Underwater Explosive Threat Management Specialist at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Assessment of existing underwater processes, facilities, and capacity: 

• Conduct thorough assessments of existing underwater capacity as it relates to training, equipment, and infrastructure. 
• In close collaboration with the Programme Officer, compile findings to capture in the final CNA report. 
• Utilising the results of the assessments undertaken, the Underwater Specialist will be responsible for providing the following support in close collaboration with the CNA Technical Lead: 

Procurement Planning: 

• Evaluate and determine the specifications for diving and any required UW ETM tools relevant construction materials, hyperbaric chambers, and Underwater ETM Training Material (UWETM).
• Ensure all procured equipment is compatible with existing equipment utilized by the beneficiary.
• Working in close collaboration with the Senior Procurement Officer, liaise directly with the beneficiary to obtain approval for all selected equipment.
• Working in close collaboration with the Senior Procurement Officer, compile a comprehensive list of approved equipment.

Infrastructure Refurbishment Planning: 

• Provide technical input for the rehabilitation of existing diving training facilities.
• Offer technical expertise in the replacement of the hyperbaric chamber, if required. 
• Advise on the construction of permanent structures to support the development of the beneficiaries humanitarian demining and diving training site. 

​​​​​​​Policy Development and Implementation as it relates to: 

• Training and Mentoring Planning:
• Oversee the technical aspects of delivering the training package up to EOD3+ IMAS level, ensuring compliance with beneficiary agreements and urgent training needs.
• Verify that UWETM training delivered by contracted vendors complies with the beneficiaries professional development plan approved by the Ukrainian Ministry of Education, national legal frameworks, NMAS, and IMAS.
• Provide technical guidance for operational management training and EOD level 3 for team leaders.
• Ensure the technical quality and relevance of training on the use and maintenance of autonomous surface vehicles and hyperbaric chambers.
• Operations Support:
• Provide expert technical support to the beneficiary as a UW ETM specialist based on their operational needs.
• Maintain constant and close contact with the beneficiary and other training providers to ensure proper resource prioritization and avoid duplication of effort with other projects

Skills

• Diving, Project Implementation, Training Development, Training Strategy and Planning

Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
• Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR
• First-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; OR
• A technical or professional diploma with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated IMAS-equivalent EOD 3+ qualification certified through military and government-affiliated training programs
• Qualified EOD Diver, certified through military and government-affiliated training programs
• Professional Diver qualification (e.g., HSE SCUBA, HSE Part I/II, ADAS Part 2 or higher, or equivalent) for commercial or military diving operations.

Desired

• Certification and demonstrable experience operating Closed-Circuit Rebreather (CCR) equipment.
• Certification as Hyperbaric Chamber Operator qualification or equivalent, with experience running surface decompression and therapeutic recompression tables.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is defined as: 
• A minimum of 5 years (or more depending on academic credentials) of progressive experience in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), of which at least 3 years must involve Underwater EOD (UXO) operations.
• Within the required 5 years, a minimum of 3 years of verifiable professional experience in the design, development, management, and instructional delivery of Underwater (UW) ETM training programs is required.
• Proven experience in conducting underwater search, recovery, and disposal operations utilizing various diving, detection, and scanning systems is required.
• Proven experience in the identification, handling, rendering safe, and final disposal of a wide range of conventional ammunition and ordnance, specifically in the underwater environment, is required.
• Proven operational experience working within an organization whose ETM and diving procedures adhere to or are formally equivalent to International technical standards is required.