General Information

Position Title

Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Instructor

Job Category

Project

Duty Station(s)

Kyiv

Seniority Level

Mid Level

ICS Level

ICS 10

Contract Type

ICA – IICA – Regular

Contract Level

IICA 2

Posting Start Date

29-Jul-2026

Posting End Date

12-Aug-2026

Duration

6 months

Job Highlight

As the Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Instructor, you will play a critical role in the Ukraine Mine Action Programme by building sustainable national capacity to counter explosive threats. You will be responsible for developing and delivering high-impact Training-of-Trainers (ToT) courses in Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) and Counter-IED (C-IED) to partners, ensuring they are equipped to train their own personnel effectively. By designing comprehensive, NMAS-compliant training materials and providing technical mentorship in this high-risk environment, you will directly support Ukraine’s efforts to address its extensive explosive ordnance contamination crisis.

About the Region

The Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR), based in Geneva, is responsible for the effective management, coordination and oversight of UNOPS operations across the region. The ECR region spans the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus, and Türkiye, where UNOPS works with partners to achieve sustainable impact in health, education, environmental management, housing, rule of law, good governance, economic development, and social inclusion. With a wealth of experience in procurement, infrastructure, project and grant management, UNOPS in the region directly implements projects, provides technical advisory services and capacity building to advance the Sustainable Development Goals in support of national governments.

About the Group

The UNOPS Ukraine and Eastern Europe MCO (UEMCO) operates in Ukraine, Moldova, and Poland, supporting urgent humanitarian needs while building pathways for recovery and development. In Ukraine, UEMCO delivers large-scale infrastructure, energy, housing, education, and mine action projects in partnership with UN agencies, international financial institutions, the European Union, and bilateral donors. Its agile portfolio responds to fast-evolving needs with strong procurement and implementation capacity. In Moldova, UEMCO supports justice sector reform and is exploring opportunities to expand its role across public sector modernization and infrastructure. In Poland, UEMCO works with government and private sector actors to strengthen ties with UN procurement and contribute to Ukraine’s recovery, leveraging Poland’s EU experience to support Ukraine’s future accession and integration.

Job Specific Context

Ukraine faces unprecedented explosive ordnance (EO) contamination following the full-scale Russian invasion of 2022. An estimated 25 percent of the country’s territory is potentially contaminated. There is a growing need for countering IEDs in Ukraine. The Ukraine Mine Action Programme as part of the Ukraine and East Europe Multi-Country Office (UEMCO) supports national authorities in addressing the most extensive explosive ordnance contamination crisis in Europe since the Second World War.

Role Purpose

Reporting to the UNOPS Project Manager and overseen by the UNOPS UEMCO Humanitarian Mine Action Technical Advisor, the Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Instructor is the primary technical expert responsible for developing and delivering EOD related courses, including improvised explosive device disposal Training-of-Trainers (IEDD ToT) and Counter-IED Training-of-Trainers (C-IED ToT) courses to selected partners, and for developing the training materials that underpin all components of the programme. The contractor will enable the partners to independently deliver instructor-led and equipment training to colleagues, building a sustainable national IEDD training capacity.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Training Material Development

Develop comprehensive, NMAS-compliant training materials for the IEDD ToT and C-IED ToT, including lesson plans, instructor guides, participant workbooks, and assessment tools.

Where requested, develop other EOD related training material.

Ensure all materials are produced in English and suitable for translation into Ukrainian.

Review and update materials between cohorts based on participant feedback and changes in the operational environment.

2. Training of Trainers (ToT) Delivery

Plan and deliver ToT courses to selected partner participants at venues agreed with the partner.

Structure the course around Method of Instruction (MoI) covering EOD, HMA, IEDD and CIED as the primary content, incorporating elements as agreed with the partner before each cohort.

Ensure the graduates leave the course able to deliver training in their respective subjects to other partner personnel.

Support graduates through mentoring and co-delivery as they begin their own sessions, where the schedule allows.

Maintain accurate attendance records and session reports for each deployment.

Conduct pre- and post-course assessments; provide individual feedback and course completion certification.

Provide a written course report following each cohort.

3. Programme Support

Where requested, liaise with the partners to confirm participant eligibility, cohort schedules, and course content requirements before each delivery.

Coordinate with the team on scheduling, logistics, and any changes to the programme.

Where requested, coordinate with other international partners to avoid duplication.

Submit a final programme report, covering all deliverables, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Undertake any other relevant thematic tasks as required.

Skills

Communication, Diversity & Inclusion, Security Awareness, Training, Training Delivery, Training Needs Analysis, Training Development, Training Strategy and Planning, Integrity

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

Required

• Master’s degree or equivalent with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; OR
• A technical or professional diploma with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience.

IMAS-equivalent IED Disposal (IEDD) level 3 qualification.

Candidates must possess IEDD qualifications demonstrating technical competency at the 09.31 level. Applicants must provide evidentiary support (such as course modules and learning objectives) to verify this equivalence.

Desired

Training-of-Trainers qualification or equivalent instructional methodology certification is desired.

Experience Requirements

Required

Relevant experience is defined as:

Operational experience within the last ten years in IEDD level 3 and C-IED activities in an IED-threat environment

Demonstrable experience in course development and training delivery in a technical or law enforcement context.

Experience in training/mentoring in conflict or post-conflict settings, with a proven track record in training management of national law enforcement forces.

Proficient with specialist IED detectors (e.g., GPR, wire detector, etc.).

Desired

Prior experience in Ukraine or a comparable post-conflict environment.

Experience with UN agencies or international organisations.

Knowledge of IMAS, NMAS and current IED typology and tactics relevant to Ukraine.

Experience facilitating training in multiple modalities and pedagogical methods for diverse audiences.

Demonstrated experience in producing technical reports on training outcomes, IED threats, and mitigation measures for UN or similar high-risk operational environments.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredUkrainianBasicDesirable

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.