Animal Detection Systems (ADS) Assessor – UNOPS Remote Roster Opportunity|Deadline 29 Apr 2026
A senior-level roster position is open with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The role focuses on assessing and overseeing Animal Detection Systems (ADS) used in mine action, security operations, and related UN field activities.
This is not a single vacancy but a roster recruitment, meaning selected candidates may be called upon for future assignments as operational needs arise.
Overview of the Role
The ADS Assessor ensures that animal detection operations meet strict international safety, quality, and operational standards.
Key details include:
- Position: Animal Detection Systems (ADS) Assessor
- Organization: United Nations Office for Project Services
- Location: Home-based (Remote)
- Contract Type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
- Level: Senior (ICS-11 / IICA-3)
- Duration: Variable (Roster-based assignment)
- Application Deadline: 29 April 2026
Organizational Context
The role is part of UNOPS’ Global Portfolios Office, which supports UN partners in delivering projects across more than 130 countries.
Within this structure, the New York Portfolios Office works closely with UN entities on:
- Peace and security operations
- Explosive threat management
- Sustainable development initiatives
- Operational support services (procurement, HR, project management)
Purpose of the Role
The ADS Assessor is responsible for ensuring that animal detection operations comply with international standards and perform effectively in field conditions.
These systems are used for:
- Explosive detection
- Narcotics detection
- Human scent tracking and search operations
The role combines technical oversight, quality assurance, and operational advisory responsibilities.
Core Responsibilities
1. Operational Oversight and Quality Assurance
The assessor is responsible for ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness.
Key duties include:
- Monitoring ADS operations and contractor performance
- Implementing quality management systems (QMS)
- Conducting quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) inspections
- Reviewing training records and operational readiness
- Issuing accreditation and inspection reports
2. Technical Advisory and Programme Support
The role provides technical guidance for global ADS operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting design and implementation of ADS programmes
- Advising on detection dog operations (explosives, narcotics, human scent)
- Conducting feasibility assessments and operational planning
- Supporting procurement and contractor selection processes
- Participating in field missions and operational inspections
3. Knowledge Management and Innovation
The position contributes to global knowledge-sharing and innovation.
Key activities include:
- Developing training and quality assurance courses
- Establishing expert communities in ADS operations
- Promoting new methodologies and technologies in detection systems
- Supporting capacity-building initiatives for field teams
Key Performance Expectations
The role includes strict performance and compliance benchmarks, such as:
- Ensuring 100% detection accuracy during assessments
- Maintaining zero false indication rates in evaluations
- Conducting regular operational compliance reviews
- Enforcing suspension of non-compliant operators when required
- Producing detailed assessment and inspection reports
Required Qualifications
The position requires extensive technical and operational expertise in detection dog systems and quality assurance.
Education pathways include:
- Master’s degree with 7 years’ experience, OR
- Bachelor’s degree with 9 years’ experience, OR
- High school diploma with 13 years’ experience
Required Certifications
Applicants must hold internationally recognized certifications, including:
- Product Scent Detection Dog Assessor/Evaluator certification
- Product Scent Detection Dog Instructor certification
Required Experience
Candidates must demonstrate extensive field and technical experience in detection dog operations.
Essential experience includes:
- External evaluation and instruction in detection dog systems
- Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) experience
- Knowledge of detection methodologies (explosives, narcotics, human scent)
- Familiarity with international mine action standards (IMAS/NMAS)
- Experience auditing operational compliance systems
Desirable experience:
- UN operational field experience
- Human scent detection and tracking operations
- Canine behavioral evaluation
Skills and Competencies
Key competencies for the role include:
- Animal behavior and training expertise
- Contract and procurement management
- Quality management systems (ISO-based frameworks)
- Analytical decision-making and operational assessment
- Strong communication and reporting skills
- Ability to work independently in complex environments
Working Conditions and Requirements
- Remote/home-based assignment
- Requires availability for international field missions
- May involve work in high-risk or operational security environments
- Must comply with UN background checks and standards
Final Perspective
This roster position with the United Nations Office for Project Services is highly specialized and technical, sitting at the intersection of security operations, animal detection systems, and international standards enforcement.
It is suited to experienced professionals with deep operational knowledge of detection dog systems and a strong background in quality assurance within humanitarian or security-related environments.
Rather than a traditional job, it functions as a specialist expert pool for future UN operational deployments.
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