Location    :   Geneva, Switzerland

Start Date :   March 2022

Full/part-time : 100%

Closing date for applications : January 31, 2022

Purpose / Summary

Ageing, unstable and surplus ammunition pose a dual risk of accidental explosions and diversion from stockpiles. Both the explosions and diversion can devastate the local community, economy and the society. Ammunition management aims to mitigate the impact of accidental explosions and diversion and prevent the likelihood of future incidents from occurring. Effective ammunition management contributes to enhancing stability, development and good governance.

Established in 2019 as part of the GICHD, the Ammunition Management Advisory Team (AMAT) is a joint initiative of the GICHD and the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). AMAT works to strengthen the capacities of states reduce risks of accidental explosions and diversion through provision of technical assistance in the safe, secure and effective management of ammunition, in line with the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG).

AMAT is now looking for an qualified and experienced French-speaking ammunition technical advisor to join the team. This post will involve frequent international travel in particular in French and Russian language sub-regions. As part of the team the technical advisor will assist states assess the safety and security of ammunition, advising on national policies and practices for risks reduction and mentoring authorities in the practical application of the IATG.

Areas of Responsibilities

• Provide rapid technical assistance in safe and secure management of ammunition to national authorities including through the UN SaferGuard quick-response mechanism.
• Provide longer-term technical assistance to national authorities and international and regional organisations, including technical and policy advice on managing risks associated with explosive ordnance.
• Conduct desk and field assessments with states and partner organisations on ammunition through-life management policies and practices, and safety and security risks.
• Assist the development of national standards, procedures and plans in conformity with the IATG, including measurable targets aimed at improving ammunition safety and security.
• Plan, organise and deliver meetings, seminars and training courses pertaining to ammunition safety and security and IATG rollout.
• Develop and disseminate technical materials including ammunition management guidance, training packages and standard operating procedures.
• Draft and contribute to technical and non-technical articles and publications in French and English.
• Implement and report on assigned projects and activities within and outside the UN system.

Other Duties

• Ensure compliance of the conduct with the GICHD’s Internal Rules and Regulations.
• Be available to fulfill other tasks assigned by the line manager.
• Carry out all work safely, diligently and in a gender and diversity-sensitive manner and ensure these considerations are mainstreamed into the AMAT services and products.

Qualifications

Essential

• Ammunition technical officer /engineer/ specialist/ experts or a similar qualification coupled with deep knowledge of the IATG and MOSAIC, including their practical utility in ammunition through-life management.
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in managing ammunition and explosives risks and implementing technical standards and procedures
• Experience in working in different countries, cultures and security contexts, appreciating both the unique and common challenges therein.
• Competence in the design and delivery of training courses and developing capacities of national authorities and armed forces.
• Competence in project management, budget monitoring and substantive and financial reporting.
• Commitment to continuous improvement as an individual and personal ambition to achieve the team’s objectives and targets.
• Fluent in written and spoken French; good English level with highly developed communication skills.
• Team player with a service-minded attitude.

Desirable

• A post-graduate degree or equivalent military diploma in a field relevant to explosives safety and security.
• Ability to communicate in Russian.

Applications

Applicants must be fluent in French and English with highly developed communication skills.

If you feel you have the right profile to take this challenge, kindly follow this link GICHD Job application portal and register your application online, including a CV in English of maximum 3 pages, a letter of motivation and your earliest date of availability.

The GICHD will facilitate the immigration procedure and work visa of the incumbent into Switzerland.

AMAT website www.amat.gichd.org

For further information please contact us by e-mail at hr(at)gichd.org