Advisor, Operations Management
Organizational Context
The UNMAS Syria Programme, based in Damascus, is central to coordinating humanitarian mine action and enabling safe access for UN operations. It collaborates with the Syrian Government and leads the Mine Action Area of Responsibility. The programme operates under UN Security Council mandates to address the significant impact of explosive hazards in Syria, supporting the Humanitarian Response Plan.
Job Purpose
The Operations and Planning Mentor will provide crucial technical and operational advisory support to the Syrian National Mine Action Centre (SNMAC). The primary goal is to enhance SNMAC's national-level capabilities in planning, tasking, coordinating, monitoring, and overseeing mine action operations. This role involves mentoring SNMAC staff, guiding the development and continuous improvement of national operational systems, and ensuring adherence to International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and National Mine Action Standards (SNMAS), with a strong focus on the quality management system, accreditation, and lessons learned.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include mentoring SNMAC counterparts in developing operational frameworks, procedures, and workplans, integrating quality and information management. This involves establishing evidence-based prioritization, coordination, and tasking mechanisms aligned with humanitarian and government priorities, considering differentiated needs. The role supports strengthening SNMAC's Operations Department, developing and implementing training programs, and identifying capability gaps. Technical advice on IMAS-compliant land release methodologies, development of operational policies, SOPs, and guidance documents are essential. The incumbent will support the application and improvement of quality management systems, accreditation, and operational compliance mechanisms, including desk and field-based quality assurance. Advising on EOD task management, deployment concepts, and reporting, as well as coordinating mentor activities and engaging with stakeholders like UNMAS, operators, and national authorities, are also critical functions. Regular technical assessments, reporting, and strategic support, including GESI integration and PSEAH compliance, are required.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of seven years of progressive experience in mine action, EOD, or related operational fields. This includes demonstrated experience managing land release operations, capacity development, and developing operational/quality management systems for national authorities. Experience in developing standards, SOPs, and managing training packages is essential. Experience in post-conflict environments and mentoring national authorities is highly desirable.
Skills
Capacity Building, Field Operations, Mentoring, Operations Management, Planning, Quality Management, Training Management, EOD.