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

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

The Mine Action Office in South Sudan is based in Juba and it supports the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) as well as the national demining authorities in coordinating Mine Action activities in South Sudan.

The program has been coordinating and providing Quality Assurance (QA) of all humanitarian mine action activities throughout South Sudan since 2004. UNMAS South Sudan’s’ current operations focus on hazardous area surveys, landmine and ERW clearance and destruction, route verification and clearance, emergency mitigation measures for improperly stored ammunition, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education for UN personnel, humanitarian partners and vulnerable groups, entry point control using Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) and data management.

Functional Responsibilities

Act as UNMAS Coordination Officer and focal point for Mine Action activities for all Agencies and ensure effective communication.
Liaise with other stakeholders and operators involved in Humanitarian Assistance in South Sudan.
Act as a Compliance Officer and focal point for conformity to proposals, statement of requirements, contracts for partners regarding land release and risk awareness processes.
In coordination with the Deputy Chief of Operations (DCoO) work to develop a realistic, measurable and achievable Annual Operations Work Plan in line with UNMAS-SS annual mandate; constantly review the work plan in line with operational opportunities or limitations and coordinate mid-term revisions.
Monitor and review mine action partner’s daily progress reports, External Quality Assurance (EQA) activities, and monthly progress reports.
Maintain progress trackers, produce Contract Compliance (C3) reports and populate the Contract Management Plan on a monthly basis.
Ensure that Mine Action Organisation’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in compliance with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and South Sudan National Technical Standards and Guidelines (NTSG); review and recommend updates to implementing agencies’ SOPs and UNMAS Standard Work Practices (SWP).
Chair the NTSG Review Board on an annual basis and coordinate NTSG amendments processes.
Support the DCoO by ensuring the annual UNMAS objectives are achieved through the optimum operational efficiency of all mine action activities.
Coordinate with DCoO to implement mentoring/capacity building activities of the South Sudan National Mine Action Authority (NMAA) operations staff.
Constantly mentor UNMAS national Operations/QA Assistants and contribute towards their professional development.
Assist the DCoO in establishment and maintenance of areas for accreditation.
Provide oversight of the Quality Management (QM) system used in South Sudan, to ensure that the system is efficiently working and that accreditation, licensing and monitoring do not interrupt or delay demining projects.
Conduct routine visits to mine clearance sites when needed or as directed by DCoO.
In coordination with DCoO conduct periodic visits to the sub-offices and attend relevant UN meetings; carry out oversight visits in the sub office’s AOR.
Monitor and follow up on Implementing Partners’s activities.
Issue Tasking Sheets (TS), approve and monitor Clearance Plans (CP) of mine action partner’s Implementation Plans (IPs).
On behalf of UNMAS South Sudan, accept completions of CPs and handovers of cleared land.
Generate and submit to the Programme Office weekly operational reports showcasing in a concise manner the humanitarian impact of UNMAS operations in South Sudan.
Act as a bridge between the UNMAS Program Office and Operations Offices in South Sudan.
Ensure effective interaction and coordination with other integral aspects of mine action, such as EORE.
Assist in investigations of mine incidents/accidents and serve as a member of Boards of Inquiry when required.
Monitor, analyse, and disseminate security information pertaining to armed conflict, crime, civil unrest and other hazards relevant for operational activities.
Conduct performance review of third-party OPS/QA officers contracted by the Programme.
Perform other related duties in support of DCoO as assigned.
Act as Security Focal Point.
Act as Health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) focal point for implementing partners.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience or
A First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s 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 or
If an applicant lacks both university qualifications and military experience, he/she must have at least 11 years of experience with an internationally recognized demining organizations.

Certification

IMAS EOD Level 3+ is required.

Experience

Relevant experience is defined as experience in operations management, EO threat analysis & tasking, quality assurance and quality control processes in mine action operations settings.
Experience in applying International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) is required
Experience in managing multiple mine action teams, including non-technical survey, manual mine clearance, EOD, road clearance and battle area clearance is required.
Experience in application of Land Release methodologies is required.
Experience in explosive ordnance disposal is required.
Experience in application of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) detection systems in Humanitarian mine clearance is desired.

Language