Project Manager - Somalia Security Force (SSF)

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.  It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance PSC on behalf of its clients.  The Director is responsible for administering and providing 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

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 ATMIS as part of a logistical support package. Non-lethal tactical advice and analysis is delivered by UNMAS technical advisors located in each ATMIS Sector Headquarters and at ATMIS Force Headquarters, who support ATMIS 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.

 Background Information - Job-specific

Since 2009 UNMAS has been mandated through the UNSOS to support the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) with training and mentoring in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and improvised explosive device – defeat (IED-D), provided the relevant specialized equipment and the use of explosive detection dogs (EDD). The AMISOM support project is the core UNMAS project and contains a number of sub-projects within the whole. In addition, UNMAS is mandated through the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to deliver projects associated with: Weapons and Ammunition Management; stabilization and employment; humanitarian demining; EOD/IEDD with the Somali Police Force, and capacity development with the State body for Explosive Hazard Management and the coordination of humanitarian demining. UNMAS, a component of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, draws upon project management services from UNOPS for implementation of its field operations.

 Functional Responsibilities

*CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
*Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply



The Project Manager for Somalia Security Force (SSF) Support is responsible for management, delivery and performance of assigned projects supporting capacity building of Somali police and military. S/he is expected to meet and exceed the organizations performance and delivery goals.

●        Establish solid working relationship with relevant Somalia authorities, contractors, suppliers, international partners and other key stakeholders;

●        Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products;

●        Advise UNMAS on issues that may impact the achievement of outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance);

●        Manage the information flows between the Project and Programme team.

●        Manage operational activities and personnel in the area of Operations, including current operations and future planning; oversee daily operational activities;

●        In coordination with Chief Mine Action Programme (CMAP), Head of Projects Unit (HPU), national authorities, UNSOS and other UN agencies develop the annual strategic plan for support to Somali Security Forces (SSF);

●        Identify operational and training priorities. Develop work plan for section including direction to Implementing partners

●        Interact with the Quality Assurance (QA) Section on operational matters;

●        Liaise with Procurement, Budget and other elements of Support Services to ensure project delivery is efficient and within budget

●        Advise the HPU of any deviations from the plan;

●        Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to UNMAS and stakeholders is achieved;

●        Work with the Programme team to develop concept notes, and project proposals;

●        Monitor and evaluate performance of project staff and implementing partners;

●        Participate in regular update meetings with UNOPS/UNMAS portfolio managers to discuss progress, risks and issues that may emerge to ensure project stays on track

 Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with 7 (Seven) years of relevant experience; OR
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with 9 (Nine) years of relevant experience; OR
• High School Diploma with a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a University Degree.     

Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as an experience in Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Security Development Studies, Civilian Police, Military or private Security, Project Management, Project Development, Project Administration or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of Progressive experience in project development or management, with focus on monitoring & evaluation, reporting, and/or coordination is required;
• Thorough knowledge of EOD demining SOPs, technical and safety procedures is required;
• Experience in Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) is an advantage;
• Experience in Client Relations Management, Stakeholder Management, Knowledge Management or Contracts Negotiation is required;
• Experience working with Governments to coordinate activities, strengthen capacity and advocate is desired.

Languages

• Fluency in English (reading, writing and speaking ) is required.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: Staff
2. Contract level: P4 and
3. Contract duration: Fixed-term staff contracts - 'One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability'

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx


 Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.