Operations Specialist

Organizational Context

UNOPS, through its Global Portfolios Office (GPO), supports partners in delivering sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding initiatives globally. The Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) within UNOPS specializes in mine action and explosive threat management. The PSC Somalia Project Unit, in partnership with UNMAS Somalia, works across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus to reduce threats from explosive devices and build local capacity.

Job Purpose

The Operations Specialist supports the Chief of Operations in managing mine action activities across Somalia, ensuring alignment with UNSOS mandate, national priorities, and donor expectations. This role involves overseeing operational planning, coordinating mine action operations including EOD/IEDD training and mentoring for Somali Security Forces (SSF), and integrating Prevention against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) into all activities. The Specialist ensures operational responsiveness to evolving threats, develops capacity building plans for SSF, and facilitates coordination with AUSSOM, national authorities, and partners to achieve sustainable transition and continuity of operations. They also lead the Quality Management team to ensure safe, inclusive, and accountable operational delivery, and act as an Investigating Officer for explosive-related incidents.

Responsibilities

The Operations Specialist supports the Chief of Operations in managing all mine action activities within UNMAS Somalia's Area of Responsibility. This includes coordinating mine action operations and developing training plans for AUSSOM and SSF. The role requires travel to regional hubs and field locations to oversee activities and ensure the safety and welfare of personnel. The Specialist works closely with Operations and Quality Assurance Officers to coordinate activities and support the reduction of IED threats. They are responsible for ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, deliverables, and performance standards, including PSEAH and HSSE requirements, and promoting a culture of respect and accountability within operational teams. The role also involves ensuring operational outputs align with donor requirements, programme objectives, and security constraints.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience in managing humanitarian mine action operations, explosive threat mitigation, or military operations, specifically in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD). Experience in training development, national capacity building, Quality Management, and working in complex, high-risk security environments is highly desired. Experience with IMAS, IATG, and IMSMA is also beneficial.

Skills

Operations Management, Mine Action, Explosive Threat Mitigation, EOD/IEDD Training and Operations, Capacity Development, Quality Management, PSEAH Integration, Stakeholder Coordination, Contract Supervision, Risk Management, Investigation, IMAS, IATG, IMSMA.

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