Country-Specific Information - Ukraine
On 24 February 2022, the military of the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, with strikes across the territory of Ukraine. Since then, Russia’s invasion imposes a severe humanitarian and socio-economic toll, global energy and food crisis, large-scale destruction of the country's infrastructure, and disruptions in the provision of critical services and degradation of social fabrics and communities’ ties, triggering one of the world’s most significant forced displacements.
Severe attacks on energy and critical infrastructure facilities leave millions of people without electricity, water or heating supply, struggling to access water, food, health services, materials to repair homes, among others. The continued attacks cause substantial damage to the country’s economy and agricultural production, and also affect the poorest countries worldwide.
UNOPS support to partners spans the humanitarian-development nexus from emergency response to building back better, across the housing, health, education, transport, energy and mine action sectors, through infrastructure, procurement and technical assistance / project management interventions, with the ultimate aim of supporting the country on its EU accession and in its achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Job-Specific Information
The Ukraine Mine Action Portfolio of Projects operates as an integral part of the Ukraine & East Europe Multi-Country Office (UEMCO).
In order to support a multi-year strategy of a major donor, a six- month (6) Critical Needs Assessment (CNA) is being undertaken as a prelude to an anticipated 5-year project delivering humanitarian mine action services to state entities in Ukraine. These services will include training, procurement, and infrastructure development. The needs assessment will cover various functional areas, including humanitarian demining, canine services, underwater demining, and academic enhancements, and is overseen by the Ministry of Economy (MoE).
The purpose of the Critical Needs Assessment is to clarify the operational requirements regarding infrastructure, procurement, training, and identify key strategic gaps that can be remedied through training, mentoring, and re-alignment of state institution policies. The CNA will review the areas related to each of the programme projects to establish a solid foundation for implementation. In support of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU), the CNA will establish an implementation plan for a canine training centre to support demining operations. Phases include facility design, construction, and canine procurement and training, resulting in a sustainable canine-assisted demining capability for the NGU. The Veterinarian will provide key inputs on the requirements for the scale-up of existing animal care practices, procedures, and future plans.
Summary of key functions:
1. Assessment of existing animal care processes, facilities, and capacity.
2. Provide recommendations related to procurement and animal health.
3. Provide recommendations related to facilities and animal health.
4. Provide recommendations related to training, care, processes and procedures related to animal health.
5. Produce a comprehensive internal report that will compile the recommendations on the above.
Reporting to the Technical Lead, the Veterinarian will contribute to enhancing NGU canine care capacity by supporting the establishment of proper processes for animal care, facilities, and handling and training. Specifically, (s)he will be responsible for during the critical needs assessment, encompassing the initial phases of the project:
1. Assessment of existing animal care processes, facilities, and capacity:
Conduct thorough assessments of existing NGU capacity as it relates to all relevant components of animal care.
Assess soundness of technical requirements and viability of EDD health support provided by the NGU at this stage.
In close collaboration with the Programme Officer, compile findings to capture in internal reports as well as the final CNA report to be shared with the donor.
Utilizing the results of the preliminary assessments undertaken (month 1), the Veterinarian will be responsible for providing the following support during the Critical Needs Assessment, in close collaboration with the CNA Technical Lead:
2. Provide Recommendation related to procurement and animal health.
Work closely with the Senior Procurement Officer in order to support all procurement planning related to animal health related matters.
Provide recommendations regarding the procurement of dog food, dog medicine, dog collars and toys, and when applicable, scope suppliers.
3. Provide Recommendations related to facilities and animal health.
After careful assessment of facilities, work closely with the Infrastructure and design team to lay out all key components of facilities (both new construction and upgrading existing structures) required to support animal health.
Ensure the infrastructure team has a strong understanding of the infrastructure upgrades that will be needed in order to accommodate animals.
4. Provide recommendations related to training, care, processes and procedures related to animal health.
Work closely with dog handlers and trainers to understand their processes and procedures of animal care, and compile all recommendations for changes that will improve the services provided by the NGU.
Draft and Initiate plans to implement quality assurance measures regarding animal support and Veterinarian health services.
Develop technical requirements and procedures for EDD health services and provide inputs.
Provide recommendations and plans for re-homing dogs who are deemed unable to conduct EDD functions.
5. Produce a comprehensive internal report that will compile the recommendations on the above.
Advanced university degree (master degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
Certification:
Certification as a Veterinarian.
Experience:
Relevant experience is defined as:
Experience in conflict, post-conflict, or humanitarian operations.
Strong discipline and safety culture.
At least 5 years of professional Veterinarian experience is required.
Proven experience working with dog trainers and handlers is required.
Demonstrated ability to develop animal care plans and programs.
Demonstrated ability to provide recommendations on animal care procurement and infrastructure design.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English (read/speak/write) is required.