Job Description
| Organization | United Nations Office for Project Services |
| Job categories | Demining |
| Job Title | Operations and Quality Assurance – Associate, Multiple positions |
| Vacancy code | VA/2022/B5019/23567 |
| Department/office | NYSC, PSC, Sudan Project Unit |
| Duty station | Kadugli, Damazine, Sudan |
| Contract type | Local ICA Support |
| Contract level | LICA-6 |
| Duration | 12 Month |
| Application period | 15-Mar-2022 to 31-Mar-2022 |
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
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. It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance PSC on behalf of its clients. The Director is responsible for administering and providing 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.
Background Information – Job-specific
The UNMAS Sudan office is based in Khartoum and works closely with the Government of Sudan and international partners with an aim of reducing the impact of explosive hazards on civilian population. UNMAS Sudan’s main activities include land release, risk education (RE) and victim assistance (VA) in areas affected with explosive ordnance. Currently, South Kordofan, Blue Nile and West Kordofan are affected with mines and ERW while 5 Darfur states are believed to contain ERW only. UNMAS also provides technical advice and training for Sudan National Mine Action Center (NMAC) and national mine action NGOs for improving national mine action capacity.
Functional Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the UNMAS Operation/ Quality Assurance officer, he/she will be responsible the following main duties
- Participate in the capacity building of national NGOs at Regional level, including efforts to improve national mine action center;
- Assist with the setting up for internal and external UNMAS meetings and preparation of related briefing materials and recording of meeting minutes;
- Support coordination amongst Explosive Hazard sub-cluster members and represent UNMAS in Protection Clusters to actively engage stakeholders and improve Humanitarian Mine Action response in South Kordofan, or Blue Nile
- Support general operational Mine Action related activities within South Kordofan or Blue Nile office, carried out by Humanitarian mine action partners;
- Provide support with the overseeing and coordination of the implementation, execution, and completion of all UNMAS related Mine Action operations in Kadugli or Damazine.
- Support liaison with external stakeholders including national mine action authorities;
- Participate in field monitoring and Quality Assurance (QA) missions as per project and program plans;
- Support Victim Assistance initiatives including coordination meetings, training of staff and data collection efforts.
- Support in providing substantive inputs to assist the operation advisor in the preparation of project reports;
- Translate documents when requested from Arabic to English and vice versa, in line with United Nations Standards and of various types of documents covering a broad range of subject matters dealt with by UNMAS;
- Conduct regular coordination- with NMAC Operations and Information Management Sections, and check data prior to it being sent for input into UNMAS Programme Management Office;
- Ensure all UNMAS/NMAC related correspondence is received, dispatched and recorded;
- Assist in development and maintenance of tracking system to assist the operation advisor in following up on project pending issues;
- Follow up on project action points to ensure deadlines are met, address delays and bring to the attention of operation advisor;
- Provide support in conducting formal investigations of mine action incidents/accidents;
- Conduct analysis of project reports, investigations and preparation of recommended adjustments as required;
- Help draft regular progress reports on the operations advisor allocated tasks;
- Any other duties as requested by the Supervisor or Head of Section.
* CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!
* QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
- A First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with two years of relevant experience, OR
- High School Diploma (Secondary or equivalent) with six years of relevant experience is required.
Experience
- Relevant experience is defined as experience in operations management, operations support, project management or business administration.
- Experience in preparing project plans, schedules or coordination of events is required;
- Experience in report writing is required;
- Experience in supporting operations in humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, Non-profit Organizations (NGOs) or development contexts is desired.
- Computer literacy, with solid experience of using Microsoft Office is required.
Languages
- Fluency in English (speaking, writing and reading) is required.
- Fluency in Arabic (speaking, writing and reading) is required.
- Knowledge of another UN official language is desired.
Competencies
 | 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 improvements. |
 | 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. |
Additional Considerations
- 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.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- 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
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
- 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.
Contract type, level and duration
– Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)- Contract level: ICS-6
– Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘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
Background Information – UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
