Explosive Ordnance Risk Education Officer, Damascus, Syria

General Information

Position Title: Explosive Ordnance Risk Education Officer

Job Category: Operations

Duty Station(s): Damascus

Seniority Level: Mid Level

ICS Level: ICS 09

Contract Type: ICA - LICA - Specialist - Regular

Contract Level: LICA 9

Posting Start Date: 05-Oct-2026

Posting End Date: 20-Oct-2026

Duration: Ongoing

Job Highlight

The EORE Officer serves as a technical support focal point under the oversight of the Head of Operations for Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), coordinating and supporting the delivery of coherent, standardized, and quality-assured EORE activities by implementing partners and stakeholders. The role supports the application of the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), National Mine Action Standards (NMAS), and UNMAS guidance, and approved programme procedures, and facilitates coordination with the Syrian National Mine Action Centre (SNMAC), UN agencies, NGOs and other partners.

Under the guidance of the relevant supervisor, the incumbent supports the coordination, quality management, monitoring, and evaluation of UNMAS EORE operations, supports capacity development activities implemented under approved plans, and contributes to the integration of EORE into broader humanitarian and national systems. The role collects, reviews and analyses operational data to support the assessment of programme reach, effectiveness and behavioral outcomes.

About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world's most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS' strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) manages UNOPS' New York-based portfolios, delivering project and programme management, procurement, HR, and financial services to global partners, from the UN Secretariat to Member States. NYPO strategically positions UNOPS with these partners, fostering collaboration to achieve growth and leveraging expertise in global portfolio design and implementation. We support the broader SDGs and 2030 Agenda, primarily assisting the UN Secretariat and other New York-based UN entities with a global reach. NYPO encompasses the Peace and Security Cluster (PSC), focusing on explosive threat management, and the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC), providing diverse operational support to the UN system in New York.

About the Project Office

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action, working with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, the Governments of mine-affected countries, and other mine action partners. The Cluster is responsible for administering, providing support, and overseeing the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both in accordance with client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. It is headed by the Cluster Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Cluster on behalf of its clients.

PSC operates within UNOPS broader commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH), as set out in the UNOPS DEI Strategy and Accountability Plan 2026-2029, the GESI Mainstreaming Strategy 2026-2029, and the Prevention and Protection against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment Strategy (updated 2023). Within the mine action context, these commitments are operationalised through the PSC GEDSI Strategy 2026-2029, which sets expectations for inclusive recruitment, workforce representation, and the integration of GESI and PSEAH into programme delivery and implementing partner oversight. All PSC roles, including this position, are expected to contribute actively to these commitments.

About the Group

Background: UNMAS Syria Programme

UNMAS Syria, with its office based in Damascus, plays a central role in coordinating humanitarian mine action across Syria. UNMAS also actively supports the broader United Nations Country Team (UNCT) by enabling safe access for humanitarian and development operations. UNMAS also works closely with the Syrian Government which has designated the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management (MoEDM) as the national focal point for mine action. As part of its strategic support, UNMAS is actively coordinating advising on the establishment of a national mine action authority and mine action centre, by providing strategic and technical advice and developing a comprehensive roadmap for institutional development and technical capacity. In addition, UNMAS serves as the lead agency for the Mine Action Area of Responsibility ( MA AoR) in Syria, coordinating efforts under the broader humanitarian framework.

Job Specific Context

Background: UNMAS Syria Programme

Operating under the mandate of Security Council resolution 2165 (renewed in 2017 with SCR 2393), UNMAS deployed to Syria at the request of the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator in August 2015 and subsequently activated the Mine Action Sub Sector under the Protection Sector to address the impact of explosive hazards within Syria. UNMAS acted as the lead agency for the Mine Action Sub sector for Syria. Established in Damascus since 2018, following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Syrian Arab Republic, UNMAS strives to expand humanitarian mine action in Syria, with the aim of responding to high humanitarian needs. This includes humanitarian mine action activities prioritized in the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Syria: risk education, victim assistance, survey and clearance.

The conflict in Syria has been characterized by the extensive use of explosive weapons, which resulted in large-scale explosive hazard contamination, with the presence of diversified types of ordnances. According to the Syrian Arab Republic Humanitarian Needs Response Plan(HNRP) 2026, over 14.3 million Syrians are estimated to be at risk of explosive ordnance (EO) contamination; men, women, and children are exposed to the threat of grave injuries and death on a daily basis.

Mitigating EO risks and supporting survivors are a key priority given the scale of EO contamination with 2335 civilian casualties recorded between December 2024 and June 2026. fhz1u07 D2uTTn

UNMAS play a central role in reducing harm through non-technical survey, EO disposal and clearance, inclusive risk education integrated with critical services such as education, agriculture, and cash/livelihoods, and sensitive community engagement, while facilitating referrals to survey and clearance actors where feasible.

Role Purpose

Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Operations, the EORE Officer provides technical analysis and implementation support for EORE operational planning, coordination, monitoring, reporting, quality management and continuous improvement.

The incumbent supports UNMAS efforts to strengthen standardized and quality-managed EORE delivery in line with applicable International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) and UNMAS guidance and approved programme procedures, while assisting the operations department in capacity-building projects, coordination and technical fora, implementing partners and relevant stakeholders in the planning, delivery, monitoring and integration of EORE activities.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Operations, the incumbent will:

Operational Planning & Data Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive EORE needs, casualty, and risk-behavior analyses—disaggregated by age, gender, disability, and geography—to guide strategic targeting, resource allocation, and workplan development.
• Collaborate with the Information Management unit to manage IMSMA, 5Ws, and casualty data flows, ensuring accurate data entry and alignment with operational decision-making.
• Track and report EORE outreach across in-person, mass media, and digital channels to assess overall reach and inform impact evaluations.

Quality Assurance & Technical Standards

• Draft, update and maintain EORE Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical guidance, Quality Management (QM) tools, and training packages.
• Design, test, and adapt culturally appropriate, conflict-sensitive EORE materials and methodologies tailored to target demographics, with accessible formats and developed with inputs from affected community members, including women, persons with disabilities, caregivers, and explosive ordnance survivors
• Conduct QA/QC field monitoring using standardized checklists to observe partner EORE sessions, verify data quality, identify non-conformities, and enforce corrective actions.
• Pilot specialized EORE sessions to test materials, evaluate delivery techniques, and maintain technical messaging standards.
• Verify that implementing partner reporting is disaggregated by gender, age, and disability before acceptance, and record non-compliant submissions in the quality management log.
• Monitor and report on the gender composition of partner EORE delivery teams as part of routine quality assurance, and flag where team composition constrains access to women and girls.
• Ensure EORE session protocols include referral pathways to victim assistance and protection services, and brief facilitators on referral procedures before deployment.

Partner Oversight & Capacity Building

• Support EORE grant processes, including calls for proposals, partner selections, technical evaluations, workplan reviews, tasking order preparation, and performance assessments.
• Support national mine action authority (NMAC) capacity development by helping prepare training materials, executing mentoring plans, and tracking progress against capacity benchmarks.
• Deliver technical coaching to partner personnel and document learning needs to inform future capacity-building activities.

Coordination & Operational Support

• Collaborate with EORE Technical Working Group (TWG), Mine Action Area of Responsibility (AoR), and inter-agency coordination forums with national authorities, UN agencies, and NGOs.
• Compile field evidence, lessons learned, and progress data into high-quality technical reports and briefing materials.
• Provide technical translation and administrative support for project correspondence, official documentation, and key operational meetings.

Team Coordination & Safeguarding

• Support EORE team management, reviewing workplans and verifying that personnel possess the necessary competencies, tools, and training to work safely and effectively.
• Verify that all EORE personnel and partner facilitators deployed to community-facing activities have completed mandatory Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) training prior to deployment. Ensure that community-based complaint and feedback channels are communicated at every EORE session and that the means of reporting are documented in session records. Report any allegation of sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment immediately through established UNOPS reporting channels, applying a victim/survivor-centred approach and without conducting any inquiry into the allegation.
• Foster an inclusive, accountable, and safe work environment that promotes continuous learning, ethical community engagement, and respect for diversity.

Skills

Facilitation, Field Training, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, Quality Management, Reporting, Stakeholder Engagement

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

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.

Education Requirements

Required

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience is required; OR
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 4 years of relevant experience; OR
• Secondary School (High school or equivalent) with 6 years of relevant experience is required.

Desired

• Formal EORE training within the last 5 years is desired.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is defined as team-leader-level experience in Humanitarian Mine Action, delivering EORE-related training and messaging. A level equivalent to IMAS EORE Level 3 (governed by IMAS T&EP 12.10/01, Competency Standards for Explosive Ordnance Risk Education Practitioners) is required for this position.
• Experience in delivering EORE-related training and/or translating during lessons and exercises with Communities is required.
• Experience supporting operations in humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development contexts is required.
• Experience delivering EORE or community engagement activities with women and girls, or applying gender, age and disability considerations in design or delivery of risk education, is required.
• Experience in computers and MS Office or similar is required.
• Experience in drafting and report writing is required.

Desired

• Experience supporting an NMAC is desired.
• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.

Language Requirements

Language: English

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Language: Arabic

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click 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.