Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which was established to help the United Nations and its partners provide peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. UNOPS operates in over 80 countries and employs thousands of personnel, focusing on infrastructure, procurement, and project management interventions. The organization aims to support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing their capacities to respond to crises and build back better after conflicts or disasters.

Job Overview:
The Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) Specialist position is part of the Ukraine Mine Action Portfolio of Projects, which operates under the Ukraine & East Europe Multi-Country Office (UEMCO). This role is crucial in supporting a multi-year strategy for a major donor, involving a six-month Critical Needs Assessment (CNA) that will precede a five-year project aimed at delivering humanitarian mine action services to state entities in Ukraine. The EDD Specialist will be responsible for assessing and planning canine care processes, training and mentoring handlers, providing infrastructure and procurement support, and contributing to policy development and implementation. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU), to establish a sustainable canine-assisted demining capability. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of canine care, training methodologies, and the operational requirements for effective mine action services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The EDD Specialist will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting thorough assessments of existing canine care processes and infrastructure related to explosive detection dogs.
• Collaborating with the technical lead to develop a plan for assessing existing capacity and facilities.
• Developing and implementing comprehensive canine care plans that align with international best practices.
• Working with NGU teams to identify training needs and designing training programs for handlers and canines.
• Providing ongoing mentoring and support to handlers to ensure optimal performance.
• Assessing existing infrastructure and collaborating with the Infrastructure team at UNOPS to determine needs related to handling and training.
• Advising on canine procurement, including selection criteria and compliance with regulations.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of policies related to canine use in demining operations, ensuring alignment with state institution policies and international standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or a technical diploma with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience. Additionally, certification as an EDD Instructor or Supervisor is required. Relevant experience is defined as having between 5 and 9 years in conflict, post-conflict, or humanitarian operations, with at least 2 years of professional K9 explosive detection experience and a proven record as an EDD handler and trainer for a minimum of 2 years each.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree) or a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) or a technical diploma. The specific qualifications must be complemented by relevant experience in the field of explosive detection and canine care, as outlined in the required qualifications section.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically between 5 and 9 years in conflict, post-conflict, or humanitarian operations. Candidates must have at least 2 years of professional experience in K9 explosive detection and a proven record as an EDD handler and trainer for a minimum of 2 years each. Experience in developing and running IMAS-compliant EDD programs and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in mine action is considered an asset, along with EOD knowledge (EOD Level 1 or 2).

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, encompassing reading, writing, and speaking skills. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement for this position.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA), specifically at the International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA2/ICS10) level. The contract duration is short-term, lasting for 3 months. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive working environment and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Additionally, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post if necessary.