National Operations Assistant – Weapons and Ammunition Management

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. With a workforce of over 8,000 personnel across 80 countries, UNOPS provides essential project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to various governments, donors, and UN organizations. The organization is dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions and has a significant impact on the ground by managing around 1,000 projects at any given time, often in challenging environments. UNOPS aims to help people build better lives and achieve sustainable development through its diverse areas of expertise, including infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources. The organization values diversity and promotes a balanced workforce, recognizing the importance of gender balance and the inclusion of various nationalities and cultures in its operations.

Job Overview:
The National Operations Assistant – Weapons and Ammunition Management will work under the general supervision of the Head of Project Unit (HPU) and directly report to the Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) Advisor. This role is crucial in providing support to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), and Federal Member States (FMS). The assistant will be involved in various functional responsibilities, including assisting in the preparation and delivery of technical support related to Physical security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) to mitigate risks associated with weapons and ammunition. The position requires coordination with stakeholders, maintaining logs on the disposal of weapons, and providing logistical support for stakeholder engagements. The assistant will also conduct technical assessments of Somalia's weapons management capabilities and assist in developing policies and procedures for the processing of captured weapons. This role is integral to enhancing the safety and security of weapons management in Somalia, contributing to the overall peace and stability of the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Operations Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: assisting the WAM Advisor in preparing and delivering technical support to AUSSOM, FGS, and FMS; coordinating engagements with relevant stakeholders; maintaining logs on the disposal of illicit and obsolete weapons; providing logistical support for stakeholder meetings; conducting technical assessments of weapons management capabilities; researching and preparing technical guidance to curb illicit flows of weapons; supporting the development of implementation concepts for weapons importation and registration; assisting in improving weapons marking and record-keeping programs; arranging meetings with stakeholders; monitoring technical recommendations; and performing any other tasks as requested by the HPU or WAM Advisor. This role requires a proactive approach to ensure that all activities align with international standards and contribute to the effective management of weapons and ammunition in Somalia.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a completion of secondary school as a minimum educational qualification. A first-level university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in fields such as Business Administration, Finance, Procurement, International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Project Management, or Communications is preferred and can substitute for one year of required experience. Candidates should possess a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in project implementation, particularly in areas related to the Security Sector, Operational support, Project management, or Stockpile/Logistics Management. Knowledge of UN policies and procedures is highly desirable, along with proficiency in computer and office software packages (MS Office) and experience with web-based management systems. Experience in coordinating with government agencies is also desired.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary school, and a first-level university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in relevant fields is preferred. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of project management and operational support within the context of weapons and ammunition management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in project implementation, particularly in the Security Sector, Operational support, Project management, or Stockpile/Logistics Management. Candidates should have a strong understanding of UN policies and procedures, as well as experience in coordinating with government agencies. Proficiency in computer software and web-based management systems is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English (writing, reading, and speaking) is required for this position, along with fluency in Somali. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse working environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA), specifically at the LICA 5 / ICS 5 level. The contract duration is ongoing, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process. Candidates should be aware that UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than advertised and that all personnel are responsible for adhering to UN policies and accountability frameworks. Background checks are conducted on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks.