UNOPS seeks to recruit an explosive ordnance disposal (conventional munitions disposal /improvised explosive device disposal) trainer
Background Information – PSC
Peace and Security Cluster :The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Head of Cluster is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. It is headed by the Head of Cluster who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Cluster on behalf of its clients.
UNMAS :
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is a division of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). UNMAS is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly (RES/68/72) to ensure an effective, proactive and coordinated response to the problem posed by a wide range of explosive hazards. Legislative mandates also recognize UNMAS technical expertise in responding to threats posed by unsecured and unsafe conventional weapons and ammunition stockpiles. As an office within DPKO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates.
UNMAS as a component of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) provides explosive hazard management capacities, including mitigation, to AMISOM as part of a logistical support package. Non-lethal tactical advice and analysis are delivered by UNMAS technical advisors located in each AMISOM Sector Headquarters and at AMISOM Force Headquarters, who support AMISOM planning and operations. UNMAS support includes both enabling (“operate in spite of IEDs”) and response (“defeat the device”). As a component of the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) UNMAS also supports the Federal Government of Somalia, including the Somali Police Force, Somali Explosive Management Authority and National Security Advisor.
Functional responsibilities :
- Support with the coordination, implementation, execution and completion of admin, operational and training activities required within the Programme ;
- In consultation with the Project Manager, oversee and conduct training of personnel in CMD and IEDD ;
- Mentor EOD (CMD/IEDD) trained Somali Security Force / Somali Police personnel ;
- Prepare and maintain training plans and lesson plans for delivery ;
- Ensure that all training is recorded, training records are kept up-to-date, and submitted to the Project Manager ;
- Debrief the relevant stakeholders on training achievements, QA assessments ;
- Provide guidance on any specific corrective actions to be taken by the stakeholders when points of concern are identified ;
- Issue and record explosives and equipment to be used by personnel undergoing training ;
- Ensure that Standing Operating Procedures (SOP) are compliant with best practice and ensure all types of EOD operations and training are conducted in a safe and effective manner ;
- Attend meetings with the relevant stakeholders representing UNMAS Somalia and supporting all elements listed in the UNMAS Theory of Change ;
- Other tasks as directed by the Head of Programme ;
- Travel within Somalia and abroad to coordinate between key stakeholders regarding operational activity and training delivery.
- Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Project Management, Humanitarian Affairs or any other related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, OR ;
- A First-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Project Management, Humanitarian Affairs or any other related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, OR ;
- High school Diploma with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience, OR ;
- Military or Military/Police College with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience.
Experience :
- Relevant experience is defined as experience in Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), Conventional Munitions Disposal (CMD) or Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) operations or other related field ;
- Within relevant experience, 2 years in delivering EOD, CMD or IEDD training is required ;
- Experience in UXO clearance operations and related practices is desired ;
- Knowledge of the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) is desired ;
- Computer literacy with solid experience in using computers & office software packages like MS Office, spreadsheets & database packages is required ;
- Internationally recognized driving license is required.
Languages :
- Fluency in English ( reading, writing and speaking ) is required ;
- Fluency in Japanese ( reading, writing and speaking ) is desired ;
- Knowledge of other UN official language is desired.
Contract type, level and duration :
- Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement ;
- Contract level: IICA 2 (ICS10) ;
- Contract duration: Eleven (11) Months Only.
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time ;
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered ;
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified ;
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply ;
- Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types ;
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post ;
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Background Information – UNOPS
A flexible structure and global reach mean that we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

















