Operations Specialist

The Operations Specialist (Mine Action Specialist) supports the coordination and compliance of mine action operations within the Peace and Security Cluster, ensuring operational and technical standards are met. The role involves planning, implementation, monitoring, stakeholder management, people management, and knowledge management to support UNOPS' peacebuilding and humanitarian projects globally, with a focus on explosive hazard threat mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Support programme and project design documents from an operational and technical standpoint, including workplans, concepts of operations, and implementation plans reflecting gender equality and social inclusion.
• Ensure operations comply with UNOPS policies, financial and procurement rules, contract and grant management policies, project management standards, and health, safety, social and environmental standards.
• Ensure operations comply with mine action technical standards such as IMAS, IATG, and MOSAIC.
• Oversee, coordinate, monitor and conduct mine action operations and performance, including those conducted through third-party contractors and grantees.
• Analyze explosive ordnance threats and develop appropriate mitigation measures to ensure safety of UN and humanitarian personnel and operations.
• Verify contractor and grantee compliance with PSEAH obligations and GESI requirements, ensuring performance reporting includes sex- and age-disaggregated data.
• Review performance reports and populate internal monitoring and reporting mechanisms to inform payment processes.
• Implement program quality management and information management systems, ensuring operational data collection and reporting include sex- and age-disaggregated data.
• Advise Head of Operations on technical and operational issues impacting programme outcomes, including GESI and PSEAH risks.
• Participate in Boards of Inquiry as relevant.
• Ensure operational plans are effective and regularly reviewed.
• Include GESI integration and PSEAH compliance in operational monitoring and field spot checks, reporting findings to Head of Operations and PSC GEDSI Advisor.
• Manage relationships with CMAP and other UNOPS stakeholders on operational and technical issues.
• Mentor and advise operations personnel in planning, execution and delivery of projects.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity, providing clear direction and guidance to the Operations team.
• Lead national and international UNOPS personnel in a multicultural team, ensuring a professional, ethical and well-managed operations team.
• Create and foster a safe, inclusive culture and work environment, upholding zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Ensure personnel comply with PSEAH obligations and reporting channels.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and address issues promptly.
• Maintain records of operations-related files.
• Manage efficient and effective operations in area of responsibility.
• Incorporate latest best practices, approaches and technology to enhance operational results.

Requirements

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is required.
• In lieu of an Advanced University Degree, either (a) a First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s degree) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience may be accepted; or (b) A High School Degree (or equivalent) with military or police experience may be accepted with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience is defined as experience in project management in a military, humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development context.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience is required.
• A minimum of 3 years of proven and applicable experience (within the past 10 years) in explosive hazard management is required, in particular, experience managing one or more of the following activities: Explosive Ordnance Disposal including multiple items and logistical demolitions, Non-technical survey, Technical survey, Mechanical clearance and ground preparation, Mechanical assisted clearance, Manual clearance, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education, Victim assistance, Stockpile destruction, Advocacy and coordination.
• Experience working in complex and high-risk environments is desirable.
• Knowledge of International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), and Modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC) is required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage third-party contracts and grants, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and donor requirements.
• Strong operational planning, risk management, and quality management skills.
• Ability to integrate gender equality, social inclusion, and protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) into operational planning and monitoring.
• Excellent stakeholder management and people management skills.
• Proven ability to mentor and lead multicultural teams.
• Strong knowledge management and innovation skills.
• Ability to work independently in a home-based setting with potential relocation to field office.
• Fluency in English is required.

Skills

• Project Management
• Explosive Hazard Management
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal
• Non-Technical Survey
• Technical Survey Assistance
• Mechanical Clearance
• Manual Clearance
• Explosive Ordnance Risk Education
• Victim assistance
• Stockpile Destruction
• Advocacy and Coordination
• International Mine Action Standards
• International Ammunition Technical Guidelines
• Modular Small Arms Control Implementation
• Contract Management
• Grant Management
• Operational Planning
• Risk Management
• Quality Management
• Gender Equality Integration
• Social Inclusion
• Stakeholder Management
• People Management
• Mentoring Multicultural Teams
• Knowledge Management
• Innovation Management

Languages

English