Global Technical Advisor
New York City
- Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
- Location: New York City
- Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
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Occupational Groups:
- Project and Programme Management
- Closing Date: 2025-03-02
Functional Responsibilities
Reporting to PSC’s Risk Quality and Partnership (RQP) Team Lead, the Global Technical Advisor will carry out the following duties:
Operations – Design and Planning
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Support PSC and relevant stakeholders in developing and refining programme and project design from an operational and technical perspective, ensuring alignment with global mine action standards and strategic objectives
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Provide expert operations advice to the PSC Senior Management Team
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Proactively research new opportunities for operational engagement, contributing to PSC’s strategic expansion and innovation
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Lead the design of concepts of operations for new projects and programmes, ensuring they are informed by global best practices and technical expertise. Conduct assessment missions and develop documents associated with new ETM opportunities including resource plans and risk management plans. This includes alignment with:
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UNOPS operational, financial, procurement, and project management standards
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Health, safety, social, environmental, gender, and information management policies
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Ensure operational approaches and plans are informed by the unique context of each programme, leveraging global knowledge and expertise to create scalable and adaptable implementation strategies
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Review and provide technical input into:
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UN-to-UN/UNOPS Project Agreements
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Solicitation documents for contractors and grantees
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Comprehensive human resources plans tailored to operational needs
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At the request of the PSC Senior Management Team, conduct oversight visits of ongoing programmes and projects. Identify potential risks and mitigation plans. Take note of lessons and best practices, for portfolio wide dissemination
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Maintain strict adherence to technical standards, including IMAS, NTSGs, IATG, and MOSAIC
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Oversee, coordinate, and monitor global mine action operations, ensuring:
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Quality assurance and risk management systems are robust and standardized across all operations
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Consistent application of technical standards and innovation-driven practices in operational execution
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Timely and effective corrective actions for underperformance or contractual issues
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Represent PSC in global forums, technical networks, and stakeholder engagements, ensuring PSC is recognized as a leading operator in Explosive Threat Management
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Collaborate with UNOPS regions to support their advancement and implementation of ETM programmes and projects
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Actively identify, engage, and prioritize stakeholder networks that advance PSC’s operational objectives and strategic positioning
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Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to support the development, implementation, and review of technical standards and treaty obligations
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Establish and lead a global community of operational experts, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the integration of gender responsive, innovative practices across programmes
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Develop, implement, and maintain systems for capturing, disseminating, and applying lessons learned and best practices
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Champion innovation by identifying emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies to enhance PSC’s global operations
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Design and lead initiatives for knowledge dissemination, ensuring alignment with organizational and programme objectives
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Guide and mentor operational staff globally, promoting a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and innovation
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Ensure training and development plans address technical and leadership growth needs, fostering a high-performing and inclusive team environment
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Conduct regular performance reviews, address issues promptly, and celebrate achievements to maintain morale and productivity
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
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Advanced university degree (master degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience
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First level university degree (bachelor degree or equivalent) with 9 years of relevant experience
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Secondary school diploma (high school or equivalent) with 13 years of relevant military or police experience
Work Experience Relevant experience is defined as operations experience in a military, law enforcement, humanitarian, post-conflict, or development context.
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A minimum of 5 years of proven and applicable experience (within the past 10 years) in explosive threat management is required, in particular, experience managing one or more of the following activities:
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Explosive Ordnance Disposal including multiple items and logistical demolitions
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Non-technical survey
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Technical survey
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Mechanical clearance and ground preparation
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Mechanical assisted clearance operations in an urban environment
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Manual mine clearance
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Battle Area clearance
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Road clearance
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High Risk Search (HRS) and/or Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD)
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A minimum of 3 years’ experience (within the past 10 years) managing people is required
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Experience applying the following standards is required
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International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)
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International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG)
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IMAS Level 3+ IEDD Advanced (T&P 09.31/01/2019)
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Experience using information management systems such as Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) is required
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Experience applying Modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC) standards is desired
Required Certifications
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EOD Level 3+ qualification* (in any specialist EOD activities as described in Test and Evaluation Protocol 09.30/01/2022 (e.g., Bulk demolitions, guided weapons, aerial bombs etc.) is required
*EOD qualifications must be from organisations that train and educate EOD specialists in accordance with IMAS standards. Individuals are responsible for providing proof of completion.
Language Requirements
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Fluency in English (read, write, and speak) is required
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Fluency in another official UN language is desired
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.