Details of Weapons and Ammunition Management

Job description

Peace and Security Cluster

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners.  It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance PSC on behalf of its clients.  The Director is responsible for administering and providing oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.

UNMAS

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is a division of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). UNMAS is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly (RES/68/72) to ensure an effective, proactive, and coordinated response to the problem posed by a wide range of explosive hazards. Legislative mandates also recognize UNMAS technical expertise in responding to threats posed by unsecured and unsafe conventional weapons and ammunition stockpiles. As an office within DPKO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates. 

UNMAS, as a component of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), provides explosive hazard management capacities, including mitigation, to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) as part of a logistical support package. Non-lethal tactical advice and analysis are delivered by UNMAS technical advisors located in each AUSSOM Sector Headquarters and at AUSSOM Force Headquarters, who support AUSSOM planning and operations. As a component of the UN Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), UNMAS also supports the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), including the Somali Security Forces, the Somali Explosive Management Authority, and the Office of National Security. 

 Functional Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Head of Project Unit (HPU) and direct supervision of the Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) Advisor, the National Operations Assistant – Weapons and Ammunition Management will provide support to AUSSOM, FGS, and Federal Member States (FMS), as appropriate. The functional responsibilities, following a period of training, include:

Assist the WAM Advisor in preparing technical support to AUSSOM, FGS and FMS with Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) to reduce the risk of loss, theft and diversion and Unplanned Explosions at Munition Sites (UEMS).

Assist the WAM Advisor in preparing technical support to AUSSOM and FGS with the development of policies and procedures to improve and standardise the processing of captured weapons and ammunition. The procedures will be developed in conjunction with the appropriate weapons and ammunition storage, marking and recording keeping requirements.

Facilitate the participation of the WAM Advisor in coordination meetings with focal points and stakeholders relevant to WAM activities in Somalia.

Assist the WAM Advisor in preparing technical support and advice to AUSSOM, FGS and FMS in the establishment of procedures and capacities for the safe disposal of weapons and ammunition. The disposal of illicit, surplus, and obsolete weapons and ammunition constitutes an important element of a comprehensive WAM programme. 

Provide logistical support, including coordination and minute-taking to stakeholder engagements related to WAM.

Coordinate with the WAM Advisor to deliver technical assessments of Somalia’s weapons and ammunition management capability to inform recommendations for improvement at the FGS and FMS levels. Assessments are fundamental to inform targeted and evidence-based control measures and will enable the FGS to optimise and mobilise available resources and seek tailored support.

Assist the WAM Advisor in preparing technical advice to improve measures and interventions to curb the illicit flows of weapons and ammunition into and within Somalia and mitigate their adverse impact on security and stability.

Support the WAM Advisor strengthening the centralised system for the importation, registration and distribution of weapons and ammunition at the FGS and FMS levels, including the establishment of transfer controls to ensure effective and harmonised practices at the state level while strengthening overall federal control. 

Assist the WAM Advisor in preparing technical advice to the FGS with improvements in efficiency of weapons marking and record-keeping programs at the federal level and incrementally extend similar capacity to the state level, including improvements to strengthen record-keeping systems across all forces and along the supply chain. 

Arrange meetings and engagements with stakeholders, including relevant FGS and FMS ministries as required.

Assist with monitoring technical recommendations to ensure all advice and support is provided in alignment with relevant international standards and assist with interpretation as required (English to Somali).

Implement any other tasks requested by the HPU and/or WAM Advisor.

Skills and qualifications

Education:

First Level University Degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience; OR 

Secondary education with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience.

Work Experience:

Relevant experience is defined as experience in supporting or assisting projects related to the Security Sector, Operational Support, Project Management, Stockpile/Logistic Management or related fields. 

Experience in report writing and MS Office is required.

Experience in working with or coordinating with government agencies is desired.

Certifications:

Certified EOD IMAS Level 2 is desirable.

Language:

Proficiency in English (spoken, written and reading) is required.

Proficiency in Somali (spoken, written and reading) is required.

 Contract type, level and duration
Contract type, level, and duration: 

Contract type: LICA
Contract level: LICA-5
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA— open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance’.

How to apply

Contract type, level and duration
Contract type, level, and duration: 

Contract type: LICA
Contract level: LICA-5
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA— open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance’.

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