Senior Technical Advisor

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) supports sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding globally. The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) specifically manages UNOPS' New York-based portfolios, delivering project and programme management services. The Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) within NYPO focuses on explosive threat management, providing project management services in mine action and explosive hazards.

Job Purpose

The Senior Technical Advisor (STA) plays a crucial role within the UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) in Damascus, reporting to the Head of Operations (HoO). The primary purpose of this role is to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient conduct of mine action operations. The STA is responsible for the comprehensive lifecycle of projects, from planning and implementation through monitoring, supervision, and closure. This involves providing critical operational and technical input to support UNOPS' partners, particularly the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), in delivering their mandates. The role contributes to mitigating explosive threats and advancing peace and security objectives by ensuring adherence to international standards and best practices in mine action.

Responsibilities

The Senior Technical Advisor is responsible for supporting the Head of Operations in programme and project design, providing operational and technical input on strategy, work plans, budgets, and concepts of operations. This includes ensuring implementation plans are viable, adequately resourced, and aligned with UNOPS policies and context-specific knowledge, covering all mine action pillars. The role involves supporting the conduct of operations in compliance with UNOPS and mine action technical standards (IMAS, IATG, MOSAIC), and contributing to the oversight and monitoring of operations, including third-party contracts and grants. Key duties include designing and implementing quality and information management systems, managing risks, advising on technical and operational issues, and leading Boards of Inquiry. The STA will also manage stakeholder relationships, represent the HoO in technical forums, and promote inclusive engagement. People management responsibilities include mentoring the operations team, upholding PSEAH standards, and fostering a safe, inclusive work environment. Knowledge management involves maintaining operational records and incorporating best practices.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive operational experience in explosive hazard management or mine action in humanitarian, post-conflict, or high-threat environments. Proven track record managing complex clearance operations, including humanitarian mine action, mechanical clearance, IED threat mitigation, or stockpile management, is essential. A minimum of 3 years leading multicultural teams in field operations with QA/QC oversight is also required. Experience applying IMAS or IATG standards, designing quality management systems, and using information management systems like IMSMA is necessary.

Skills

Field Operations, Knowledge Management, Operational Planning, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, People Management, Risk Management, Quality Management, Information Management.

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