Mine Risk Education (MRE) Specialist, ICS-10, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo

Job Description

Background Information - PSC

Peace and Security Centre

The UNOPS Peace and Security Centre (PSC) within the Global Portfolio Services Office 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 Centre on behalf of its clients.

Background Information - Job-specific

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suffered nearly two decades of turmoil, particularly in the eastern provinces. The use of landmines was a feature during the conflict and Explosive Remnants of War from the fighting remain a hazard.

UNMAS established its presence in the DRC in 2002 to provide support to the Peacekeeping Mission (MONUSCO) and to conduct humanitarian mine action. It continues to work with all actors involved in mine action and has increased the role of weapon and ammunition management support to national authorities and security institutions. The ongoing armed conflict in eastern DRC is attributed to the numerous illegal armed groups (AG) operating in region. These AG are resourced by various state and non-state actors, however, UNMAS primary concern is stemming the flow of weapons and ammunition diverted from state held stockpiles. To this end, UNMAS has developed a close working relationship with the National Commission for Small Arms control to support the weapon and ammunition management of state owned assets. The support provided to date has included the development and publication of a National Action Plan, the provision of secure safe weapon and ammunition storage solutions, assessment of PSSM infrastructure, WAM training courses and the registration and marking of state owned weapons.

Functional Responsibilities

The Mine Risk Education (MRE) Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager or the Chief of Operations. The duties and responsibilities are as follows:

• Provide guidance to Mine Risk Education (MRE) section staff;
• Ensure staff duties and administrative actions are implemented according to policy;
• Ensure all staff activities including those projects that involve multiple sectors are coordinated at central and regional management levels;
• Provide technical and planning support to Mine Action implementing agencies with regards to project implementation including training, materials development, monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance activities;
• Provide the necessary supports and inputs for government planning, technical advice, follow up and oversight of activities;
• Develop new initiatives relevant to MRE;
• Evaluation of MRE tools;
• Provide guidance and capacity development opportunities to national mine action staff, implementing partners, and government actors with regards to the technical, monitoring including implementation of National Technical Standard and Guidelines (NTSGs) and reporting skills needed for proper oversight of mine risk education activities;
• Develop annual work plan for MRE activities;
• Develop budgetary forecasts and resource allocation plans including staff and training needs for programme implementation based on annual work plan;
• Participate in transition planning process on MRE;
• Provide relevant inputs for donors’ reports;
• Ensure regular MRE reporting from regional offices for MACC, UNOPS and UNMAS as required;
• Provide guidance and oversight of the contracting procedures to ensure timely submissions and feedback to implementing partners regarding scope of work and budgets;
• Ensures implementing partners provide financial reports and reconciliation of fund utilization on time and in an appropriate format acceptable to donors;
• Ensure implementing partners are tasked and deployed according to annual plan;
• Monitor and evaluate all implementing partners activities;
• Coordinate with implementing partners and government to develop an integrated community plan for MRE;
• Enhance information exchange methodology to ensure impacted communities are provided with up to date information on MRE activities in their area;
• Any other duties as requested and tasked by the Programme Manager and/or the Chief of Operations.

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Education, social work or related field with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• A First level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in Education, social work or related field with seven (7) years of relevant experience is required.

Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in community-based education, public information communications, training management and capacity building;
• Within the required relevant experience, at least 5 years in programme operations, management or development is required;
• Experience in gender and successful donor relations and fundraising is desired;
• Experience working with UN system or UNOPS procedures is desired.

Languages

• Fluency in French (written, spoken and reading) is required;
• Intermediate knowledge level in English (written, spoken and reading) is required;
• Knowledge of another UN official language is desired.

Competencies

Strategic Perspective:

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)

Integrity & Inclusion

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.

Leading Self and Others

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 style

Partnering

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).

Results Orientation

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.

Agility

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 improvements.

Solution Focused

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.

Effective Communication

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:International Individual Contractor Agreement

Contract level:I-ICA 2 (ICS-10)

Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

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

• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS 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.

Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner 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 we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

About the Organization

Background Information - PSC

Peace and Security Centre

The UNOPS Peace and Security Centre (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 Centre 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 Centre Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Centre on behalf of its clients.

UNMAS

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is a division of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). UNMAS is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly (RES/68/72) to ensure an effective, proactive and coordinated response to the problem posed by a wide range of explosive hazards. Legislative mandates also recognize UNMAS technical expertise in responding to threats posed by unsecured and unsafe conventional weapons and ammunition stockpiles. As an office within DPKO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates.

UNMAS as a component of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) provides explosive hazard management capacities, including mitigation, to AMISOM as part of a logistical support package. Non-lethal tactical advice and analysis is delivered by UNMAS technical advisors located in each AMISOM Sector Headquarters and at AMISOM Force Headquarters, who support AMISOM planning and operations. UNMAS support includes both enabling (“operate in spite of IEDs”) and response (“defeat the device”). As a component of the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) UNMAS also supports the Federal Government of Somalia, including the Somali Police Force, Somali Explosive Management Authority and National Security Advisor.

More information