Chief of Section, Programme Management (TMAT)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Threat Mitigation Advisory Team (TMAT) of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), which is part of the Office of Mine Action and Police (OMAP) within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). UNMAS was established in 1997 with the mission to eliminate the threats posed by mines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices. It coordinates United Nations mine action, leads operational responses at the country level, and supports the development of standards, policies, and norms. UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates from both the General Assembly and the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council and responds to specific requests for support from the UN Secretary-General or designated officials. For more information, visit www.unmas.org.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Section (TMAT) will be responsible for providing policy guidance and support on IED and explosive ordnance (EO) threat mitigation. This includes conceptual strategy development and management of the implementation of overall strategies and policies. The Chief will lead, plan, and oversee the implementation and quality assurance of all advisory, training, and capacity development activities undertaken by the Section. The role requires ensuring that substantive work programs and activities are carried out in a timely manner, adhering to relevant international standards and UN policies. The Chief will manage the work program of the Section, coordinate activities, engage with Member States and donors, and prepare reports for intergovernmental bodies. The position demands high-quality outputs and adherence to UN mandates, as well as fostering teamwork and communication among staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Section will have a wide range of responsibilities, including providing policy guidance on IED and EO threat mitigation, leading and overseeing the implementation of advisory and training activities, managing the work program of the Section, engaging with Member States and donors, preparing position papers and reports for intergovernmental bodies, ensuring high-quality outputs, and carrying out administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Section. The Chief will also recruit staff, manage and develop personnel, represent the organization at meetings, and participate in discussions on emerging issues related to explosive threats. The role requires a proactive approach to developing strategies and resolving conflicts, as well as a commitment to gender balance in staffing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business, public policy, administration, international relations, peace and security, law, or a related area. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, recognized national qualification as an EOD officer and IEDD technician certification is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the substantive field of IED threat mitigation and ammunition management, as well as the ability to produce and review technical reports and papers.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business, public policy, administration, international relations, peace and security, law, or related areas. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with qualifying experience. Graduation from a military staff academy or similar law enforcement training institution is desirable, indicating a preference for candidates with a strong background in military or law enforcement contexts.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of experience in program administration, management, or a related field. This includes at least seven years of experience in Post-Blast Investigations (PBI), which encompasses forensic evidence collection, exploitation of materials and devices, and generating technical intelligence to support threat analysis and investigative processes. Additionally, a minimum of two years of experience in a United Nations peace operation or a similar international organization in the field is required. Experience in drafting policy and doctrine related to IED threat mitigation, as well as working with national authorities on ammunition management, is desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while proficiency in French is considered desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded from extra-budgetary resources and is available through December 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process adheres to the principles of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographic diversity. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as per organizational needs. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.