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. The organization is dedicated to making significant contributions to results on the ground, often in challenging environments, by implementing around 1,000 projects at any given time. UNMAS, a division of UNOPS, focuses on explosive hazard management and supports peacekeeping missions, ensuring a coordinated response to explosive threats. UNOPS aims to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, protect civilians, and ensure long-lasting human security through its Peace and Security Cluster, which supports UNMAS and other partners in territories affected by explosive hazards.

Job Overview:
The National Operations Assistant – Weapons and Ammunition Management will work under the general supervision of the Head of Project Unit and direct supervision of the Weapons and Ammunition Management Advisor. This role involves 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 responsible for a variety of tasks, including preparing technical support for Physical Security and Stockpile Management, developing policies for captured weapons processing, coordinating with stakeholders, maintaining logs for weapon disposal, and delivering technical assessments to improve weapons management capabilities. The position requires a proactive approach to enhance the centralized system for weapons importation and distribution, ensuring compliance with international standards and improving record-keeping systems across all forces.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Operations Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including assisting the WAM Advisor in preparing and delivering technical support related to Physical Security and Stockpile Management to mitigate risks associated with weapons and ammunition. The assistant will coordinate engagements with relevant stakeholders, maintain logs on the disposal of weapons, provide logistical support for stakeholder meetings, and assist in technical assessments of Somalia’s weapons management capabilities. Additionally, the assistant will research and prepare technical guidance to curb illicit flows of weapons, support the development of implementation concepts for weapons registration, and assist in improving weapons marking and record-keeping programs. The role also involves arranging meetings with stakeholders and monitoring technical recommendations to ensure alignment with international standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completion of secondary school as a minimum requirement. A first-level university degree in fields such as Business Administration, Finance, Procurement, International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Project Management, or Communications is preferred and may substitute for one year of required experience. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in project implementation, operational support, or logistics management is required. Knowledge of UN policies and procedures is highly desirable, along with proficiency in office software and experience with web-based management systems. Experience coordinating with government agencies is also preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes at least a secondary school completion, with a preference for candidates holding a first-level university degree in relevant fields. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of project management and operational support within the context of weapons and ammunition management.

Experience:
Candidates should have 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 logistics management. This level of experience is crucial for effectively supporting the Weapons and Ammunition Management Advisor and engaging with various stakeholders in Somalia.

Languages:
Fluency in English, including writing, reading, and speaking, is required for this position. Additionally, fluency in Somali is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse 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, valuing a workforce that represents various nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds. Candidates are encouraged to inform the human resources team if they require assistance during the assessment process. UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than advertised and conducts background checks on all potential personnel.