassing mine action pillars (e.g. clearance, unexploded ordnance risk education, victim assistance, advocacy and stockpile destruction)
  • Ensure that implementation plans have viable timelines, are assigned appropriate resources, and that implementation options reflect the knowledge of the context, as well as UNOPS’ mechanisms and policies; key implementation documents include:
  • UNMAS / UNOPS Project Agreements
  • Solicitation documents used to contract third-parties (i.e. contractors and grantees)
  • Human resources plan
  • National Technical Standards and Guidelines (NTSG), National Mine Action Standards (NMAS), Standing Operating Procedures, concept notes and other documents related to the safe, effective and efficient conduct of operations.
  • Ensure that sex-, age- and disability-disaggregated data is collected and used to inform operational planning, reporting, and decision-making.

Operations – Implementation and Monitoring

Support the conduct of operations in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards, such as:

  • Financial and procurement rules
  • Contract and grant management policies
  • Project management standards
  • Health, safety, social and environmental standards
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Gender Equality and Social Inclusion and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Strategies.
  • Information management systems and standards
  • Organizational design standards and human resources policies

Support the conduct of operations in accordance with mine action technical standards, such as:

  • International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and corresponding NMAS and NTSG
  • International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG)
  • Modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC)
  • Ensure all clearance and demolition operations are planned and executed in compliance with IMAS 07.13 Environmental Management in Mine Action.

Contribute to the oversight, coordination, and monitoring of mine action operations and performance (both operations conducted in-house and those conducted through third-party contractors and grantees), as directed by the HoO, including:

  • Ensure third-party contracts and grants are delivered in accordance with contractual / grant terms and conditions, including in accordance with mine action technical, operational and quality assurance processes (Implementation Plan, SOPs, task orders issuance, accreditation).
  • Review all performance reports and populate internal monitoring and reporting mechanisms (i.e. grant and contract management plans) to inform the monthly payment process.
  • Design, implement and oversee a robust quality management and information management system.
  • Design and maintain a risk management system focused on problem solving which ties into contract management awareness; maintain and utilise risk and issues logs.
  • Organize debriefing with the grantee/contractor to provide feedback on performance against deliverables and if necessary, discuss corrective actions to be taken in following months, recommend liquidated damages and/or lead dispute resolutions if necessary.
  • Advise the HoOon potential technical and operational issues and opportunities that may impact the achievement of programme / project outcomes and appropriate solutions.
  • Lead Boards of Inquiry as relevant.
  • Ensure operational plans are cost effective and reviewed regularly.
  • In support of the HoO, contribute to monitoring budgets/expenditure for over/under spend and adjust planning accordingly.

Stakeholder Management

  • Manage relationships with the Head of Operations and other direct UNOPS stakeholders, particularly around operational and technical issues
  • Upon request from the HoO, engage national mine action authorities and/or relevant Government ministries for purposes of coordination as requested, specifically relating to review/implementation of NTSGand/or International Mine Action Standards and other relevant international or national standards as well as treaty implementation/obligations
  • Represent the HoO in relevant technical and operational fora including technical working groups.
  • Promote inclusive engagement with national authorities, communities, and stakeholders, ensuring that women, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are meaningfully consulted and considered in operational planning and implementation.

People Management

  • Support in recruitment, train, guide, empower and develop the operations team, with consideration for individual training and development needs
  • Mentor and advise operations personnel in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best operational processes.
  • Uphold and actively promote UNOPS Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) standards across the operations team and all third-party contractor and grantee relationships. Ensure that confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms are in place for all personnel, and that any concerns are escalated promptly in accordance with UNOPS procedures.
  • Mentor and advise operations personnel in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best operational processes.
  • Support the HoO with leading national and international UNOPS personnel in a multicultural team, ensuring a professional, ethical and well-managed operations team.
  • Foster and role-model a safe, inclusive, and enabling work environment that upholds dignity and respect for all personnel, regardless of gender, nationality, background, or identity, and values perspectives from a broad range of backgrounds, lived experiences, and geographic diversity. Ensure that performance review processes are applied equitably, and that barriers to full participation for underrepresented team members are proactively identified and addressed. Uphold the highest standards of conduct and take decisive action to address behaviours that undermine inclusion, equity, and psychological safety.

Knowledge management and innovation

  • Ensure records of operations-related files are well maintained.
  • Implement relevant tools and templates to effectively manage efficient and effective operations
  • Keep abreast of and incorporate latest/best practices, approaches and technology to enhance operational results
  • Contribute to lead and manage lessons learned exercises (including but not limited to PSEAH, GESI, project implementation, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement), ensuring effective documentation, filing, and systematic sharing of findings, and their incorporation into future operational planning and decision-making.

How to apply

For application, please visit this link