Mine Action Specialist

Overview of position

General Background

• Our client supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.
• Our 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.
• Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.
• With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, our client offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
• A flexible structure and global reach mean that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. Please provide general background information on the context of the engagement.

Background Information - Peace and Security Cluster

• For over 20 years, our clients Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has served as a key implementation platform supporting the work of its largest partner.
• Through a strategic partnership, PSC delivers interlinked portfolio, programme and project management services, reinforced by robust oversight and risk management controls tailored to operations in complex and high-risk environments.
• Operating under the leadership of the Cluster Director - who holds overall authority and accountability for PSC’s performance on behalf of its clients - the Cluster provides day-to-day management of their partners field programmes.
• This includes comprehensive support across human resources, procurement, contract management, planning, implementation, and financial oversight, ensuring full compliance with our client rules and regulations and donor requirements.
• PSC’s service delivery is complemented by cross-cutting initiatives, including knowledge and information management, gender equality, diversity and inclusion and quality assurance.
• The Cluster enables agile deployment and operational flexibility, allowing field programmes to respond swiftly to shifting needs in dynamic operational contexts. It also plays an essential role in donor reporting and visibility, ensuring that funding is used transparently and effectively.

Background Information

• Established in 1997, our clients partner works to eliminate the threat of landmines, explosive remnants of war (ERW), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Their partner leads operational responses, coordinates mine action across the UN system, and contributes to global standards and policy development.
• They supports the UN's vision of "a world free of the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance, where individuals and communities live in a safe environment conducive to development, and where mine survivors are fully integrated into their societies."
• Operating under mandates from both the UN General Assembly and Security Council, their functions as a specialized service within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO).
• They operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council, or at the request of the UN Secretary-General or his designated official. When instructed by the Security Council or called upon by Member States, their partner deploys under humanitarian, peace and security mandates.
• Their main headquarters is in the UN Secretariat, New York with a sub-office in Geneva.
• They provides direct support and assistance in the areas of explosive hazard threat mitigation to 18 countries/territories/missions, has a standby rapid response capacity and global technical advisors in the field of IEDs and Weapons and Ammunition Management.
• As an office within DPO, their partner supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates.
• They chair the Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA) and leads the Mine Action Area of Responsibility under the Global Protection Cluster. It also chairs the IMAS Review Board and leads the UN Coordinating Task Force on IEDs, supporting the Secretary-General’s Disarmament Agenda.

Background Information - Sudan

• The Sudan Programme, based in Port Sudan, works in close coordination with the National Mine Action Authority (NMAA), the UN Country Team and humanitarian partners. The project aims to protect civilians from the threat of explosive ordnance (EO) and strengthen the resilience of conflict-affected communities through a comprehensive, gender-mainstreamed and conflict-sensitive mine action response. It also supports broader humanitarian, early recovery and stabilization efforts by enabling safe access to areas contaminated by EO.
• Their Sudan’s key activities include land release operations, including urban EOD activities and building clearance, with the operational focus expected to shift toward the clearance of AT mines, including minimum-metal variants; delivery of both direct and indirect Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), tailored to different gender and age groups; and provision of technical advice to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding (HDP) actors to help them safely operate in EO-affected environments. The project also leads the coordination of the Mine Action Area of Responsibility (MA AoR) in Sudan, co-chairing the sector under the Global Protection Cluster framework. Through this role, their partner ensures that mine action is effectively integrated into humanitarian coordination mechanisms and that EO threats are adequately understood and addressed at all levels.
• While the Programme’s current operational footprint is primarily focused on areas under the control of the Sudan Government - especially urban areas in Khartoum and Al Jazirah - Sudan aspires to expand its outreach to all EO-affected regions, addressing both legacy contamination and new threats emerging from the ongoing conflict.

Role objectives

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Project Unit / Chief of Operations (HPU/CoO) or its representative, the Mine Action Specialist will perform the following tasks:

Operations – Design and planning

Support in providing input to the HPU or its representative on programme and project design documents from an operational and technical standpoint, such as:

• Workplan (e.g., nature of the threat, technical personnel and equipment requirements, etc.)
• Concept of Operations
• Input into the documents above is from the operational and technical aspects encompassing mine action pillars (e.g., clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, explosive ordnance risk education, victim assistance, advocacy, and stockpile destruction)
• Ensure that implementation plans have viable timelines, are assigned appropriate resources, and that implementation options reflect the knowledge of the context, as well as mechanisms and policies; key implementation documents include:
• Our clients Project Agreements
• Solicitation documents used to contract third parties (i.e., contractors and grantees)
• Human resources plan
• Support the design and planning of the national concept of operations and workplan, providing technical input to help ensure alignment with applicable standards, priorities and operational requirements.

Operations - Implementation and monitoring

• Support and participate in the technical reviews to ensure operations are conducted in accordance with our clients policies and both International and National Mine Action standards, such as: Project management standards, Health, safety, social and environmental standards, Gender parity and mainstreaming policies, Ethics and standards of conduct, Information management systems and standards and Organizational design standards and human resources policies;
• Where applicable, in collaboration with the NMAC and as tasked, conduct routine on-site QA of Mine Action Organization operations (for monitoring and post-clearance inspections) and as part of the Accreditation process to ensure operations are conducted in accordance with mine action technical standards, such as: International and National Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and corresponding National Technical Specifications and Guidelines (NTSGs);
• Oversee, coordinate, and monitor mine action operations and performance (both operations conducted in-house and those conducted through third-party contractors and grantees).
• Ensure third-party contracts and grants are delivered in accordance with mine action technical, operational and quality assurance processes (Implementation Plan, SOPs, task orders issuance, accreditation).
• Implement the program quality management and information management system.
• Familiarize with and, when required, deliver EO-related courses, including SSAFE.
• Advise the HPU or its representative and the NMAC CoO on potential technical and operational issues that may impact the achievement of programme/project outcomes and appropriate solutions.
• Ensure operational plans are updated and reviewed regularly.
• Monitor and react to emerging trends in Land Release activities.

Capacity Building & Mentorship

• Act as a mentor and training officer for the NMAC, providing guidance and support in operational implementation, operations management and field-level programme delivery in line with the NMAC-established priorities
• Develop training plans in conjunction with the HPU / CoO based on NMAC and MA Programme requirements and deliver training courses as necessary or when requested by the NMAC.
• Support the continuous improvement of operational practices by reviewing and updating of key documents, including Standards, Technical Guidelines, SOPs and Working practices and instructions (WPIs), in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Stakeholder management

• In support of the HPU or its representative, manage relationships with key stakeholders around operational and technical issues.
• Upon request from the HPU or its representative, engage national mine action authorities and/or relevant Government ministries for purposes of coordination.

People management

• Mentor and advise NMAC and mine action operations personnel in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best operational processes.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration, and diversity by providing the Operations team with clear direction, objectives, and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively, and efficiently.
• Foster a positive and enabling work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Knowledge management and innovation

• Ensure records of operations-related files are well maintained.
• Effectively manage efficient and effective operations in their AOR.
• Keep abreast of and incorporate the latest/best practices, approaches, and technology to enhance operational results.
• Support e alignment of best practices and IM approaches between the NMAC.

Impact of Results

• The MA Specialist’s effective and successful performance directly impacts the achievement of the project deliverables and mine action programme results and consequently reinforces the programme's visibility and image as well as the wider Mine Action Sector in Sudan.

Project reporting

• Reporting on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis on progress to the Head of Project Unit (HPU)
• Ensure all reports are duly submitted and recorded in UNMAS database

Key competencies

• An 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 Secondary School Degree (High School of equivalent) with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience is required.
• A recognised EOD Level 3 qualification is required. Preference will be given to candidates holding the IMAS Level 3+ Bulk Demolitions competency, or an equivalent nationally or organisationally recognised qualification demonstrating competence in the planning, management and conduct of bulk demolition operations.
• Relevant experience is defined as experience in project management in a military, humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development context.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven and applicable experience (within the last ten years) in the conduct and management of Mine Action operations and, in particular, previous experience managing/implementing the following activities such as Explosive Ordnance Disposal, including multiple items and logistical demolitions, Non-technical survey, Technical survey, Manual mine clearance, including Road Clearance, Battle Area Clearance,
• Proven experience in designing and delivering training and mentorship is required (in humanitarian mine action or military or police settings),
• Experience in mentoring and coaching national counterparts in all core areas of mine action is required.
• Experience in conducting structured training and on-the-job instruction aligned with their required technical competencies is required. Training should be tailored to the needs of NMAC personnel and support their operational planning, management and field-level programme delivery.
• Knowledge of information management systems such as the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) is desired.
• 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-3 and above)
• Integrity and 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 styles.
• 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.
• Solutions 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.
• Fluency in English language (Reading, writing, speaking) is required
• Fluency in any other UN official language (Reading, writing, speaking) is desired.

Team management

• Mentor and advise NMAC and UNMAS operations personnel in planning, execution, and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best operational processes.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration, and diversity by providing the Operations team with clear direction, objectives, and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively, and efficiently.
• Foster a positive and enabling work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Further information

• Candidates who do not hold an IMAS Level 3+ Bulk Demolitions qualification but possess an EOD Level 3 qualification must provide documented evidence of relevant operational experience in planning and conducting bulk demolitions. Such evidence may include operational logs, post-task reports, training records, or other verifiable documentation.
• Copies of all relevant qualifications and supporting documentation must be submitted as part of the application.
• EOD qualifications must have been issued by organisations that train and certify EOD personnel in accordance with IMAS Test and Evaluation Protocol (TEP) 09.30/01/2022. Applicants are responsible for providing evidence that their qualifications meet this requirement.
• Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for this role.