Switzerland: Advisor, Land Release and Operational Efficiency

Context

The GICHD Risk Management division works to increase the operational efficiency and effectiveness of mine action. We provide advice and share good practice to help ensure safe, fast and targeted release of land and waters. We focus on strengthening national capacities to enable greater ownership of operations and to confront long-term residual contamination, in line with national and global strategic priorities.

Our training portfolio includes:

• land release: survey, detection and clearance methods and tools
• stockpile destruction, explosive ordnance disposal and ammunition safety management
• strategic planning and resource mobilisation
• management of residual contamination
• contracting, insurance and liability

Reporting to the Head of division and as a member of the land release and operational efficiency team, the Advisor oversees technical survey and clearance methods for manual, mechanical and animal detection systems (ADS) as well as survey and clearance technology matters for Mine Action. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team of specialists within various fields of clearance and survey, s/he also provides broader mine action expertise, develops training courses, carries out mine action evaluations and participates in broader projects, discussions and conferences.

Terms of Reference

• Provide advice and operational support on the use of machines and animals in technical survey and clearance roles; and how to deploy these assets effectively within the land release approach.
• Identify needs in the mine action community for support activities to improve efficiency and confidence in ADS approaches.
• Provide input for the reviews of IMAS and NMAS for manual, mechanical and ADS operations.
• Develop technical survey and clearance training courses to be delivered to National Mine Action Authorities (NMAAs), UN organisations and operators in the field.
• Maintain a thorough understanding about worldwide demining technology and methods, use and field operations.
• Network and meet with manufacturers, governments and organizations using demining equipment, to identify topics that may benefit from further research or operational support.
• Participate and provide assistance and advice during tests of demining equipment. Revitalize and manage an advisory group for ADS with the mine action sector.
• Follow the latest developments in underwater clearance and provide technical assistance to partners, with the support of expert consultants.
• Manage related GICHD publications, which may involve conducting or commissioning research, drafting and reviewing publications.
• Act as an interface between research organisations and mine action organisations, when appropriate.
• Maintain and strengthen partnerships within the United Nations, operators and national authorities to facilitate outreach activities.
• As project manager, contribute to project proposals, work plans, global and annual reports; manage project budget and finances, reporting, consultants.

Other duties

• Contribute to the work of the Land Release Unit on conceptual and operational approaches to land release activities.
• Develop training packages as an element of the corporate knowledge and memory.
• Fulfil the role of a ‘country focal point’ for one or more specifically allocated countries. This includes maintaining an up to date understanding of country contexts, including but not limited to: general context, impact of mines/ERW, treaty obligations, security situation and GICHD interventions across thematic competencies.
• Work in line with, and actively contribute to, the GICHD’s Results-based Management approach.
• Mainstream best gender and diversity practices; respect and promote gender equality and diversity.
• Provide direction, supervision and guidance to junior programme officers and consultants contracted on projects and studies.

The post is based in Geneva with a monthly travel requirement to the countries of focus, with a global scope. In order to ensure comprehensive support to mine-affected countries, the Advisors of the Risk Management division also work in close collaboration with the Information Management and Standards divisions who specialise in mine action standards, strategic planning, ammunition safety management, residual contamination and information management.

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

• 5 to 10 years of progressive experience in mine action operations and programme management, in different countries/regions.
• Thorough operational exposure and responsibilities in activities of survey and clearance.
• Substantial knowledge and experience in demining technologies application, research and development.
• Minimum EOD Level 2 qualification as per IMAS 09.30 on Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Test and Evaluation Protocol (T&EP) 09.30/01/2014 on EOD competency standards.
• Capacity and flexibility to review and develop new/improved approaches to survey and clearance and to challenge accepted methods.
• Knowledge of Information Management systems, including IMSMA.
• Competence in project cycle management, budget planning and monitoring, reporting to international donor institutions.
• Knowledge and experience in the application of Quality management systems.
• Competence in training adults from different cultures and/or in capacity development of local counterparts.
• Ability to research and write for technical and non-technical publications, guides, reports.
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of stakeholders from diverse cultures and to work effectively in teams with colleagues from various backgrounds.
• Fluent English, verbal and written, with the ability to communicate clearly and constructively with a wide range of stakeholders from diverse cultures.
• Availability to travel and operate in potentially unstable regions.

Desirable requirements

• A post-graduate degree in development studies or in a relevant subject of study, or equivalent military diploma.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, the application of Quality Management Systems and Results Based Management.
• Understanding and experience in mainstreaming gender and diversity issues.
• Working knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese or another language practised in mine-ERW affected countries.

Applications

Please apply through the GICHD Job Application Portal. 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 a Gender and Diversity policy and 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.