Country-Specific Information - Ukraine On 24 February 2022, the military of the ...

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.

Summary of key functions: Assessment and Planning of Canin...
Summary of key functions:

Assessment and Planning of Canine Care Processes 

Training and Mentoring 

Infrastructure and Procurement Support 

Policy Development and Implementation 

Reporting to the Technical Lead, the Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) Specialist will be responsible for the assessment and planning of canine care processes and will carry out the following duties:

1. Assessment and Planning of Canine Care Processes: 

Conduct thorough assessments of existing or required canine care processes and infrastructure related to explosive detection dogs.

Work closely with the technical lead to develop a plan for the assessment of existing capacity and facility. 

Work closely with the Programme Officer to ensure knowledge of assessment results is adequately captured in the final CNA report.

Develop and implement comprehensive plans for canine care, including health, nutrition, training, and welfare, aligned with international best practices and standards to be initiated immediately (or potentially during) the CNA. 

2. Training and Mentoring:

Work closely with the NGU teams to understand existing training and handling capacity. 

Identify areas of need in EDD. 

Design training programs for handlers and canines specializing in demining operations. 

Provide ongoing mentoring and support to handlers to ensure optimal performance and teamwork with their canines. Identify and address any training gaps or challenges.

3. Infrastructure and Procurement Support: 

Assess existing infrastructure and work closely with the Infrastructure team at UNOPS to determine infrastructure needs, as related to handling and training. 

Contribute to the planning and implementation of infrastructure development for the canine training and breeding center.

Provide expert advice on canine procurement, including selection criteria, sourcing, and transportation, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and ethical standards.

When applicable, provide recommendations for proven and tested canine suppliers. 

Ensure procured canines meet standards and requirements making them fit for service. 

4. Policy Development and Implementation support 

Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to canine use in demining operations. 

Ensure alignment with state institution policies and identify opportunities for improvement and harmonization. 

Maintain familiarity with applicable International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), National Mine Action Standards (NMAS), UNOPS EDD CMS and best practices in EDD operations.

Ensure alignment with the NMAS of Ukraine, working closely with the UNOPS Mine Action Operations unit and the technical lead.

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equiv...
Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR

A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; OR

A technical or professional diploma with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience.

Certification:

Certification as an EDD Instructor or Supervisor is required.

Experience:

Relevant experience is defined as: 

Between 5 and 9 years of experience in conflict, post-conflict, or humanitarian operations is required

At least 2 years of professional K9 explosive detection experience.

At least 2 years of experience working directly in the procurement of canine. 

Proven record as an EDD handler for min 2 years is required

Proven experience as an EDD training for min 2 years is required. 

Experience in developing and running IMAS-compliant EDD programs is an asset

Experience in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in mine action is an asset.

EOD knowledge (EOD Level 1 or 2) is desired.

Language requirements:

Fluency in English is required (read, write, speak)

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: Intern...
Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA2/ICS10)