Employer:: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location:: Tunisia
Closing : 4 November 2015
Vacancy code VA/2015/B5001/8769
Duration 1 year
Background Information UNOPS
UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our 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.
Working in some of the world's most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners' 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 that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.
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. The Cluster is responsible to administer, provide support and 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.
It is headed by the Cluster Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Cluster on behalf of its clients.
Background Information - Job-specific
Over the last 72 years, since the start of WWII a multitude of Explosive Remnant of War (ERW) issues have plagued Libya, with the 2011 conflict acting as the latest layer. The uprising added a whole host of new issues including Unexploded Ordnance contamination (UXO), Abandoned Ordnance (AO), a total of 440 NATO reported strikes on Ammunition Stockpile Areas (ASA's) and a further 3,448 NATO strikes on a variety of strategic targets. Added to this a proliferation of man-portable surface to air missiles (MANPADs) as well as small arms and light weapons amongst the civilian population, renewed use of landmines and cluster munitions in some areas; creating a deadly topography of weapons, ammunition and ERW contamination spread throughout the country.
On arrival to Libya in April 2011, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and international NGOs partnered to form the Joint Mine Action Coordination Team (JMACT), in order to present a coordinated humanitarian mine action response to the Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) threat in Libya during the emergency phase. The role of UNMAS has since expanded to include ammunition and weapons management following the establishment of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the inclusion of arms proliferation within the mission's security sector mandate. After the evacuation of UNSMIL from Tripoli, UNMAS is located in Tunis, Tunisia
Functional Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, the Ammunition & Weapons Management Advisor will be the main operational and technical focal point in relation to ammunition & weapons management for the programme, and will be responsible to
Review national Physical Security & Stockpile Management (PSSM) standards with the national authorities and security forces, considering technical guidance from implementing partners, using best practice identified in the international ammunition technical guidelines (IATGs) as a baseline.
Manage the operational tasking process for all contracts, including assessments and rehabilitation activities for PSSM.
Review PSSM workplans and requests for non-PSSM assistance, especially regarding explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and support to disarmament, demobilisation and rehabilitation (DDR) weapons disposal.
Jointly prioritize tasks with the national authorities and security forces.
Issue tasks to implementing partners and review their reports upon completion.
Monitor and evaluate through field inspections, and reviews of task reports by implementing partners, to measure progress against issued tasks, national work plans and adherence to standards.
Manage operational assets including vehicles and explosives stocks.
Supervise operational personnel, including international and national personnel.
Provide relevant information on achievements and challenges to the Programme Manager, programme and support services staff.
Advise the Programme Manager on any non-compliance with contractual requirements by implementing agencies, and recommend remedial action.
Take part in any Boards of Inquiry initiated by the Programme Manager.
Act as the principle technical advisor to the national authority and military regarding management of ERW clearance and the weapon and ammunition security and safety components of PSSM.
Ensure that the organizations funded through the UN work according to contract specifications and or Memorandums of Agreement and maintain good relations with the national authorities, security forces, contractors, NGOs and other UN agencies in the region.
Any other duties or tasks as identified by the Programme Manager.
Competencies
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others'ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others.Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings
Planning and Organizing : Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments,. adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.
Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Judgement and Decision Making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.
Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks 'outside the box'. Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
Commitment to Continuous Learning : Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation or profession. Actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally. Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates. Shows willingness to learn from others. Seeks feedback to learn and improve
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Advanced University Degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience;
or a First Level University Degree (Bachelors Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience;
or Military Experience (or relevant Police Experience) at the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer level (or equivalent) with a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience; or if an applicant lacks both university qualifications and military experience he/she must have at least 13 years of experience with internationally recognized demining organizations.
At least 7 years work experience in disarmament field is essential, of which 2 years should involve management responsibility for field work.
Senior Ammunition Technical Officer level experience required.
Ammunition Technical Officer Qualification (or equivalent) required; (Those who do not list this in the certificates section of their profile will not be considered).
Understanding of related subjects such as security sector reform, mine action, small arms and light weapons is desirable.
Experience of working with UN peacekeeping missions is desirable.
Valid driving licence is required.
Fluency in spoken and written English is required;
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
Additional Considerations
Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
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