Advisor, Operations Management

UN Atlas; Damascus (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UN Atlas, via the UNMAS Syria Programme in Damascus, seeks an Operations and Planning Mentor to bolster SNMAC’s national capabilities in planning, tasking, coordinating, monitoring, and oversight of mine action operations.

The role emphasizes mentoring SNMAC staff, developing and improving national operational systems, and ensuring adherence to IMAS and SNMAS with a strong focus on quality management, accreditation, and lessons learned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s with 9+ years.
• IMAS-equivalent EOD Level 3 certification is mandatory.
• Minimum seven years of progressive experience in mine action, EOD, or related operational fields.
• Experience in developing standards, SOPs, and managing training packages is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Mentor SNMAC staff to develop operational frameworks, procedures, and workplans with QA integration.
• Guide the development of national systems, policies, and guidance aligned with IMAS/SNMAS.
• Support quality management, accreditation, and desk/field QA activities.
• Advise on EOD task management, deployment concepts, and reporting; coordinate mentor activities.
• Engage with UNMAS, operators, and national authorities to ensure strategic alignment.

Skills

Capacity Building

Field Operations

Mentoring

Operations Management

Planning

Quality Management

Training Management

EOD

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

IMAS-equivalent EOD Level 3 certification

Job description

Organizational context: The UNMAS Syria Programme, based in Damascus, is central to coordinating humanitarian mine action and enabling safe access for UN operations. It collaborates with the Syrian Government and leads the Mine Action Area of Responsibility. The programme operates under UN Security Council mandates to address the significant impact of explosive hazards in Syria, supporting the Humanitarian Response Plan.

Job purpose: The Operations and Planning Mentor will provide crucial technical and operational advisory support to the Syrian National Mine Action Centre (SNMAC). The primary goal is to enhance SNMAC's national-level capabilities in planning, tasking, coordinating, monitoring, and overseeing mine action operations. This role involves mentoring SNMAC staff, guiding the development and continuous improvement of national operational systems, and ensuring adherence to International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and National Mine Action Standards (SNMAS), with a strong focus on the quality management system, accreditation, and lessons learned.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include mentoring SNMAC counterparts in developing operational frameworks, procedures, and workplans, integrating quality and information management. This involves establishing evidence-based prioritization, coordination, and tasking mechanisms aligned with humanitarian and government priorities, considering differentiated needs. The role supports strengthening SNMAC's Operations Department, developing and implementing training programs, and identifying capability gaps. Technical advice on IMAS-compliant land release methodologies, development of operational policies, SOPs, and guidance documents are essential. The incumbent will support the application and improvement of quality management systems, accreditation, and operational compliance mechanisms, including desk and field-based quality assurance. Advising on EOD task management, deployment concepts, and reporting, as well as coordinating mentor activities and engaging with stakeholders like UNMAS, operators, and national authorities, are also critical functions. Regular technical assessments, reporting, and strategic support, including GESI integration and PSEAH compliance, are required.

Education: A Master’s degree with 7 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with 9 years, or Secondary School with 13 years of experience is required. Additionally, a minimum IMAS-equivalent EOD Level 3 certification from a recognized institution is mandatory.

Work experience: Requires a minimum of seven years of progressive experience in mine action, EOD, or related operational fields. This includes demonstrated experience managing land release operations, capacity development, and developing operational/quality management systems for national authorities. Experience in developing standards, SOPs, and managing training packages is essential. Experience in post-conflict environments and mentoring national authorities is highly desirable.

Skills: Capacity Building, Field Operations, Mentoring, Operations Management, Planning, Quality Management, Training Management, EOD.

Required languages: English, Arabic

Desired languages: