John Rawson joined the GICHD in July 2012. As Technical Advisor within the newly formed Ammunition Management Advisory Team (AMAT), he provides rapid technical assistance to national authorities in the safe and secure ammunition management, including through the framework of the UN SaferGuard quick-response mechanism. He further conducts longer-term technical support and outreach to national authorities, donors and relevant organisations on IATG-compliant ammunition stockpile management systems and procedures.
Prior to joining the GICHD, he worked clearing explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Libya, and on clearing minefields and ERW in Afghanistan. He also gave instruction on improvised explosive device disposal and ammunition management in Afghanistan. His previous roles included Explosive Safety Manager and Technical Manager for Demilitarisation operations at QinetiQ, a research and development company.
His technical qualifications were gained while in the British army. Among other things he is qualified and experienced in high threat improvised explosive device disposal, explosive ordnance disposal, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons disposal and all aspects of ammunition and explosive management.