Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 12 Apr 2018
Location
Geneva, Switzerland (with regular travel)
Closing date for applications
12 April 2018
Start Date
As soon as possible.
This is a project-based 12-month fixed-term contract.
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 in 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, Urban Clearance of IEDs will provide the necessary additional resources for the development of documentation, strategic direction and content to enhance the current guidance within the IMAS Standards that relate to IED contamination.
Responsibilities
The incumbent will give technical support for the clearance of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and will be dedicated to the supporting the development of new and improved guidance material on the theme of IED clearance.
Her/his key responsibilities include:
- Develop and propose new technical content on IED search in an urban environment that can be used to amend IMAS and other guidance materials for the mine action sector;
- Work with information management focal points within GICHD to develop templates for reporting of survey and clearance operations in an urban environment;
- Produce templates for the planning of building clearance operations;
- Provide technical input on the use of mechanical clearance to the GICHD’s project on mine action in an urban context;
- Provide technical input on the use of animal detection systems (ADS) as a tool for building clearance from explosive hazards;
- Draft training and evaluation protocols for building clearance operations;
- Provide technical support to the Advisor, Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Standards in the drafting of a threat analysis technical note for the clearance of IEDs in an urban setting;
- Produce a methodology for a quality management system that will be used to provide assurance standards for urban search;
- Plan and provide technical support to workshops with national authorities and mine action operators on the clearance of IEDs;
- Produce technical notes supporting the transfer of knowledge on IED clearance within the mine action sector, with a special focus on National Mine Action Authorities and mine action operators that have on-going urban clearance operations taking place;
- Produce informative material that will be used in the promotion of IMAS/NMAS standards and good practice through a defined communications strategy media (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 fora; provide general or technical presentations to partners and diplomatic representatives.
Profile requirementsEssential requirements
- Substantive experience in IED search operations in an urban environment
- Several years of experience with the management of ERW survey and clearance operations
- Minimum of 2 years operational experience in Iraq or Syria on an IMAS compliant clearance project
- Advanced EOD and Search Advisor certifications
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of the relevant International Mine Action Standards, including their application in various countries and settings
- Applied experience in revising and drafting Standards, Standard Operating Procedures or technical notes based on field operational needs as well as desk research
- Experience working with mechanical and ADS operations
- Competence in the design of training courses to adults and/or in capacity development of local counterparts
- Fluent English, verbal and written
- 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
- Understanding and experience in mainstreaming gender and diversity topics throughout programmes and services
Desirable characteristics
- A post-graduate degree or equivalent studies in 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 is an equal opportunities employer, as defined in theGender and Diversity policy. As such, women and men of all ages and origins, including persons with disabilities, who meet the above requirements, are encouraged to apply.