Animal Detection Systems (ADS) Assessor at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Animal Detection Systems (ADS) Assessor at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) – United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Kenya Job Details

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Reporting to the PSC’s Global Technical Advisor, The Animal Detection Systems (ADS) carries out the following responsibilities:
• Primary Support to UNMAS ADS Operations (Highest Priority)
• Oversee and coordinate the implementation and execution of all ADS-related operations as directed by the designated primary supervisor.
• Work closely with procurement and contract management teams to ensure contractors comply with their contractual obligations.
• Implement an ADS Quality Management System (QMS), including the conduct of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) assessments.
• Report outcomes according to National Technical Standards and Guidelines (NTSG) or National Standards (NS).
• Lead and conduct regular Accreditation/Inspections of ADS teams and produce comprehensive written reports, including assessment forms and recommendations.
• Maintain familiarity with applicable International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), National Mine Action Standards (NMAS), and best practices in ADS operations.
• Review maintenance training and submitted Training Records (TR) of contracted ADS Teams and debrief contractors on QA achievements.
• Provide leadership in liaising with relevant stakeholders, including the contractor, Mission authorities, and UNDSS, to ensure integration of ADS efforts with the overall security plan.
• Global Advisory & PSC Support (Design, Planning & Expansion)
• Support PSC and relevant stakeholders in developing and refining ADS programme design from an operational and technical perspective for Explosives, Narcotics, and Human Scent detection.
• Provide expert ADS operations advice to UNOPS PSC and Programmes.
• Establish Feasibility Assessment (FA) procedures and lead the design of concepts of operations for multi-purpose Animal Detection Systems projects.
• Develop technical requirements and procedures for Human Scent Detection Dogs (HSDD) (tracking/rubble) and Narcotic Detection Dogs (NDD) services.
• Provide technical expert advice to procurement teams on pre-qualification for various detection disciplines (EDD, NDD, HSDD).
• Participate in and conduct technical missions, including Pre-Deployment Assessments (PDA), Operational Readiness Inspections (ORI), and QC assessments.
• Knowledge Management & Innovation
• Establish and lead a global community of ADS operational experts, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Champion innovation by identifying emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies (such as advanced surface change tracking).
• Develop and conduct QA courses for field personnel and relevant contractors.
• Design initiatives for knowledge dissemination, including identifying training needs and developing packages to increase awareness of specific capacities like HSDD.
• Measurable Outputs
• Issuance, renewal, and management of Organizational, Operational, and Provisional Operational Accreditation for implementing partners and specific Canine Teams.
• Production and issuance of Pre-qualification Certificates following the successful evaluation of an organization.
• Delivery of comprehensive written reports following Pre-deployment Assessments (PDAs), detailing explicit deployment recommendations, identified flaws, and required corrective steps for the implementing partner.
• Milestones
• Execution of the Global Pre-qualification process, formally clearing organizations through Stage 1 (Document Review) and Stage 2 (Physical Review).
• Completion of the Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) prior to the operational phase of the contract to verify contractual requirements and operational capacity.
• Timely execution of periodic Quality Control (QC) Assessments, conducted every six months at a minimum, to confirm ongoing compliance with operational standards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Target Indication Rate: Ensure that the assessed Canine Teams consistently achieve a 100% indication rate of all explosive/narcotic hides, items, and/or persons per dog during accreditation procedures.
• Operational Accuracy: Ensure that the assessed Canine Teams maintain a 0% false indication rate and achieve 100% coverage of designated search areas, vehicles, or items during assessments.
• Organizational Compliance Threshold: Monitor and enforce the 50% pass threshold; if more than 50% of a Pre-qualified Canine Organization’s teams fail an operational assessment test or QC Assessment, the Assessor must actively suspend their Pre-qualification status.
• Reporting Requirements
• Continuous monitoring and verification of the implementing partner’s internal Quality Management System (QMS) via the systematic review of weekly and monthly reports.
• Rigorous evaluation of comprehensive training records, ensuring they accurately reflect training progression, identified shortcomings, and corresponding corrective actions.
• Routine review of animal health metrics, including daily health check summaries submitted weekly, and formal monthly health check summaries signed by handlers, team leaders, and a veterinarian.
• Review of weekly veterinary reports and monthly assessments of dog food storage facility conditions.

Skills

• Animal Behavior, Animal Training, Contract Management, Knowledge Management, Procurement Contracts, Training

Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
• 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

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience; OR
• First Level University Degree (Bachelors or equivalent) with 9 years of relevant experience; OR
• High School Diploma, with a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience.

Certifications

• Product Scent Detection Dog Assessor/Evaluator Course (Internationally recognised) is required.
• Product Scent Detection Dog Instructor Course (Internationally recognised) is required.