WAM Technical Lead - Uruguay

About MAG: 

MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is an international humanitarian organisation based in Manchester, UK, and working in 32 countries. We remove landmines and unexploded ordnance to release safe and productive land for communities, and work to reduce the threat of armed violence by supporting governments to safely manage weapons and ammunition. In 1997, MAG was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for our work campaigning for the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. 

About the role: 

In this role, you will be responsible for implementing all aspects of Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) operations and related activities within Uruguay in the Latin America region. 

Key responsibilities will include conducting joint assessments with national authorities and coordinating and providing technical oversight of WAM projects. These projects may involve weapons and ammunition destruction, the design, delivery, and quality assurance of Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) training, the development and implementation of operational SOPs, and providing guidance to the Construction Manager on the rehabilitation or construction of storage and related facilities. 

The post holder will also support the CD in ensuring the safe and effective delivery of all MAG technical activities across countries of operation. 

About the programme: 

MAG is looking to implement a new project in support of the Uruguayan Army, specifically the War Material Service (Servicio de Materiales y Armamento). The project is structured around three complementary lines of effort: construction and refurbishment of physical infrastructure, weapons destruction, and training.  The project is designed to strengthen sustainable national capacity in weapons and ammunition management by building on existing national systems. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead technical assessments and field operations for Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM), including Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) management. 

• Manage operational tasking across WAM projects, including assessments, training, infrastructure rehabilitation and construction of weapons and ammunition storage facilities. 

• Develop and implement national WAM standards, drawing on International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), MOSAIC and recognised best practice. 

• Plan and oversee WAM activities, ensuring safe, effective and compliant delivery in line with MAG standards and national requirements. 

• Provide technical advice on WAM systems, procedures, equipment and risk reduction measures, adapting approaches to different national capacities. 

• Lead liaison with government authorities, Security and Defence Forces, donors, partners and other stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and alignment with national priorities. 

• Deliver WAM, ammunition and SALW management training to government and Security and Defence Force personnel, supporting capacity development and knowledge sharing. 

• Recruit, mentor and develop national technical staff, promoting high standards of technical performance and safety. 

• Provide clear technical reporting, briefings and incident/accident investigations, ensuring issues are identified, documented and appropriately followed up. 

• Contribute to programme planning, quality improvement and MAG's global WAM Community of Practice. 

• Monitor operational security risks and ensure all WAM activities comply with MAG's Health, Safety and Security policies and procedures. 

• Conduct technical missions and assessments nationally and internationally as required, and deputise for the Country Director when necessary. 

Key Requirements: 

Essential Qualifications 

• EOD 3 qualification or technical equivalent qualification. 

Essential Skills and Knowledge 

• Technical knowledge and practical experience of WAM activities and operations. 

• Training, experience and knowledge of a wide range of Land, Air and Naval Service ordnance. 

• Ability to develop, review and implement security and technical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 

• Ability to contribute technical expertise to proposals, reports and operational planning, including clearance targets. 

• Excellent organisational, planning and coordination skills. 

• Strong communication, interpersonal and teamworking skills. 

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel. 

• Fluency in English and Spanish. 

Essential Experience 

• Significant experience in Physical Security and Stockpile Management, including conducting and planning inspections, licensing and compliance activities on behalf of a National Technical Authority. 

• Experience managing WAM operations across multiple countries. 

• Proven experience leading, motivating and managing diverse teams, including mentoring and coaching others. 

• Experience delivering formal and informal training and transferring technical skills and knowledge to others. 

• Experience working independently for extended periods in stand-alone environments with minimal supervision. 

Benefits: 

• Renumeration Package: £73,436 per annum including basic salary and all allowances and this increases with service.  

• Accommodation: MAG will provide accommodation in-country.  

• Leave: We recognize our staff work hard and need the appropriate time out to stay motivated. You'll have a minimum of six weeks out of the programme per year. 

• Flights: MAG provides three international flights home per year. 

• Insurance: Internationally contracted, programme-based staff are automatically covered by MAG's comprehensive insurance package including: Personal accident and medical expenses insurance; Death by natural causes insurance and access to 24-hour medical assistance. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Please apply by submitting an application detailing your suitability for the role through the link below before the closing date 12:00 on Monday 26 October. 

MAG will support the successful applicant with any visa or work permit required, including application, administration and costs, however applicants will need to be able to obtain these within a reasonable time period to be considered for the role, due to programme needs.