Project Specialist - Mine Action and Resilient Livelihoods (Open to all applicants)

Background

Zimbabwe aspires to be a middle-income country and society by 2030 in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS-1), 2021-2025. Looking ahead, UNDP sees itself supporting the Government of Zimbabwe in the identified thematic areas of NDS 2 (2026-2030) and continuing to support Zimbabwe meet its development targets. The Government underlines the importance of good governance, strong institutions and peace stability in creating wealth and sharing benefits, emphasizing that people must be empowered to hold leaders and public servants accountable to improve performance and service delivery. Three key thematic areas under NDS 2 namely Good Governance, Institution Building, Peace and Security Food Security; Climate Resilience and Environmental Protection and Social Development and Social Protection will contribute to demining and livelihood outcomes accordingly. In line with this, UNDP Zimbabwe as a key Government partner in Zimbabwe’s development efforts has aligned its Governance Portfolio programme to respond to these identified national priorities. UNDP is collaborating closely with its partners in government, civil society, private sector and development partners to roll out holistic governance programming aiming at capacitating various institutions to fully execute their constitutional mandates. 

The Transformative Governance Unit, in the UNDP Zimbabwe Country Office, has a Decentralized Governance for Development portfolio which seeks to strengthen democracy through creating an enabling environment for effective citizens’ engagement in a decentralized manner, and promotion of robust and responsive institutions at national and subnational levels that embrace transparency and accountability for improved service delivery and enjoyment of rights by citizens. It also aims to strengthen dialogue on key national development and political governance and facilitating inclusion of women, people with disabilities and other marginalized groups, thus leaving no one behind. Under this portfolio, the position of Project Specialist – Mine Action and Resilient Livelihoods will play a critical role in advancing the objectives of the Decentralized Governance for Development Portfolio by enabling inclusive, secure, and resilient local development in mine-affected and under-served communities. The project contributes directly to the portfolio’s aims of strengthening democratic governance, enhancing service delivery, and promoting accountable institutions at sub-national levels. By coordinating mine clearance efforts that restore access to land and infrastructure, and implementing livelihood support initiatives that build economic resilience, the role supports the portfolio’s emphasis on effective service delivery. It further promotes citizen engagement, inclusion, and local ownership by working with provincial and local authorities, civil society, and marginalized groups—including women, youth, and persons with disabilities—thereby reinforcing transparency, accountability, and community-led development. The Coordinator’s work will also contribute to rebuilding the social contract between citizens and the state in line with the portfolio’s integrated systems-thinking approach, and support broader national development goals as outlined in Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 1 and 2, and the UNSDCF and CPD outcomes.

Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy (NDS-1) recognizes the importance of not leaving anyone or any place behind. However, several communities along the border with Mozambique and South Africa have been affected by the legacy of the liberation struggle because they continue to face the brunt of the impact of Explosive Ordinance (EO) contamination forty-five years after the attainment of independence. This prevents return to normal life in the affected communities. At independence, Zimbabwe inherited 310.6 square kilometers of contamination. The Zimbabwe-Mozambique border spans four provinces, 12 districts and currently holds approximately 12 square kilometers of the remaining Explosive Ordinance contamination which is located close to villages in proximity to agricultural and grazing land. Zimbabwe has an obligation and treaty deadline set in terms of Article 5 of the Ottawa Convention (Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) to be land mine free by December 2025. However, this target will not be met due to challenges in securing funding needed for clearance amid competing and significant social and economic priorities and has since been extended to 2030.

The Enhancing Resilience of Communities through Mine Clearance and the Improvement of the Agricultural Infrastructure Project is strategically aligned with three key thematic areas under NDS 2, namely: Good Governance, Institution Building, Peace and Security; Food Security, Climate Resilience and Environmental Protection; and Social Development and Social Protection. Through mine clearance and the restoration of access to land, the project promotes peace and security, strengthens trust in public institutions, and supports local governance structures to deliver on their mandates—thus contributing to institution building and good governance. The safe return of land to communities enhances agricultural productivity and resilience, thereby advancing food security and enabling more sustainable use of natural resources in line with climate resilience and environmental protection objectives. Simultaneously, the project’s support to vulnerable populations through inclusive livelihood opportunities directly contributes to social development and protection, especially for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and communities historically affected by landmines. As such, the project not only addresses the immediate threat of landmines but also catalyzes long-term, inclusive, and resilient development outcomes as envisioned in NDS 2.

In this context, UNDP in Zimbabwe seeks a highly qualified and experienced Zimbabwean professional for the post of Project Specialist – Mine Action and Resilient Livelihoods, who will be responsible for the coordination of Mine Action activities across the five pillars of Mine Action - namely land release, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), victim assistance, stockpile destruction (when applicable), and advocacy towards compliance with international treaties. In addition, the Specialist will lead the design and implementation of inclusive and sustainable livelihoods and resilience-building interventions in mine-affected communities, ensuring that cleared land is transformed into productive use and that affected populations - particularly vulnerable and marginalized groups—benefit from enhanced economic opportunities and community development. 

Scope of Work 

The Project Specialist – Mine Action and Resilient Livelihoods is expected to be responsible for ensuring technical support of projects implementation within the framework of Mine Action, and for achieving the projects’ results (outputs) as defined in the approved project document, and in the annual work plans, through timely implementation, and quality monitoring of the projects’ activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities.

1) Leadership and management of the Explosive Ordnance (EO) Technical Operations 

• Lead, manage a team of responsible parties, and provide the necessary support so that they successfully succeed in their work with the National Mine Action authorities, and other relevant agencies; 
• Provide guidance frameworks to the personnel on their aims and objectives to ensure there is strategic coherence across the whole project;
• Contribute to the setting of operational priorities and advise on the cost effective Mine Action operations;
• Promulgate continuous learning, ensuring the development of personnel knowledge and skills as part of their professional advancement.

2) Mine Action Field operations 

• Provide technical advice and support to national implementers/operators on land release activities, including Non-Technical Survey (NTS), Technical Survey and clearance activities, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), spot-tasks and associated quality management (QM) mechanisms and information management (IM) systems;
• Provide technical advice to planning, prioritization, and tasking requirements, including solutions for non-common situations involving a combination of different methods of survey and clearances such as manual, mechanical, and animal detection systems;
• Provide technical advice on the Explosive Ordnance survey requirements, and the quality management processes for UNDP workstreams;
• Oversee the procurement of specialized equipment ensuring that it meets operations’ requirements, as well as adheres to the unification of brands and types among Mine Action operators;
• Provide guidance and recommendations on the procurement of goods that may fall under import control;
• Oversee capacity development support to the Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre (ZIMAC) and other Mine Action operators accredited to undertake Mine Action activities in Zimbabwe, including the use of mechanical, manual, and animal detection systems for survey and clearance, and operational capacity across accreditation, tasking, IM and QM requirements;
• Provide oversight, and delivery where required, of public safety and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) efforts under UNDP projects and programmes, including safety training to other humanitarian and development actors. 

3) Resilient Livelihoods and Community Development 

• Lead technical design and coordination of livelihood support components targeting mine-affected and vulnerable communities, ensuring alignment with national development priorities and local needs;
• Provide expert support on resilient livelihoods strategies, including financial inclusion, value chain and market linkages, smallholder agriculture, climate-smart approaches, natural resource management, and clean/alternative energy solutions;
• Ensure tailored implementation of livelihoods and disaster risk management (DRM) interventions, adapted to specific contexts across different provinces and districts affected by Explosive Ordnance;
• Support the integration of early warning and anticipatory action systems in livelihoods and community resilience activities, promoting disaster preparedness and adaptive capacities;
• Facilitate stakeholder capacity strengthening, including technical support to local authorities, community-based organizations, and stakeholders for planning and implementation of sustainable livelihood interventions;
• Monitor the implementation of livelihood and resilience initiatives, anticipate challenges, and facilitate timely resolution of operational and programmatic issues;
• Ensure synergy between mine action and livelihoods programming, ensuring that land cleared of EO contamination is quickly transitioned into productive and secure use by target communities. 

4) Mine Action institutional capacity 

• Coordinate and collaborate with the responsible Ministry in the Government of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre, national and international Mine Action operators (MAO), and relevant stakeholders in-country, at HQ, and in other UNDP programmes, to ensure aligned and coherent planning and implementation processes;
• Provide technical advice to support the development/implementation of the National Mine Action Strategy for the Government of Zimbabwe, and to guide the national Mine Action programme, its implementation and other related procedures and instructions, as well as the development of management response to related review recommendations; 
• Advise on the integration of International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) in the national policy frameworks, on the implementation arrangements, and on the development of a suite of National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) which align to the IMAS; 
• Provide advice and support to linking Mine Action with socio-economic outcomes through enhanced socio-economic data collection in land release operations, with a particular focus on economic growth, poverty reduction, and livelihood activities;
• Provide technical assistance and capacity development support on humanitarian Mine Action to responsible ministries, departments and agencies within the Government of Zimbabwe, provincial authorities, and local administrations of the regions affected by landmines and ERWs.

5) Programme development, coordination, and monitoring

• Provide technical expertise to the UNDP Procurement Unit on matters related to procurement of land release services, including NTS and clearance of contracts to ensure the best value for money, transparency, fairness, and accountability of the process; 
• Monitor Mine Action contract performances, provide advice as required, maintain records of contract delivery results for reference, and contribute to the negotiations of the contract and contract amendment processes;   
• Oversee the quality requirements ensuring that management practices and operational procedures are being applied appropriately, to achieve the stated requirement in a safe, effective, and efficient manners;
• Contribute to programme annual work plans, relevant project documents, and lead the development and maintenance of associated monitoring mechanisms as needed for the implementation of the programme, ensuring activities reflect in-house capacity, budget, agreed areas of programme interventions, and the internal tools and knowledge resources;
• Monitor the achievement of relevant financial targets and provide continuous feedback to the Transformative Governance Team Leader on the rate of financial deliveries, advising and proposing prompt actions in case of under-delivery;
• Identify changes in the external environment and propose necessary solutions/actions;
• Ensure the mainstreaming of gender equality considerations in Mine Action, promotion of a safe and enabling environment free of any kind of discrimination and abusive behavior, and gender-responsive communications based on corporate principles;
• Plan and execute field missions and maintain quality assurance of field activities. 

6) Partnerships, representation, and inter-agency collaboration

• Support the establishment of relationships with other UN agencies, international and national organizations, donors, government, and Mine Action stakeholders for the purposes of facilitating activities and improving the quality and relevance of programme implementation, with a focus on developing and improving national capacities in line with sector’s long-term sustainability and directives;
• Explore and build relationships with new, non-traditional partners, such as educational institutions, community-based organizations, private sector etc., to expand UNDP Mine Action Programme recognition in Zimbabwe;
• Establish new partnerships and develop synergies that maximize the programmes and Mine Action’s impact, as well as identify possible new funding sources;
• Participate in, contribute to, and report on the relevant inter-agency, UN, donor and inter- governmental coordination meetings in consultation with the relevant programme technical specialists when required; 
• Support the design, coordination, and dissemination of public information products, and communication activities, such as public events to raise awareness; 
• Support in the preparations, and take part in the official meetings, events, briefings, and field visits, as well as prepare talking points, briefing notes, presentations, and speeches for the Senior UNDP officials.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 

Institutional Arrangement 

Under the overall guidance from, and the supervision of the UNDP Transformative Governance Unit Team Leader, the Project Specialist – Mine Action and Resilient Livelihoods is responsible, working in partnership with the Transformative Governance Team for ensuring technical backstopping of projects implementation within the framework of Mine Action, and for achieving the projects’ results (outputs) as defined in the approved project document, and in the annual work plans; through timely implementation and quality monitoring of the projects’ activities.

Business Management

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Public Administration, Business Administration, Project Management, Military Engineering, Social Sciences or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in a relevant field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in the Mine Action sector (military, commercial, humanitarian, etc.). 

Required  skills:

• Proficiency in the use of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).

Desired additional skills:

• Familiarity with programming frameworks and ERP systems used by the United Nations or similar international organizations is an added advantage;
• Advanced knowledge of database packages, and web-based management systems is an advantage;
• Relevant experience at the managerial level managing and/or coordinating programme, projects, operations, is desired;
• Proven experience in managing de-mining large-scale operations including all clearance methods: manual, mechanical & mine detection dogs is desired;
• Proven experience in the capacity building and development at the national level with relevant trainings’ delivery to the staff of the national Mine Action authority/centers is desired.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of a local language would be an asset.

Professional Certificates

• Possession of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level 3 certification in compliance with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) from an internationally recognized educational institution, or an equivalent certification, is considered an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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