UNOPS seeks an Underwater Explosive Threat Management Specialist: Apply by 15 December 2025
UNOPS is Hiring
Position Title: Underwater Explosive Threat Management Specialist
Job Category: Project
Duty Station: Home-based
Seniority Level: Mid-Level
ICS Level: ICS 10
Contract Type: ICA – IICA – Retainer
Contract Level: IICA 2
Posting Period: 01–15 December 2025
Duration: Six months, up to 50 working days
Job Overview
The Underwater Explosive Threat Management (UW ETM) Specialist will lead the assessment of Ukraine’s underwater explosive threat management capacity as part of a Critical Needs Assessment (CNA).
The role involves collecting key operational, training, and infrastructure data, collaborating closely with the CNA Technical Lead, and defining priority actions for immediate and post-assessment implementation. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, with applicable ICS-10 fee scales for local recruits.
Regional Context
The Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR), based in Geneva, oversees UNOPS operations across Western Balkans, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus, and Türkiye.
UNOPS provides technical advisory services, project implementation, and capacity-building support across sectors including health, education, housing, infrastructure, governance, and social inclusion, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in partnership with national governments.
Country Context
Since the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the country has experienced severe humanitarian and socio-economic disruption, extensive infrastructure damage, and large-scale displacement.
UNOPS support in Ukraine spans emergency response to recovery, including infrastructure, energy, housing, education, and mine action projects, aiming to rebuild critical services, strengthen resilience, and support EU accession.
Organizational Context
The Ukraine and Eastern Europe Multi-Country Office (UEMCO) operates in Ukraine, Moldova, and Poland, delivering large-scale infrastructure and humanitarian projects. In Ukraine, UEMCO manages mine action, energy, housing, and education initiatives in partnership with UN agencies, EU institutions, and bilateral donors. The office responds to fast-evolving needs with strong procurement and project implementation capacity.
Job Specific Context
UEMCO is conducting a six-month CNA as a precursor to a planned five-year humanitarian mine action project in Ukraine. The assessment will cover humanitarian demining, canine services, underwater demining, and academic support.
The CNA aims to identify operational requirements, infrastructure gaps, procurement needs, and training priorities to support the development of sustainable underwater EOD capabilities.
Role Purpose
The UW ETM Specialist will evaluate existing underwater demining capacity, provide technical guidance for training and infrastructure, support procurement planning, and advise on policy development and operational management.
The role contributes to enhancing Ukraine’s humanitarian underwater demining capability, scaling up diving units, and strengthening training programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Assessment: Conduct thorough evaluations of existing underwater processes, infrastructure, and operational capacity. Collaborate with the Programme Officer to document findings for the CNA report.
- Procurement Planning: Determine specifications for diving equipment, hyperbaric chambers, and UW ETM tools. Ensure equipment compatibility and liaise with the beneficiary and Senior Procurement Officer to approve and compile procurement lists.
- Infrastructure Planning: Provide technical input for facility rehabilitation, hyperbaric chamber replacement, and construction of permanent training structures.
- Policy Development and Training Support: Oversee technical aspects of UW ETM training up to EOD3+/IMAS standards. Ensure compliance with national regulations, professional development plans, and international standards. Provide guidance on operations, team leadership training, and use of specialized equipment.
- Operational Support: Offer expert technical support to beneficiaries, coordinate with training providers, and prioritize resources to avoid duplication of effort.
Qualifications
- Education: Advanced university degree with a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience; OR Bachelor’s degree with 7 years; OR technical/professional diploma with 9 years.
- Professional Certifications: IMAS-equivalent EOD 3+ certification, professional diver qualification (e.g., HSE SCUBA, ADAS Part 2+), and military/government-certified UW EOD experience.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years in EOD, including 3 years in underwater EOD operations, and 3 years designing and delivering UW ETM training programs. Proven experience in underwater search, ordnance disposal, and compliance with international technical standards.
- Desired: Closed-Circuit Rebreather (CCR) operation, hyperbaric chamber operation, high-pressure gas management, and AUV deployment and data interpretation.
- Languages: Fluent in English; basic Ukrainian desirable.
Competencies: Diving, project implementation, training development, and strategic planning.
Additional Information
UNOPS does not accept unsolicited applications or request payments at any stage. Applications must be received before midnight CET on the closing date.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo assessments, and reasonable accommodations are available upon request. UNOPS is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and an inclusive workforce.
