Introduction
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is recruiting an Operations Specialist for a home-based position supporting global peace and security programmes. This mid-level opportunity offers professionals with expertise in operations, project management, and explosive hazard management the chance to contribute to humanitarian and development initiatives across some of the world’s most challenging environments.
The initial duty station is home-based, with the possibility of transitioning to a field office location depending on operational requirements. Applications are open until 24 August 2026.
About UNOPS
UNOPS is a United Nations organization that helps governments, UN agencies, and international partners successfully implement humanitarian, peacebuilding, and sustainable development projects.
Operating in more than 130 countries, UNOPS provides project management, procurement, infrastructure, financial management, and human resources services that enable partners to deliver impactful programmes worldwide.
This position falls within the New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) under the Peace and Security Cluster (PSC), which works closely with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to support mine action and explosive hazard management operations globally.
About the Role
The Operations Specialist will support the planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of mine action programmes while ensuring compliance with UNOPS operational policies and international technical standards.
Reporting to the Coordination and Compliance Officer and the Head of Operations, the successful candidate will provide technical leadership, oversee operational planning, and support field teams implementing humanitarian mine action activities.
Although the position is home-based, the duty station may change to a field office depending on programme needs.
Key Responsibilities
The Operations Specialist will contribute to programme success through a wide range of operational responsibilities, including:
Operational Planning
- Support programme and project design.
- Develop operational workplans.
- Contribute to concepts of operations.
- Prepare implementation plans.
- Ensure projects integrate gender equality and social inclusion considerations.
- Support human resource and operational planning.
Programme Implementation
The successful candidate will:
- Monitor mine action operations.
- Coordinate contractors and implementing partners.
- Ensure compliance with UNOPS policies and procedures.
- Review contractor performance.
- Monitor operational quality and project delivery.
- Manage operational risks.
- Maintain quality assurance processes.
- Support information management systems.
- Prepare operational reports.
Technical Responsibilities
The role also involves:
- Conducting explosive hazard assessments.
- Supporting land release operations.
- Managing explosive ordnance disposal activities.
- Providing technical advice to humanitarian partners.
- Supporting Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE).
- Applying International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).
- Using mine action information management systems.
Stakeholder and Team Management
The Operations Specialist will:
- Build relationships with UN partners and national authorities.
- Mentor operations personnel.
- Lead multicultural teams.
- Promote diversity and inclusion.
- Support staff development and performance management.
- Foster a safe and respectful working environment.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must possess one of the following:
- Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience; or
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 7 years of relevant experience; or
- High school qualification with military or police experience and 11 years of relevant experience.
Required Experience
Candidates should demonstrate experience in:
- Project management
- Humanitarian or development programmes
- Conflict or post-conflict environments
- Mine action operations
- Explosive hazard management
Applicants must also have at least three years of recent experience in one or more of the following:
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
- Non-technical survey
- Technical survey
- Manual mine clearance
- Battle area clearance
- Road clearance
- Mechanical clearance
- Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD)
Experience using the following standards is required:
- International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)
- International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG)
Experience using the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) is also required.
Certification Requirements
Applicants must hold:
- EOD Level 3 Certification (mandatory)
The certificate must be submitted as part of the application.
Preferred Qualifications
Desirable experience includes:
- Modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC)
- Gender equality and social inclusion in mine action programmes
- Humanitarian coordination
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Fluent English (required)
The following languages are desirable:
- French
- Arabic
Contract Details
- Organization: UNOPS
- Position: Operations Specialist
- Category: Operations
- Duty Station: Home-based
- Contract Type: ICA – LICA Specialist
- Contract Level: LICA 10
- Duration: 12 months
- Seniority: Mid-Level
Why Join UNOPS?
Working with UNOPS provides professionals with the opportunity to support humanitarian and peacebuilding programmes that save lives and strengthen communities.
Benefits include:
- Home-based work arrangement
- Opportunity to work with the United Nations system
- International humanitarian experience
- Career development opportunities
- Diverse multicultural working environment
- Contribution to global peace and security initiatives
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official UNOPS recruitment portal before the closing date.
Application Deadline: 24 August 2026
Opportunity Summary
- Organization: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
- Position: Operations Specialist
- Location: Home-based
- Contract: ICA – LICA Specialist (LICA 10)
- Duration: 12 Months
- Experience Required: Minimum 5 years
- Education: Master’s, Bachelor’s, or equivalent qualifying experience
- Certification: EOD Level 3 (Required)
- Application Deadline: 24 August 2026
This home-based opportunity is ideal for experienced operations and mine action professionals seeking to support humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development programmes through the United Nations while contributing to safer communities around the world.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
