Results-based Management Advisor

Employer: Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining

Location:Geneva, Switzerland (with frequent travel)
Start date: January 2016. Staff position on a long-term contract.
Work percentage: 100%, full-time
Closing date: 15 Nov 2015
Context
National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) are issued by a National Mine Action Authority (NMAA) to regulate its mine action programme and to guide the management and implementation of mine action projects in a safe, coordinated and efficient manner. NMAS are not carbon copies of International Mine Action Standards (IMAS); rather, they reflect and respond to: the internal threat of landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW); the situation of survivors and victims; and to the long-term planned or enacted legislation that supports a strategic response to the threat. The Standards focus on: strengthening national ownership for national mine action programmes, land release and operational efficiency, quality management, information management, handover and liability issues of released land, safety and occupational health, and management of residual risk.

On behalf of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the GICHD develops, maintains and promotes the IMAS — these are the key components that make up the framework for the NMAS. The GICHD provides training and advice on the design and development of initial NMAS, and reviews and revises existing ones, upon request. The support offered by the GICHD varies according to the specific needs of the requesting country and includes training services on the establishment of the relevant chapters in the Standards and their content. On request, the GICHD also reviews countries' NMAS and provides feedback on how they stand in relation to the IMAS.

Description
The Standards Implementation division is one of the three divisions overseen by the Director of Operations. With technical expertise on all subjects related to mines and ERWs, the Advisors of the three divisions provide technical assistance, training and capacity development to the mine action community and engage in research and the development of guidelines and publications. They also develop tools and other methods to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the mine action response in accordance with IMAS requirements. In this context, the National Mine Action Standards Advisor will lead the Centre’s NMAS support to NMAAs and other stakeholders. S/he will:
Establish a global baseline for NMAS
Provide technical support and training to NMAA, other governmental and non-governmental bodies on:
Mine action standards and on the design, development, implementation and revision of the NMAS in order to improve the operational efficiency of ERW survey and clearance in their specific national context
Quality management systems for mine action
Promote improved land release, information management and quality management systems and practices through workshops, knowledge-sharing and working groups or in-country visits
Ensure the provision of assistance and guidance for the conduct of national reviews and evaluations of the mine action programme
Set up and manage advisory groups when appropriate, for guidance on national mine action standards
Ensure that the obligations set out in the relevant conventions related to mine action (e.g. Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and Convention on Cluster Munitions) are integrated at all stages of project planning, implementation and monitoring, and that the Centre’s outreach activities are conducive to meeting these obligations
Foster and provide guidance on the mainstreaming of gender and diversity considerations in all aspects of the advisory and training activities
Facilitate the sharing of knowledge and good practice within the community, for instance through the publication of a guide book, case studies and other print and online information
Provide results-based reporting and measure progress on the alignment of countries’ NMAS with IMAS compliance
Provide input for the review and revision of the IMAS and participate in IMAS Review Board meetings
Manage project finances and staff, including ad hoc consultants and Junior Programme Officers, delegating responsibilities to achieve research and outreach objectives
Prepare funding proposals in response to requests for proposals issued for NMAS development.

In order to ensure comprehensive support to the affected countries, members of the Standards Implementation division work in close collaboration with the Advisors in the Risk Management and Information Management divisions who specialise in mine action survey and clearance, operational efficiency, 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

Technical competencies & professional experience
At least five years of progressive experience in mine action operations management and programme management in different countries
Substantial operational exposure and responsibilities in activities of survey and clearance of mine and ERW, including areas contaminated by sub-munitions
Applied knowledge of IMAS, their related Technical Notes, Test & Evaluation Protocols, and International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG). Competency in the review and development of NMAS
Applied knowledge of quality management systems specific to mine action operations is desired
Competency in change management, in mentoring and training adults from different cultures
Competency in project cycle management, budget planning and monitoring, reporting to international donor institutions.
Understanding of Results-based management

Behavioural competencies
Results-focus : strives to reach project goals and expected outcomes
Trust and credibility: builds strong relationships within and outside the organisation
Assertiveness: strong inter-personal and communication skills to foster the adoption of new approaches and to guide their implementation
Communication: ability to communicate clearly and constructively with a wide range of stakeholders from diverse cultures
Commitment to the continuous improvement of individual and organisation-wide results
Knowledge sharing and lateral cooperation: collaborates towards a common goal while keeping a consistent multi-way information flow

Education & Qualifications
Undergraduate degree or equivalent higher education in a relevant field of study; a post-graduate degree or diploma is preferred

Language competencies
Excellent verbal and written English, including skills to write conceptual and non-technical documents
Working knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese or another language spoken in mine/ERW-affected countries is preferred
Applications

Please provide your application in English and include a detailed CV (max 5 pages), a letter of motivation, your earliest date of availability and any other material that you deem useful to provide in support of your candidacy.

Address for applications: GICHD Human Resources hr(at)gichd.org

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.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applications
Please provide your application in English and include a detailed CV (max 5 pages), a letter of motivation, your earliest date of availability and any other material that you deem useful to provide in support of your candidacy.

Address for applications: GICHD Human Resources hr@gichd.org