United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
United Nations Office for Project Services
Closing date: 17 Nov 2008
Location: Colombia - Bogota
Location: Colombia - Bogota
UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world?s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:
Vacancy Details
Vacancy Code: 2008/NAO/MAU/COL/01
Post Title: Senior Adviser Mine Action Advisor for Action against Landmines
Post Level: A4
Org Unit: UNDP
Duty Station: Bogota, Colombia
Duration: One (1) year
Closing Date: 17 November 2008
Background
In Colombia, the increasing armed confrontation has provoked serious consequences for the civilian population resulting from the continued violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Such escalation and deterioration have generated an alarming humanitarian crisis which is characterized by different forms of human suffering coupled with economic, social, demographic, environmental, military and political issues that in most cases occur in contexts of poverty, weak institutional presence and lack of food security.
In many parts of Colombia the civilian population is exposed to the risks represented by various types of unexploded ordnances. With respect to antipersonnel landmines, the degradation of the conflict has led to the almost exclusive use of homemade improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that due to their low cost represent the favourite option for illegal armed groups, as their preparation does not require a sophisticated infrastructure and materials to develop them are cheap and available. The making and installation of these improvised explosive devices can cost as little as one dollar while the costs for deactivating it are between ten and one hundred dollars. In the Colombian context these devices are often referred to as landmines as they per definition mean a device ?designed to be exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a person and that will incapacitate, injure or kill one or more persons? similar to the definition of an anti-personnel landmine as contained in the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention.
Landmines and IEDs as a weapon of not conventional warfare have in the case of Colombia a direct link with the conflict dynamics, in that they allow the consolidation of territorial control by illegal armed groups. The seriousness of this problem began to be recorded in 1990, date from which a continuous register exists of casualties to the army and the civilian population, with a report of 3.182 casualties and 7.589 accidents up to June 1, 2007.
The issue of landmines represents today one of the elements that best highlight the humanitarian situation and one of the most serious obstacles to the country?s economic and social development.
The signing by the Colombian State of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction occurred on December 3, 1997, its ratification on September 6, 2000, and Colombia became a State party on March 1, 2001; the implementation of the national legislation was formalized by the Law 759, which dictates the measures for Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Landmines, destruction and also establish measures to stop the use of landmines in the country, besides creating the National Inter-sector Commission for Action Against Landmines and the Antipersonnel Landmine Observatory, as the national authority for implementing the national mine action policy.
With mine action being one of the thematic components of the REDES Programme, in July 2003 UNDP began an initial phase of support to the Observatory, and during 2004 a memorandum of understanding was signed between UNDP and the Vice-Presidency of the Republic, to provide it with technical, financial and political support, with two objectives: i) strengthen its technical capacity and ii) start the process of decentralization of the national mine action plan in the regions of Oriente Antioqueño, Montes de Maria and Meta.
In March 2008 a joint UNDP/BCPR and UNICEF mission defined the essential elements of the new strategy for comprehensive action against landmines.
Duties and Responsibilities
In the elaboration and implementation of the new UNDP Mine Action strategy, the adviser will take into account the full integration of the strategy within the REDES Programme, the work carried out by the Development, Peace and Reconciliation Cluster and UNDP actions in general. All activities will be consulted and coordinated with UNDP/REDES field offices.
1. Carry out an analysis of the work developed at the national and regional level, achievements, strengths and weakness of the model implemented for action against landmines by the Colombian State, civil society and UN System agencies.
2. Design UNDP strategy, in consultation with BCPR mine action team, government, civil society organizations and UN agencies, with reference to the components of comprehensive action against landmines:
a. Data collection and management
b. Victim Assistance
c. Mine Risk Education Advocacy at national and international levels
d. Capacity development of national counterparts
3. Identify priorities for a comprehensive UN interagency mine action strategy.
4. Ensure an efficient and effective implementation of the UNDP strategy, with emphasis on the territories where the REDES Programme works.
5. Participate proactively in and influence the implementation of the Presidential Program for Comprehensive Action against Landmines, in close cooperation with other UN agencies and civil society organizations.
6. Identify potential partnership opportunities with international bi-lateral and multi-lateral agencies; define and action potential fund-raising strategies.
7. Advocate for, and contributing to the integration of a gender perspective into the national mine action programme by promoting adherence to the UN gender guidelines for mine action programmes, and by liaising with UNIFEM to ensure the appropriate inclusion of women?s organizations and representatives as part of civil society consultations.
Required Selection Criteria
Competencies
- Ability to develop and implement high level strategies for mine action; ability to adapt to the protocols and national structures.
- Project and programme management skills, including resource mobilisation.
- Ability and recognized expertise in working with public institutions, communities, civil society organizations and international entities.
- Ability to establish strategic alliances.
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
- Extensive knowledge of the Colombian conflict.
- Ability to work in and navigate in a complex political environment.
Education/Experience/Language
Education:
- Masters degree in social sciences or similar/equivalent years of experience
- Proven knowledge and experience in the mine action sector, its standards and principles
Experience:
- Minimum of 7 years experience in the design and implementation of Mine Action Programmes, with particular emphasis on institutional capacity building, advocacy, data management (including IMSMA) assistance to victims, and mine risk education.
- Knowledge and work experience with the UN mine action or other development programme would be an advantage.
- Experience in the design, management and implementation of development programmes aimed at the social and professional reintegration of victims of landmines and other unexploded ordnances.
- Experience in the design, management and implementation of programmes aimed at risk reduction education and mine risk education.
- Previous work experience in conflict/post conflict situations.
- Strong background in resource mobilization to ensure the success and sustainability of the new UNDP MA strategy.
- Knowledge of the policy and practice of mainstreaming gender into mine action programming. Familiarity with UN Gender Guidelines for Mine Action a positive.
Language:
- Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken) is obligatory
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) English Version or Spanish Version via e-mail to maujobs@unops.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.
Additional Considerations
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
For more information on UNOPS, including its core values and competencies, please visit the UNOPS website at http://www.unops.org.
How to apply
email: maujobs@unops.org Reference Code: RW_7KTSU8-45