Jan 20, 2020

Advisor, Mine Action Standards , Switzerland

Employer: Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining
Location: Geneva, Switzerland, with regular travel to mine/ERW-affected countries
Closing date: 20 Jan 2020

Closing date for applications
January 20th, 2020

Start date duration
As soon as possible. This is a long-term staff position with an initial contract of 12 months.

Purpose/Summary


The Strategies and Standards division provides services and technical expertise on strategic planning, standardisation and quality management in support of national authorities in mine action and the wider human security sector. In addition to supporting the development of International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), emphasis is placed on: providing technical assistance, training and capacity development, conducting research, producing publications, developing tools and work methods, supporting the development, improvement and implementation of national mine action strategies and mine action standards (NMAS).

Our division is strengthening its team with a new Advisory position that will promote and support improved national standards in collaboration with various National Mine Action Authorities. In this role, you will have the opportunity to participate in various projects and collaborate closely with specialist and support functions in each division. As an Advisor, you will represent the GICHD in international events and will provide general or technical presentations to partners and diplomatic representatives; you will play an active role in the organization’s strategic management as well as the reporting to GICHD’s governance and donor institutions. You will be based in Geneva with frequent travel requirement to the countries of focus

Responsibilities

In this position, you will provide country tailored support through assessments of existing NMAS frameworks, facilitating workshops and knowledge-sharing, and supporting the work of NMAS working groups. This portfolio relates to any IMAS standard (risk management, land release, information management, quality management systems etc.) and will be supported by sub-matter specialists within the GICHD and outside, as necessary. Your key responsibilities will include:

· Conduct and assess the NMAS in selected countries and provide advice on their compliance with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)

· Manage the projects related to National Mine Action Standards in line with the Results-based Management framework in order to support affected countries in forming and/or implementing appropriate national standards

· As project manager, contribute to project proposals, implement projects, develop work plans; contribute to global and annual GICHD reports; report on project achievements as required for internal and external purposes; manage project budgets, finances and consultants

· Provide training and technical assistance to governments, national mine action authorities, mine action operators, UN agencies, etc. on issues related to strategic management of national mine action standards

· Provide assistance and guidance for the conduct of reviews and evaluations of national programmes and standards, as requested by national mine action authorities, mine action centres, UN agencies, NGOs, etc

· Ensure that international convention obligations (e.g. APMBC and CCM) are taken into account during project planning, implementation and monitoring and that outreach activities reinforce the compliance with conventions’ obligations where appropriate

· Upon request, fulfill the role of ‘country focal point’ for one or more specifically allocated countries. This includes maintaining an up to date understanding of country contexts, including but not limited to; general context, impact of Explosive Ordnance, treaty obligations, security situation and GICHD interventions across thematic competencies.

[1] The GICHD acts as the secretariat for the IMAS Review Board, a responsibility delegated by UNMAS.

Essential requirements

· Excellent knowledge and understanding of the relevant International Mine Action Standards, including their application in various countries and settings

· Applied experience in revising and drafting Standards and Standard Operating Procedures based on field operational needs as well as desk research

· Substantive experience of at least 5 years in risk and standards management in the mine action sector, in various countries and settings

· Experience in developing legal frameworks and associated policy in support of national governments

· Competence in the design and delivery of training courses to adults and/or in capacity development of local counterparts

· Experience in working with national authorities/programmes in mine action

· Competence in project cycle management, including resource mobilization, budget monitoring, resources management, narrative and financial reporting to international donor institutions

· Fluent English verbal and written, with the ability to communicate clearly and constructively with a wide range of stakeholders from diverse cultures

· Commitment to the continuous improvement of individual and organization-wide results

· Proven team-player with service-minded attitude

Desirable requirements

· A post-graduate degree or equivalent military diploma in a relevant subject of study

· Understanding and experience in mainstreaming gender and diversity considerations in normative frameworks and standards

· Specific experience of implementing mine action operations within legal frameworks in affected countries

· Knowledge and experience in the application of Quality management systems and/or Results-based management systems

· Working knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese or another language practised in mine-ERW affected countries

About us

The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) works towards reducing risks to communities stemming from explosive ordnance, with a particular focus on mines, cluster munitions, other explosive remnants of war and ammunition storages. The Centre helps develop and professionalise the sector for the benefits of its partners: National and local authorities, donors, the United Nations, other international and regional organisations, non-governmental organisations, commercial companies and academia. It does so by combining three distinct lines of service: field support focused on capacity development and advice, multilateral work focused on norms and standards, and research and development focused on cutting-edge solutions. The GICHD benefits from its location in Maison de la Paix in Geneva to cooperate closely with organisations dedicated to humanitarian action development, disarmament, peace and security.

GICHD website www.gichd.org

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For further information please contact us by e-mail at hr@gichd.org

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications

If you want to be part of a driven team and you feel you are the right person for this job, please apply on-line on GICHD Job Application Portal You are kindly requested to present your file in English, including a CV (maximum 3 pages), a letter of motivation, your earliest availability and any additional material you wish to send in support of your file. We look forward to reviewing your application..

The GICHD implements a Gender and Diversity policy and is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are encouraged from women and men, nationals of mine-affected countries and individuals with a disability or special needs, who meet the above profile requirements.