Operations Specialist - Quality Assurance
Job categories : Project Management, Demining
Vacancy code : VA/2020/B5016/20687
Level : ICS-10
Department/office : NYSC, PSC, Syria Project Unit
Duty station : Multiple
Contract type : International ICA
Contract level : IICA-2
Duration : Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
Application period : 06-Nov-2020 to 29-Nov-2020

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

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

Background Information – UNMAS Syria Response Operating under the mandate ...

Functional Responsibilities

Candidates with no UN or UNOPS experience are strongly encouraged to apply!
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply!

The Operations Specialist – Quality Assurance will be responsible for the administration and management of the work coordinating all projects related to Operations and Quality Assurance of Mine Action activities. The incumbent will report to the Chief of Operations and will be responsible for the provision and implementation of the following main duties:
• Oversee all aspects of mine action related activities carried out by staff under your supervision and control
• Implement and monitor technical and national safety standards
• Ensure close and effective interaction and coordination of the integral aspects of mine action, such as Victim Assistance and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education
• When requested, act as the Investigating Officer for Detailed Independent Investigations or Boards of Inquiry for Mine/ERW/IED Accidents or incidents
• Debrief mine action (MA) organizations and other implementing partners on quality assurance (QA) achievements and QA assessments and ensure that all QA assessment data is captured through the appropriate QA documentation and QA tracker
• Implement QA management systems and ensure that the systems are being applied in a fair and equitable manner, and that accreditation, licensing and monitoring does not interrupt or delay MA projects
• Conduct routine on-site QA of MA organization operations (for monitoring and post clearance inspections) and as part of the accreditation process
• Provide guidance and follow up on any specific corrective actions to be taken by organizations, following an inspection, which finds a critical non-conformity
• Ensure proper maintenance of documentation for all inspected land
• Ensure proper storage of explosives in accordance with national and international guidelines and ensure control and security of explosives that are used by implementing mine action organisations within the area of responsibility
• Ensure that MA Organization Standing Operating Procedures (SOP) comply with Syrian Technical Standards and Guidelines, IMAS and IATG standards (where applicable).
• Support the collection of data and the management of information
• Provide advice and input into the development of strategic and procedural documents related to Mine Action activities, coordinated and/or implemented by the UNMAS SRP.
• Support programmatic, project and operational planning and activities as required.

Other Duties
• Represent UNMAS Syria Response Programme as the Officer in Charge in relevant meetings and stakeholder interactions
• Carry out the responsibilities determined by UNOPS rules and regulations embodied in its regulatory framework – Organizational Directives, Administrative Instructions and other documents as periodically issued and updated by UNOPS.
• Perform other tasks as directed by the Programme Manager and Chief of Operations.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Candidates with no UN or UNOPS experience are strongly encouraged to apply!
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply!


Education:
• Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) with an additional 5 years of relevant experience; or
• First-level University Degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) with an additional 7 years of relevant experience ; or
• 11 years of experience in the management of operations within a recognized military, police, humanitarian mine action organization, development organization, or other relevant field experience is required
Certifications:
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level 3 (or equivalent) is required
Experience:
• Relevant experience is defined as experience in operations management; this experience can be within the fields of either military mine action, commercial mine action, or humanitarian mine action
• Experience in field of explosive threat management, humanitarian mine action, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) or Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD), high risk search or related field is required
• Experience in training or capacity building is desired
Language:
• Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking) is required
Competencies

- Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
- Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

- Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
- Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
- Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
- Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous
- Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
- Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: IICA (International Individual Contractual Agreement) Contrac...
Additional Considerations

- Candidates with no UN or UNOPS experience are strongly encouraged to apply!

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful imp...