Operations Specialist- Quality Assurance (Coordination and Compliance Officer) At UNOPS

Background Information – UNOPS

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.

Background Information – PSC

Peace and Security Cluster

For over 20 years, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has provided its largest partner, UNMAS, with interlinked portfolio, Programme and project management services that are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls.
Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the day-to-day management of UNMAS Field Programmes through a comprehensive approach encompassing areas such as human resources, procurement and contract management, as well as planning, implementation and risk management, that is supported by cross-cutting initiatives that include knowledge and information management, and gender, diversity and inclusion. This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented according to client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations through the leadership of the Cluster Director, who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients.

Background Information – Job-specific

UNISFA Mine Action Programme (UNMAS-UNISFA) supports the implementation of UNISFA’s mandate in the Abyei Administrative Area and the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ) between Sudan and South Sudan. As UNISFA-Abyei is only funded through the UN Peacekeeping Assessed Budget, UNMAS is fully integrated into the UNISFA organigramme on the substantive side of the mission.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Chief of Operations (CoO), the Coordination and Compliance Officer (Operations – Quality Assurance Specialist) will be handling the following tasks:

Understand and apply the Sudan National Mine Action Standards and Technical Guidelines (NTSG); ensuring that the Mine Action Organisation’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) comply with the National Mine Action Standards and Technical Guidelines (NTSG).
Provide guidance to the Quality Management (QA) contractors on the aims, goals and objectives for the Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Conduct quality assurance of the implementing partners Quality Management (QM) system and ensure that accreditation, licensing and monitoring does not interrupt or delay demining projects: this includes monitoring implementing contractors and working closely with the contract management unit.
Support the Chief of Operations(CoO) to establish and maintain areas for accreditation of all programme assets.
Ensuring that vehicles, equipment and personnel supplied by implementing partners conforms to contractual requirements.
Participate in the development of the annual work plan to support the dry season military deployment plan and other threat areas/ indicators identified.
Issue and track tasking orders for all Implementing Partners (IP), monitor progress of tasking orders.
Approve and monitor Clearance Plans (CP) of IP’s.
In coordination with the CoO, carry out site visits within the Abyei AOR and Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) to monitor operational plans and conduct quality assurance inclusive of HSSE compliance.
Debrief mine action organizations on Quality Assurance (QA) achievements and assessments and ensure that all QA assessment data is captured in IMSMA.
Coordinate with the CoO to ensure efficient and effective running of all operations.
Conduct routine visits to the field when needed or as directed by CoO.
Receive all reports that contribute to land release or handover of cleared land and ensure all documentation is verified for correctness before submission.
Ensure proper maintenance of documentation for all inspected land.
Participate on behalf of UNMAS on the Weapons Ammunition Advisory Board and report on all findings with regards to status of ammunition and storage of Troop Contributing Country facilities.
Participate in incident investigations where small arms and explosive weapons are used by armed groups.
Conduct routine visits to the JBVMM sub-offices as directed.
Ensure close and effective interaction and coordination of QA with other integral aspects of mine action, such as Mine Victim Support and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and advise on effectiveness of campaigns or efforts.
Assist in investigations of mine incidents/accidents and serve as a member of Boards of Inquiry when required.
Control and monitor issuance of explosives to be used by the mine clearance contractors in AOR.
Compile a comprehensive monthly/weekly report on activities.
Liaise with other stakeholders and operators involved in Humanitarian Assistance in the AOR.
Stand in for CoO when directed.
Perform other related duties as required.

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

* QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

Advanced University Degree (master degree or equivalent) with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience OR
A First Level University Degree (bachelor degree or equivalent) with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience; or
Military Experience (or relevant Police Experience) with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience is required.

Certification

IMAS EOD Level 3 is required.

Experience

Relevant experience is defined as practical experience in mine clearance activities and relevant Quality Assurance and Quality Control processes
Experience in applying Ammunition storage and management principles as per the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines ( IATGs) or the UN Manual on Ammunition Management is required
Knowledge and understanding of the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) is desired
At least 3 years of experience is desired in operations management of:
o Explosive Ordnance Disposal in single, multiple and bulk demolitions
o Non-technical survey,
o Technical survey,
o Mechanical clearance and ground preparation,
o Manual mine clearance,
o Battle Area Clearance,
o Road clearance,
o Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and,
o Weapons and small arms ammunition destruction
A working knowledge of metal detectors, large loop metal detectors and ground penetrating radar is desired
Experience in using International Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) as an analytical tool, mapping applications and GPS is desired
Experience in management of operations in humanitarian sector is desired
Previous experience working in conflict/post-conflict is highly desired
Language
Fluency (reading, writing and speaking) in English is required.
Knowledge of Arabic will be an asset.