Operations Specialist – Explosive Threat Mitigation

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall management of the UNMAS Chief of Operations, the Explosive Hazard Threat Mitigation Officer will be responsible for the liaison with different UNMAS Mali stakeholders related with the Explosive Hazard Threat Mitigation reporting activities carried out in Mali by MINUSMA, Malian Defense and Security Forces (MDSF) and Humanitarian Actors. S/he will also be responsible for providing technical expertise to MINUSMA, UNMAS Management and Implementing Partners when required in the area of Explosive Hazard Threat Mitigation.

Summary of Key Functions:

• Oversee all aspects of Explosive Threat Mitigation related activities carried out by staff under your supervision and control.
• When requested, act as the Investigating Officer for Detailed Independent Investigations or Boards of Inquiry for Mine/ERW/IED Accidents or incidents.
• Provide guidance on any specific corrective actions to be taken by Implementing Partners (IP), following an inspection, which finds a critical non-conformity.
• Develop and conduct training, and manage the quality of training on Explosive Hazards and IED Threat Mitigation as required.
• Participate to implement QA management systems and ensure that the systems are being applied in a fair and equitable manner, and that accreditation, licensing and monitoring does not interrupt or delay Operations (Mentoring, training, reporting).
• Conduct routine on-site QA of Implementing Partners operations and as part of the accreditation process.
• Stay abreast of the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG’s) and United Nations Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Standards (UN IEDD Standards); ensure that Implementing Partners Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in line with international standards when required by the Chief of Operation as part of the desk assessment.
• Disseminate within the UNMAS OPS section the new and/or updated edition of within UN International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG’s) and United Nations Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Standards (UN IEDD Standards).
• Participate in the conduct of quality assurance on all Explosive Threat Mitigation Training Management Packages (TMP)and mentorship reports carried out by contracted trainers and mentors to the benefit of project personnel, civilian and military. Support the FORCE, UNPOL and MINUSMA CEXC on the implementation and delivery the Post Blast Investigation (PBI) course.
• Support the collection of data related Explosive Hazards and IED incidents and the management of information.
• Verification of IED/EOD incident reporting.
• Provide specific training on SURVEY 123 to new OPS staff.
• Provide advice and input in the development of strategic and procedural documents related to EOD/IEDD matters in support to project.
• Support to Programme, project and operations planning and activities through the provision of IED analysis in cooperation with Safety and Security of Peacekeepers (SSP) Project, Protection of Civilians trough Mine Action (POCMA) project and Support to National Authorities (SNA).
• Support as required by the Chief of Ops and the UN Peace Mission in any policy update or refresher of technical framework for post blast investigation efforts.
• As directed by the Chief of Operations, coordinate, develop and maintain stakeholder liaison in relation to explosive threat mitigation.
• Provide advisory support and technical assistance to relevant national military units in matters of information management (compilation and reporting of incidents / interventions).

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Master Degree or equivalent with 5 years of relevant experience OR
• Bachelor Degree or equivalent with 7 years of relevant experience OR
• 11 years of experience in the operations within a recognized military, police, humanitarian mine action organization, development organization, or other relevant field experience.

Certifications:

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Certification is desired
• IED Threat and Explosive Risks Mitigation and Search and Detect is desired

Work Experience:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in IED Threat Mitigation and/or Explosive Risks Mitigation functions within a recognized military, police, humanitarian mine action organization, development setting, or other relevant field experience.
• Within relevant experience, 3 years experience of analysis in the field of explosive threat management, EOD, high-risk search or related field is required.
• Experience in post blast investigation, chain of custody procedures and quality assurance of reporting is desired.

Languages:

• Fluent in English (read, write or speak) is required.
• Fluency in French is desired.