Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Working in some of the worldโs most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partnersโ expectations.
With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partnersโ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.
The Project:
The European Union (EU) Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE) is a global Initiative funded and implemented by the European Union as part of its goal to promote peace, stability and conflict prevention. The aim of the Initiative is to mitigate risks and strengthen all-hazards security governance in Partner Countries (PCs) of the EU following a voluntary and demand-driven approach. Supported through the European Unionโs Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) โ Global Europe, the Initiative represents the EUโs largest civilian external security programme. It is led by the European Commissionโs Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS). The European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides technical support to Partner Countries, while the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) ensures coherent and effective national, regional, and international cooperation. CBRN security is addressed through coordinated action and cooperation between and within governments, the corporate sector, civil society, the media and individuals. Coordination and cooperation with other international organisations (WHO, OSCE, IAEA, Committee under UNSCR 1540, OPCW, NATO etc.) to avoid duplication of efforts and the mutual leverage and synergies of actions is a continuous process.
The overall scope of the CBRN Centres of Excellence (CoE) initiative is to strengthen the long-term national and regional capabilities of competent authorities and administrative infrastructures and develop a durable cooperation legacy in the fight against the CBRN threats. The Initiative addresses risks related to CBRN material and agents of any origin: criminal (proliferation, theft, sabotage and illicit trafficking), accidental (industrial catastrophes, in particular chemical or nuclear, waste treatment and transport) or natural (mainly pandemics but also a consequence of natural hazards on CBRN material and facilities).
The European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Centres of Excellences Initiative (EU CBRN CoE Initiative) program has requested UNOPS to provide needed advisory, procurement, and logistics support for the Equipment delivery program in East, Central, North, and West Africa.
The project will be implemented to the benefit of the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence (CoE) Partner countries in Eastern and Central African region (ECA): Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Selected countries in the AAF and NAS regions will also benefit from this project.
Scope of the assignment
Against this background, UNOPS seeks the expertise of a Technical Advisor, Individual Contractor (retainer) to assist the project in providing backstopping support for the EU CBRN Project to provide technical advice to the procurement activities and quality assurance after delivery of equipment. Retainer expert will play a critical technical advisory role and provide punctual input and support in preparing the specifications and TOR for the equipment and evaluating the proposals submitted by bidders. In addition, the expert will also ensure the high-level technical quality of the products of the activities and provide technical advice to the EU CBRN Project on biological equipment related aspects.
The Technical Advisor (Retainer) will be engaged on an ad-hoc basis. He/she will work from home with travels to project locations if required.
Functional ResponsibilitiesUnder the general guidance and supervision of the Project Manager the critical functions of the Technical Advisor include the following:
1. Technical Support
Review the equipment needs of the selected institutions and in consultation with relevant stakeholders provide advice on the best technical solutions to meet the identified needs. Develop and finalise the technical specifications for the biological equipment to be procured considering the needs and technical possibilities. Provide the project manager with an expert opinion based on the industry trends, suitability and the users' specific context. Participate in discussions with the stakeholders to refine and modify equipment specifications Carry out a market analysis in order to identify the potential suppliers (the leading producers /distributors including the export/import licence requirements) of the needed biological equipment. Identify technical criteria and proposal evaluation guidelines for the procurement process. Provide technical support in evaluating the bids and selecting suitable suppliers to deliver the equipment.2. Quality Assurance
Inspect and certify the equipment delivered matches UNOPS requirements and are in good working condition
Supervise the execution of installation, testing, and commissioning of equipment
3. User training
Define the appropriate user training requirements for the equipment to be procured
Supervise the user training exercise by the suppliers
4. Others tasks
Provide backstopping technical support as requested on any technical issue.
Any other tasks related to providing high-level technical advice to EU CBRN project as required by the project team.
Education/Experience/Language requirementsEducation:
Advanced university degree (masterโs degree or equivalent), preferably in science, biology, biological technology, or another relevant discipline is required
Bachelor's degree in above-mentioned areas with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
A minimum two (2) years relevant professional experience in international public procurement is required
Proven ability to develop technical specifications for biological equipment and produce high-quality associated documentation (technical ToRs, training manuals) is required
Familiarity with international tendering processes is required
Previous relevant work experience with the UN or other international organisations is an asset.
Language:
Fluency in written and oral English is required
Knowledge of another official UN official language is an asset
CompetenciesDevelops 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.
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. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Retainer - A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a โunit priceโ per day worked. For budgetary purposes, a monetary cap will be determined when the contract is awarded and issued. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work.
Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2) / ICSC-10. A Local ICA contract will be offered if there is an ICSC scale in the candidate's country of residency.
Contract duration: Two (2) years subject to satisfactory performance, availability of funds and necessity of services.
Duty station: Home-based For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.