UNOPS

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.

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.

Background Information - Peace and Security Cluster 

For 25 years, UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has provided portfolio, programme and project management services in the area of mine action and explosive threat management, that are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls.

Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the implementation of projects that, through the engagement of inputs such as personnel, third parties, assets and other resources, deliver activities that produce substantive mine action outputs.

Project management is conducted in line with UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM), which incorporates best practices in the field, as well with a view to quality and cross-cutting initiatives such as workforce and talent management; knowledge and information management; health, safety, social and environmental management; gender parity and mainstreaming; and diversity and inclusion. This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented in accordance with partner 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 –      PSC Somalia Project Uni

The PSC Somalia Project Unit operates as an integral part of Peace and Security Cluster structure. In Somalia, PSC’s partner is the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and UNMAS’ representative in-country is the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP). UNMAS Somalia is a component of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). In line with the UN’s strategic priorities, the PSC Somalia Project Unit works with UNMAS Somalia across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, supporting emergency response, enabling stabilization, and fostering resilience. Its partnerships with donors, UN agencies, Somali authorities, and implementing organizations are crucial to delivering impactful and sustainable mine action interventions. Strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders—including government counterparts, international partners, and private sector actors, is essential to advancing Somalia’s security and development objectives.

• Support the Chief of Operations in the comprehensive operational management of activities across Mogadishu and all sector offices, and in ensuring full alignment of operational activities with UNSOS mandate requirements, national priorities, and donor expectations. 

• Support the Chief of Operations in the development and maintenance of the Country Programme Strategy/Framework, oversee progress tracking, and ensure that all relevant stakeholders are appropriately consulted and kept informed at all times.

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee the timely delivery of mine action operations, including EOD/IEDD training, mentoring, and operational support to AUSSOM and Somalia Security Forces (SSF) 

• Ensure operational activities are responsive to evolving threat trends and contribute to reducing IED incidents and casualties. 

• Develop structured capacity development plans, including training, mentoring, and provision of appropriate equipment to facilitate the transfer of IED threat mitigation responsibilities to SSF.

• Track and report on capacity development progress, ensuring that SSF capabilities are strengthened in a sustainable and measurable manner. 

• Facilitate coordination with AUSSOM, national authorities, and partners to ensure a coherent approach to transition and continuity of operations.

• Oversee the implementation, execution, and completion of all mine action operations in coordination with the CoO.

• Ensure effective coordination between operational, technical, and support units to optimize delivery.

• Supervise contracts with Mine Action partners to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, deliverables, and performance standards.

• Ensure operational outputs are aligned with donor requirements, programme objectives, and security constraints.

• Provide overall leadership and management of the Quality Management (QM) team, coordinate and prioritize QM-related operational tasking.

• Ensure implementation of an effective and sound Quality Management System that does not hinder operational delivery.

• Ensure proper maintenance of QA/QC documentation, records, and reporting systems.

• Provide technical guidance to enhance QA/QC frameworks in collaboration with UNMAS/UNOPS Regional Global Technical Advisors and key stakeholders.

• Lead or support accreditation of instructors and mentors in line with Mine Action standards.

• Provide technical advice for the development and delivery of training packages, including EOD/IEDD curricula.

• Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Training Management Packages in line with evolving IED threats in Somalia.

• Conduct regular Quality Assurance (QA) visits to training and operational locations, including      Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) training centres, In-country training and operational sites.

• Support the development of technical specifications for procurement of mine action equipment, goods, services and other requirements

• Act as Investigating Officer for Boards of Inquiry and Independent Investigations into explosive-related incidents or accidents.

• Ensure investigation findings are incorporated into training, mentoring, and operational improvements.

• Provide guidance and oversight on the storage, transportation, and use of explosives and hazardous materials by UNOPS contractors and AUSSOM partners. Ensure compliance with safety standards, IMAS, and UN regulations.

• Assume full responsibilities of the Chief of Operations during periods of absence.

• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Chief of Operations and Head of Project Unit.

Education

• Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR
• A First Level University Degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, OR

• A High School Degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience.

Certifications

• EOD IMAS Level 3 is required. 

• EOD IMAS Level 3+ is desired.

• IEDD IMAS Level 3 (Operator) / IEDD Level 3+ (Adv) is desired.

Qualifying certifications shall be from international organizations that train and educate specialists in accordance with IMAS, CWA, IATG, and UNOPS EDD standards. Applicants are responsible for providing proof of competence and the curriculum of courses attended.

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in managing/implementing humanitarian mine action operations, explosive threat mitigation, and/or military operations in the following activities within the past 10 years: Explosive Ordnance Disposal in single, multiple, and bulk demolitions, EO Search & Detect.

• Experience in Training Development and Delivery and/or National Capacity Development related to Explosive Threat Mitigation Quality Management is required.

• Experience in International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), using information management systems such as the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) is desired.

• Experience working in complex, high-risk security environments, specifically in East Africa, is desired.   

• Experience serving as an Investigating Officer for Boards of Inquiry or Independent Investigations into explosive incidents is desired.

• Experience integrating PSEAH (Prevention against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment) into operational planning and contractor oversight is desired.

• Experience in leading diverse, multi-national teams, applying gender and inclusion considerations in operational planning, and mentoring staff from underrepresented groups, is desired.

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• 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. 
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments. 
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

• 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.