Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 15 Aug 2017
Location Geneva, Switzerland (with regular travel)
Closing date for applications 15 August 2017
Start Date ASAP in 2017. This is a staff position on a long-term basis (initial contract 1 year)
Context
The GICHD assists countries to develop and improve their own national mine action strategies, which in turn promote more effective, efficient and inclusive mine action operations. Through our strategic planning, training and advice we foster and strengthen national ownership and increase awareness of relevant strategic challenges. Ultimately, the implementation of strategic plans strengthens the ability of affected states to clear their territories of explosive hazard contamination.
The Strategies and Standards division is one of three divisions under the Director of Operations Management. It focusses its services and technical expertise on strategic planning, standardisation and quality management in support of national authorities in mine action and the wider mine action and human security sector. In addition to being the GICHD Division responsible for the development of International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)[1], emphasis is placed on: providing technical assistance, training and capacity development, conducting research, producing publications, developing tools and work methods, supporting the development, improvement and implementation of national mine action strategies and developing and improving national mine action standards (NMAS). All components of the Strategies and Standards division work in synergy with each other as well as with the other divisions under the Director of Operations (Risk Management and Information Management). GICHD brochure
[1] The GICHD acts as the secretariat for the IMAS review board, a responsibility delegated by UNMAS.
Purpose of the role
The Advisor, QMS and NMAS will work essentially on topics related to supporting the development and assessment of NMAS and the establishment of Mine Action Quality Management Systems (MA QMS). This work will include all parts and activities of the relevant national mine action structure, to ensure that key principles of QMS, such as evidence-based decision-making, continual improvement and customer focus, are incorporated.
Terms of Reference
The Advisor, QMS and NMAS will provide technical support and training to National Mine Action Authorities, mine action operators, other governmental and non-governmental bodies on MA QMS, on organisation-wide quality management standards and procedures, risk management frameworks and audit assurance functions.
S/he will be building and delivering training and develop initiatives directly or via other GICHD Advisors, to foster awareness regarding control, compliance, quality and taking ownership of management processes that mitigate risks relevant to its sphere of responsibility. S/he will act as an interface between research and mine action organisations on MA QMS when appropriate and maintain and strengthen partnerships with the United Nations, operators and national authorities to facilitate outreach activities.
This position will also entail the following responsibilities: guidance and QMS evaluations on the conduct of national reviews and result-based reporting as defined by NMAS; set up and/or facilitation of NMAS and SOP advisory groups; input revisions of the IMAS and participation in QMS IMAS Review Board meetings; managing project finances and ad hoc contractors; preparing funding proposals in response to requests related to QMS; publishing and disseminating reports on NMAS and MA QMS; managing the RAPID database of demining accident data.
S/he will develop and maintain a thorough understanding of global industry and IMAS/NMAS standards and promote improved standards of good practice through media communication (presentations, workshops, publications, and targeted information-sharing).
In order to ensure a coordinated comprehensive support to mine/ERW-affected countries, members of the Strategies & Standards division also work in close collaboration with the Advisors in the Risk Management, Information Management and Regional Cooperation Programmes divisions. The Advisors are also expected to represent GICHD in international events; provide general or technical presentations to partners and diplomatic representatives; and play an active role in project management, in the organisation’s strategic management and in the reporting to GICHD’s governance and donor institutions.
Profile requirements
Essential requirements
- Substantive experience of at least 5 years in Quality Management Systems, Risk Management and Standards in the mine action sector
- Applied experience in the implementation of organisation-wide Quality Management Systems
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of the relevant International Mine Action Standards, including their application in various countries and settings
- Capacity to support the development of Quality Management Systems related to National Mine Action Standards
- Applied experience in revising and drafting Standards and Standard Operating Procedures based on field operational needs as well as desk research
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant topic of studies
- A qualification/certification in Quality Management Systems
- Competence in the design and delivery of training courses to adults and/or in capacity development of local counterparts
- Competence in project cycle management, including budget monitoring, resource management, narrative and financial reporting to international donor institutions
- Understanding and experience in mainstreaming gender and diversity topics throughout programmes and services
- Ability to communicate clearly and constructively with a wide range of stakeholders from diverse social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds
- Proven team-player with service-minded attitude
- Commitment to the continuous improvement of individual and organisation-wide results
- Fluent English, verbal and written
Desirable characteristics:
- Experience with Quality and Risk Management Systems and Standards in other sectors for instance in development cooperation, humanitarian affairs, disarmament, post-conflict reconstruction & recovery
- A post-graduate degree or equivalent diploma in Public/Business Administration, Management of Organisations, Engineering, Risk Management or in another relevant field of study
- Working knowledge of either, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese or another language practised in mine/ERW affected countries.
How to apply:
Applications
To apply please click on this link GICHD Job Application Portal and submit your candidacy through the online platform. Your application must be presented in English and include a CV of maximum 5 pages, a letter of motivation, your earliest date of availability and any other additional material you wish to present in support of your candidacy.
The GICHD implements aGender and Diversity policyand is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are encouraged from women and men, nationals of mine-affected countries and individuals with a disability or special needs, who meet the above profile requirements.
About us
In a world where human security is still hindered by explosive hazards, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) works to eliminate mines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war. To achieve this, the GICHD supports national authorities, international organisations and civil society in their efforts to improve the relevance and performance of mine action. Core activities include furthering knowledge, promoting norms and standards, and developing in-country and international capacity. This support covers all aspects of mine action: strategic, managerial, operational and institutional. The GICHD works for mine action that is not an end in itself but contributes to the broader objective of human security – freedom from fear and freedom from want. This effort is facilitated by the GICHD's location within the Maison de la Paix in Geneva.
GICHD website www.gichd.org
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For further information please contact us at hr@gichd.org