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MINE ACTION QUALITY ASSURANCE/CONTROL SPECIALIST

Location : Ndjamena, with travel as required in Chad, CHAD
Application Deadline :03-Aug-12
Additional CategoryDemocratic Governance
Type of Contract :Individual Contract
Post Level :International Consultant
Languages Required :
 English   French  
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)		01-Sep-2012
Duration of Initial Contract :05 months
Expected Duration of Assignment :05 months

Background
UNDP has supported the Chadian authorities to establish a mine action support programme which is being carried out by UNDP since 2009 to support the capacity of the national authorities to be able to fully manage their main action activities and ensure that clearance plans based on surveys and community liaison, as well as evidence-based needs are in place and implemented. Given the large casualty figures, UNDP support is also being provided to ensure that a long term victim assistance strategy is in place to support the return to productive lives for Chad’s many mine victims.
 
From 2002 to 2008, UNDP supported CND in undertaking a number of demining and clearance operations, with the support of international operators, despite numerous constraints, especially low and very irregular financing. UNDP support continues to focus on ensuring proper liaison with and inclusion of the communities at all levels of its efforts in Chad in both the level of mapping the mine threat, planning clearance and providing information on victims.
 
UNDP’s support to mine action in Chad is centered on increasing the capacity of national authorities to manage, coordinate and implement mine action strategies, plans and activities throughout the country. In particular, in March 2011, the Department of Foreign Affairs and trade (DFAIT) of the Republic of Canada signed with UNDP/BCPR a financing agreement for the strengthening of the capacity of mine action in Chad.
 
The project intends to strengthen national mine action capacities, focusing on the Completion of the obligations related to the Ottawa Convention. Technical assistance, vocational training and institutional support will be provided to the national demining center, covering key sensitive domains: strategic planning, operations management and coordination, quality control, database management and reporting.
 
In addition to, and in collaboration with UNDP, UNMAS has deployed a Senior Technical Adviser to the CND who is also the Programme Manager of UNMAS directly supported Mine Action in Chad. The consultant will collaborate with the UNMAS programme Manager.
 
The process and main tools for quality control have been developed in 2010, under a capacity building project supported by DFAIT. The next step is to support the creation of a pilot team for quality assurance of Mine Action in Chad.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Based on QA support documentation and procedures developed earlier, update and complete the overall National QA policy and standards for mine action in Chad;
  • Provide advice to the CND and MA stakeholders on quality management strategies, aims, goals and objectives and support the integration of QA component in the Chad Mine Action Strategy;
  • In cooperation with CND designated staff and in consultation with MA stakeholders, develop and implement a QA Management System and ensure that it is being applied in a fair and equitable manner and in accordance with the National Mine Action Policy and National Mine Action Standards;
  • Develop specific ToRs and Individual Plan of Action for CND QA designated staff;
  • Provide capacity development for the national staff of the mine action team in the planning and implementation of a QA system;
  • Conduct training, provide coaching and mentoring on all aspects of QA to the CND designated staff;
  • Conduct a regular briefing on to all level of management and staff involved in MA;
  • Provide guidance on any specific corrective actions and recommendations to be taken by the CND;
  • Support the CND operations department on all aspects of sampling and post clearance operations/post impact assessments;
  • Ensure close and effective inter-action and co-ordination of QA with the other integral aspects of the mine action programme;
  • Support the CND in ensuring appropriate files and records are maintained for all QA monitoring;
  • Lead the development of national mine action documents inspired by ISO accreditation process;
  • Other tasks as directed by the Country Director/Deputy Country Director.

Competencies
At the end of the 5 months assignment, there is an expectation that the following deliverables will have been made in cooperation with the CND and the Country Office and mine action technical experts from other agencies involved in mine action:
  • A final and approved set of procedures, processes and system for Quality Management in Chad ;
  • A training/mentoring evaluation report on capacity building and relevant recommendations for follow-up;
  • A set of quality related operational recommendations, planning and resources for strategic planning;
  • Short end of mission activity report.
 

Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Graduate Degree. University degree in business administration, development management, international development or relevant experience.

Experience:

  • At least five years proven and applicable experience in the managing of QA systems for humanitarian mine action;
  • Experience with a UN Mine Action Centre, National Mine Action Centre or Mine Action NGO an advantage;
  • Knowledge of IMAS and relationship between IMAS, National Standards and Standard Operating Procedures;
  • A clear understanding of the interactions between the pillars and implementing partners involved in a humanitarian mine action programme;
  • Current knowledge of the latest developments and methodologies in the field of mine action;
  • Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, plan and manage mine action programmes, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills;
  • Proven team building skills and demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and established harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organisation;
  • Knowledge of UN system and familiarity with UNDP Policy and procedures are desirable;
  • Knowledge of ISO an advantage;
  • Thorough knowledge of all mine action components;
  • Fully computer literate, strong Microsoft Office Suite skills and knowledge of IMSMA an asset;
  • Self reliant and able to work independently.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluent in French and English an advantage.
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) English Version or French Version, via e-mail to: registry.td@undp.org 
Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only short-listed candidates for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.  
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.


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