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General Information

Position Title
Animal Detection Systems (ADS) Assessor
Vacancy Type
Roster
Job Category
Operations
Duty Station(s)
Home based
Seniority Level
Senior Level
ICS Level
ICS 11
Contract Type
ICA - IICA - Regular
Contract Level
IICA 3
Posting Start Date
16-Apr-2026
Posting End Date
29-Apr-2026
Duration
Variable

Job Highlight

The ADS Assessor strives to ensure that PSC’s operations are not only compliant with International Mine Action Standards and other relevant global frameworks, but that PSC is also striving to be at the forefront of operational best practices, championing innovation, and operational support, creating a highly effective and impactful role within PSC.

About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) manages UNOPS' New York-based portfolios, delivering project and programme management, procurement, HR, and financial services to global partners, from the UN Secretariat to Member States. NYPO strategically positions UNOPS with these partners, fostering collaboration to achieve growth and leveraging expertise in global portfolio design and implementation. We support the broader SDGs and 2030 Agenda, primarily assisting the UN Secretariat and other New York-based UN entities with a global reach. NYPO encompasses the Peace and Security Cluster (PSC), focusing on explosive threat management, and the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC), providing diverse operational support to the UN system in New York.

Job Specific Context

Please note that this is a roster replenishment, i.e. a call for applications for future function-specific opportunities, determined by emerging needs. The process is similar to a regular recruitment, but is not linked to a current vacancy. By joining the roster, candidates will have a chance to apply for ADS Assessor regular or retainer positions at the ICS-11 level as they emerge. For home-based positions, the contract type (LICA or IICA) will be determined based on the ICSC scale applicable to the duty station.

Role Purpose

The ADS Assessor strives to ensure that PSC’s operations are not only compliant with International Mine Action Standards and other relevant global frameworks, but that PSC is also striving to be at the forefront of operational best practices, championing innovation, and operational support, creating a highly effective and impactful role within PSC.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Reporting to the PSC’s Global Technical Advisor, The Animal Detection Systems (ADS) carries out the following responsibilities:

1. Primary Support to UNMAS ADS Operations (Highest Priority)

  • Oversee and coordinate the implementation and execution of all ADS-related operations as directed by the designated primary supervisor.

  • Work closely with procurement and contract management teams to ensure contractors comply with their contractual obligations.

  • Implement an ADS Quality Management System (QMS), including the conduct of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) assessments.

  • Report outcomes according to National Technical Standards and Guidelines (NTSG) or National Standards (NS).

  • Lead and conduct regular Accreditation/Inspections of ADS teams and produce comprehensive written reports, including assessment forms and recommendations.

  • Maintain familiarity with applicable International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), National Mine Action Standards (NMAS), and best practices in ADS operations.

  • Review maintenance training and submitted Training Records (TR) of contracted ADS Teams and debrief contractors on QA achievements.

  • Provide leadership in liaising with relevant stakeholders, including the contractor, Mission authorities, and UNDSS, to ensure integration of ADS efforts with the overall security plan.

2. Global Advisory & PSC Support (Design, Planning & Expansion)

  • Support PSC and relevant stakeholders in developing and refining ADS programme design from an operational and technical perspective for Explosives, Narcotics, and Human Scent detection.

  • Provide expert ADS operations advice to UNOPS PSC and Programmes.

  • Establish Feasibility Assessment (FA) procedures and lead the design of concepts of operations for multi-purpose Animal Detection Systems projects.

  • Develop technical requirements and procedures for Human Scent Detection Dogs (HSDD) (tracking/rubble) and Narcotic Detection Dogs (NDD) services.

  • Provide technical expert advice to procurement teams on pre-qualification for various detection disciplines (EDD, NDD, HSDD).

  • Participate in and conduct technical missions, including Pre-Deployment Assessments (PDA), Operational Readiness Inspections (ORI), and QC assessments.

3. Knowledge Management & Innovation

  • Establish and lead a global community of ADS operational experts, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

  • Champion innovation by identifying emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies (such as advanced surface change tracking).

  • Develop and conduct QA courses for field personnel and relevant contractors.

  • Design initiatives for knowledge dissemination, including identifying training needs and developing packages to increase awareness of specific capacities like HSDD.


Measurable Outputs

  • Issuance, renewal, and management of Organizational, Operational, and Provisional Operational Accreditation for implementing partners and specific Canine Teams.

  • Production and issuance of Pre-qualification Certificates following the successful evaluation of an organization.

  • Delivery of comprehensive written reports following Pre-deployment Assessments (PDAs), detailing explicit deployment recommendations, identified flaws, and required corrective steps for the implementing partner.


Milestones

  • Execution of the Global Pre-qualification process, formally clearing organizations through Stage 1 (Document Review) and Stage 2 (Physical Review).

  • Completion of the Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) prior to the operational phase of the contract to verify contractual requirements and operational capacity.

  • Timely execution of periodic Quality Control (QC) Assessments, conducted every six months at a minimum, to confirm ongoing compliance with operational standards.


Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Target Indication Rate: Ensure that the assessed Canine Teams consistently achieve a 100% indication rate of all explosive/narcotic hides, items, and/or persons per dog during accreditation procedures.

  • Operational Accuracy: Ensure that the assessed Canine Teams maintain a 0% false indication rate and achieve 100% coverage of designated search areas, vehicles, or items during assessments.

  • Organizational Compliance Threshold: Monitor and enforce the 50% pass threshold; if more than 50% of a Pre-qualified Canine Organization's teams fail an operational assessment test or QC Assessment, the Assessor must actively suspend their Pre-qualification status.


Reporting Requirements

  • Continuous monitoring and verification of the implementing partner's internal Quality Management System (QMS) via the systematic review of weekly and monthly reports.

  • Rigorous evaluation of comprehensive training records, ensuring they accurately reflect training progression, identified shortcomings, and corresponding corrective actions.

  • Routine review of animal health metrics, including daily health check summaries submitted weekly, and formal monthly health check summaries signed by handlers, team leaders, and a veterinarian.

  • Review of weekly veterinary reports and monthly assessments of dog food storage facility conditions.


Skills

Animal Behavior, Animal Training, Contract Management, Knowledge Management, Procurement Contracts, Training
Strategic Perspective
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Respect
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
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.
Partnerships
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).
Excellence
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.
Adaptability
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.
Decision-making
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.
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.

Education Requirements

Education

  • Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience; OR

  • First Level University Degree (Bachelors or equivalent) with 9 years of relevant experience; OR

  • High School Diploma, with a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience.

Certifications

  • Product Scent Detection Dog Assessor/Evaluator Course (Internationally recognised) is required.

  • Product Scent Detection Dog Instructor Course (Internationally recognised) is required.


Experience Requirements

Relevant experience is defined as combined experience as an External Evaluator, Instructor, and Handler for Product Scent Dogs (Explosives, Narcotics, or Human Scent).


  • Experience in ADS Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures is required.

  • Proven specialized knowledge of narcotic scent signatures and human scent characteristics (tracking/trailing) is required.

  • A track record that demonstrates the technical ability to audit organizational compliance with NMAS/IMAS, UNOPS ADS Standards, and ISO 9001-based Quality Management Systems is required.

  • Experience in Human Scent Detection (tracking and rubble management) is desired.

  • Experience as a Canine Mental Ability evaluator is desired.

  • Experience in a UN operational environment is desired.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement
EnglishFluentRequired

Additional Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
  • Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
  • Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. 
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
  • UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
  • We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
 
Terms and Conditions
 
  • 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here
  • For more details about the contract types, please click here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.