Operations Specialist - Ammunition and Weapon Management

Job Highlight

Background Information – UNOPS

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organisations.

Background Information - UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster

For over 20 years, UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has provided portfolio and project management services in the area of mine action and explosive hazards, that are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls.

Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the implementation of projects that, through the engagement of inputs such as personnel, third parties, assets and other resources, deliver activities that produce substantive mine action outputs.

Project management is conducted in line with UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM), which incorporates best practices in the field, as well with a view to quality and cross-cutting initiatives such as workforce and talent management; knowledge and information management; health, safety, social and environmental management; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); gender equality and social inclusion (GESI); and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH). This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented in accordance with partner requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations through the leadership of the Cluster Director, who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients.

PSC operates within UNOPS broader commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH. Within the mine action context, these commitments are operationalised through the PSC GEDSI Strategy 2026-2029 which sets expectations for inclusive recruitment, workforce representation, and the integration of GESI and PSEAH into programme delivery and implementing partner oversight. All PSC roles, including this position, are expected to contribute actively to these commitments.

Background Information - UNOPS PSC CAR Project Unit

The Central African Republic (CAR) continues to face significant security challenges linked to the proliferation, diversion, and poor management of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and ammunition. Years of conflict have contributed to the widespread circulation of weapons, weak stockpile management systems, and limited institutional oversight. In many instances, national capacity to safely store, account for, and control weapons and ammunition remains insufficient, increasing the risk of diversion, accidental explosions, and further destabilization. These challenges undermine public safety, weaken the rule of law, and hinder long-term stabilization and development efforts.

In response, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), as part of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), plays a critical role in strengthening weapons and ammunition management (WAM) across the country. UNMAS supports national defense and internal security forces in improving safe storage, accountability, physical security, and stockpile management systems in line with international standards. This includes training, infrastructure support, technical advice, and the development of a procedural framework.

Through these efforts, UNMAS contributes to reducing the risk of diversion, enhancing operational safety, and reinforcing national ownership and institutional capacity. Strengthening WAM in CAR is not only a security imperative but also a foundational step toward restoring state authority, building public confidence, and supporting sustainable peace and stability.

Role Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Project Unit/ Chief of Operations and/or Deputy Chief of Operations, the Operations Specialist – Weapons and Ammunition Management will serve as the principal operational and technical focal point for all programme activities related to weapons and ammunition management.

The Specialist is responsible for providing expert technical guidance to strengthen national capacities in safe storage, accountability, control, and management of weapons and ammunition. This includes advising on stockpile safety and security, surplus identification, verification procedures, destruction planning and oversight, and compliance with relevant standards and best practices. In their capacity as a Technical Advisor, the specialist supports the development and institutionalization of sustainable WAM structures within the defense and internal security forces of the Central African Republic. This encompasses assisting with the establishment of regulatory frameworks, standard operating procedures, training programmes, and infrastructure improvements to enhance physical security and stockpile management.

Through these responsibilities, the Operations Specialist – WAM contributes directly to reducing the risk of diversion, accidental explosions, and illicit proliferation, while strengthening national ownership and long-term stability in the security sector. The Specialist is also expected to support the integration of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) perspectives into WAM programming consistent with IMAS 07.12, PSC GEDSI Strategy and UNOPS GESI Mainstreaming Strategy 026–2029.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver all training related to Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM), including operational, administrative, and control modules.
• Ensure that WAM training design, delivery, and participant selection incorporate gender and social inclusion principles, including equitable access for female personnel in national defense and security sector institutions, consistent with IMAS 07.11 and UNOPS DEI and GESI standards.
• Prepare reports in collaboration with the Programme Officer.
• Manage and coordinate WAM training sessions, ensuring compliance with approved curricula, safety standards, and operational procedures; Participate in and conduct Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) inspections related to WAM activities and storage with IATG requirements for safe storage, handling, processing, and transport of ammunition. QA/QC processes should also verify compliance with PSEAH standards in training environments and in the conduct of activities involving national counterparts and beneficiary communities.
• Consolidate and submit accurate training data for inclusion in the programme's information management system.
• Lead and support risk management assessments in weapons and ammunition storage areas, including risk analysis, risk assessments, and risk mitigation planning.
• Provide technical advice, as required, on the rehabilitation and licensed in accordance with IATG provisions on explosive facilities and quantity‑distance, in support of the civil engineer.
• Contribute to the development of GESI-responsive proposals, projects, and national regulatory frameworks related to WAM standards and best practices;
• Review work plans and technical requests related to WAM activities, including verification and destruction of obsolete or surplus stockpiles.
• Maintain close coordination and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, partners, and the National Defense and Internal Security Forces engaged in WAM activities;
• Provide regular updates on achievements, challenges, and operational risks to the Head of Project Unit/Chief of Operations and/or Deputy Chief of Operations; immediately notify the Head of Project Unit / Chief of Operations of any compliance issues, safety concerns, or procedural failures observed during training or related activities.
• Participate in Boards of Inquiry or investigation when requested; Prepare and contribute to activity reports in collaboration with the Programme Officer;
• Carry out any additional tasks assigned by the Head of Project Unit and/or Deputy Chief of Operations.
  
  

Through these responsibilities, the WAM Programme Focal Point contributes to strengthening national capacity, improving stockpile safety and accountability, and reducing the risk of diversion and accidental explosions in the Central African Republic.

Education Requirements

Required

• Advanced University Degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR
• First Level University Degree (Bachelor's Degree or equivalent with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; OR
• A High School Degree (or equivalent) may be accepted with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience.
• Certification in Ammunition Technical Officer or equivalent qualification meeting IATG 01.90 Level 4 (or higher) competences or equivalent is required.
  
  

Required

Experience Requirements

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in International Relations, Peace and Conflict, and/or Security Studies, Ammunition and Weapons Management, Project Management, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience required
• At least 5 years of practical ammunition management experience, including inspection and risk assessment in line with IATG, with a minimum of 2 years in an advisory role is required.
• Experience in report writing is required.
  
  

Desired:

• Experience integrating gender and social inclusion (GESI) perspectives or PSEAH/safeguarding standards into technical training or capacity building with national security sector institutions is desirable.