Humanitarian Mine Action - Senior Assistant

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The HMA Senior Assistant provides technical and operational support for the implementation, operational monitoring and coordination of mine action activities in Colombia. The position supports the strengthening of the State’s humanitarian demining capacity, as well as national and subnational capacities related to AICMA, quality management, operational efficiency and information management, in alignment with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), National Mine Action Standards (NMAS), and UNOPS policies and procedures.

Under the supervision of the Head of Project Unit and guidance of the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP) and other technical team members, the Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Senior Assistant will support the implementation of technical, operational, and coordination activities related to humanitarian mine action in Colombia, contributing to the achievement of programme and project objectives through the following functions:

1. Technical Assistance and Capacity-Building Support

• Support the compilation, organization, and dissemination of technical information, documentation, and tailored tools to national authorities, the Mine Action Center (MAC), and relevant stakeholders regarding HMA, in accordance with established standards and procedures. 
• Assist in the implementation of operational methodologies, quality management, and information management systems (e.g., IMSMA), and support the logistics and delivery of targeted training activities to strengthen national operational effectiveness.
• Support the dissemination of approved technical guidance, information and awareness related to EO to the UN System and Humanitarian Community.
• Collect and organize technical field inputs to facilitate the review, updating and dissemination of the National Mine Action Standards (NMAS), technical notes and training curricula in accordance with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).
• Compile guidelines, manuals and technical notes related to the application of quality management in humanitarian demining processes.
• Support in ensuring that technical inputs reflect gender-differentiated analysis and inclusive approaches, including consideration of the specific needs and risks of women, girls, persons with disabilities, and other groups facing access barriers, consistent with the UNMAS Gender Guidelines for Mine Action Programmes (3rd ed. 2019), PSC GEDSI Strategy and UNOPS GESI Mainstreaming Strategy 2026–2029.

2. Stakeholder Coordination and Technical Liaison Support

• Support engagement with the National Mine Action Authority, implementing partners, humanitarian actors, and other relevant stakeholders, in accordance with established guidance.
• Support effective collaboration, communication, and follow-up among stakeholders in accordance with established professional and ethical standards.
• Support the provision of technical information and documentation to local and regional authorities to facilitate the planning, coordination, and operational tracking of mine action interventions (including clearance, EORE, and victim assistance) in alignment with NMAS.
• Maintain up-to-date directories, contact channels and stakeholder maps in the Security, Defense and Justice sector (including liaison with the Armed Forces: Army and Navy) related to mine action and the UNMAS mandate. 
• Support coordination with gender, protection, and women’s rights stakeholders including UN Women Colombia, women’s organisations working in conflict-affected communities, and GBV referral networks to ensure mine action activities reflect protection priorities and reach all affected community members, consistent with the UNOPS GESI Mainstreaming Strategy 2026–2029 (Action 3.1) and WPS commitments under Colombia’s National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
• Support in ensuring activities are implemented in accordance with UNOPS Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) standards, UNOPS GESI mainstreaming principles, and PSEAH requirements, including verification that implementing partners’ activities reflect the differentiated needs and risks of women, men, girls, and boys in affected communities, consistent with sector standards.

3. Technical Procurement and Asset Management Support

• Support the preparation and review of technical specifications for the procurement of specialized mine action equipment and services, against project needs and under the guidance of the supervisors.
• Provide technical information and documentation during procurement and evaluation processes related to specialized operational assets, and refer technical determinations to the responsible technical specialist for review.
• Conduct joint assessments with relevant national authorities to identify priority needs, capacity gaps, and opportunities to strengthen mine action at national and sub-national levels. Based on these assessments, support the procurement of assets and equipment, as required and agreed with the Government of Colombia, to enhance the national humanitarian demining capacity.
• Support the monitoring of the maintenance, calibration, and safe use of technical equipment utilized by partners and third parties, in accordance with established procedures, and flag technical issues for review.

4. Knowledge Management and Reporting

• Support the maintenance of technical records, operational documentation, and accreditation-related files.
• Contribute to the documentation of lessons learned, operational challenges, and good practices to support institutional knowledge management.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, assessments, presentations, and other programme documentation as required.
• Contribute to data collection, analysis, and information-sharing processes to support evidence-based decision-making.

Required

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 1 years of relevant experience is required.
• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with relevant experience
• EOD Level 2 certification is required. Certificate to be submitted as part of the application.
• EOD qualifications must have been issued by organizations that train and certify EOD personnel in accordance with IMAS Test and Evaluation Protocol (T&EP) 09.30/01/2022. 
• Applicants are responsible for providing evidence and supporting documentation that their qualifications meet this requirement. 

Required

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in supporting operational and demining projects. 
  
  

Operational & Demining Support:

• Minimum required years of operational experience (based on education) in military, humanitarian demining, conflict, or post-conflict settings.
• Demonstrated experience supporting field operations in Humanitarian Mine Action operations, including Non-Technical/Technical Survey (NTS), Manual Clearance, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).

Standards & Technical Compliance:

• Proven experience applying International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and/or National Mine Action Standards (NMAS).

Institutional Liaison & Capacity Building Support:

• Direct experience supporting liaising or coordinating with National Mine Action Authorities (NMAAs), government stakeholders, or donors.
• Practical experience supporting institutional capacity building, technical assistance, SOP development, or training delivery for national demining actors.

Desired

• Experience applying gender-sensitive or inclusive approaches in humanitarian mine action, EORE, victim assistance, or capacity building with affected communities is desirable.
• Experience using information management systems such as Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) is desired.
• Additional related experience is desired

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