Humanitarian Mine Action Technical Field Manager

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs.

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 700 staff in Ukraine and will continue significant scale-up in 2024 to implement emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for an experienced Humanitarian Mine Action Technical Field Manager to join our team in Kharkiv.

Overall purpose of the role: 

The TFM is the most senior HDP member of staff at Area Level. With direct line management to the HDP Operations Manager, the Area TFM has indirect line management to the Area Manager. The Technical Field Manager (TFM) provides technical advice, training and direct management to HDP staff under area of responsibility. The TFM develops the capacity and technical knowledge of all assigned HDP staff with a view to producing an effective and sustainable nationalized HDP operation. The TFM is responsible for the day-to-day planning of HDP operations in its area, in collaboration with the Area Manager and other DRC sectors and with input from the Demining Supervisors, NTS Team Leader and the EORE Team Leader. The TFM coordinates with the Area Manager regarding the support services required for the smooth running of HDP activities in the area. 

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Technical responsibilities and oversight
• Responsible for daily management and supervision of operational activity, with support from Technical Advisors, ensuring safety and quality of HDP land release and EORE operations. Monitors and analyzes productivity and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Supports the HDP Operations Manager in the planning and tasking of operational assets.
• Manages, mentors and supervises national staff ensuring that they carry out their duties in a responsible manner. Ensures all teams are fully compliant with IMAS, NMAS & DRC HDP SOPs.
• Delivers and monitors training to build capacity within the national staff in consultation with the OM and QM and Training Manager.
• Regularly conducts internal quality assurance of Demining, EOD, BAC, NTS and EORE teams, providing corrective action where necessary.
• Daily reporting of all HDP activities to OM and IM unit.
• Supports the process of accreditation of DRC HDP in Ukraine, according to legislative requirements, as required.
• Assists the OM and QMT Manager in the revision of National Standards and DRC HDP SOPs.
• Advises, assists and guides other DRC sector staff to mitigate mine and ERW risks when operating in contaminated area, as required.

Operational planning

• Accountable for the planning, implementation and monitoring of all HDP activities in its area, taking into consideration the priorities set by the programme, the authorities and beneficiaries, as well as the donor requirements.
• Participates in internal area-level meetings and coordinates operational planning with the Area Manager and other DRC Sector Managers to identify opportunities for integration and maximize the impact of mine action.
• Provides technical input into HDP concept notes, proposals and reports, as required.
• Manages the allocated budget lines and monitors and forecasts expenditure in close co-operation with the appointed HDP Finance and Administration Officer at Country Office.
• Ensures the serviceability of equipment and plans equipment replacements.
• Ensures team members raise appropriate purchase requests in a timely manner, enabling sufficient time for procurement by the Supply Chain Team, without negative repercussions on operations. Follows-up with Supply Chain team to ensure timely delivery of HMA supplies and equipment for operations.
• Communicates and liaises with the Area Safety Focal Point on all safety and access matters and ensures they are implemented.

External representation

• Represents DRC in HDP-related meetings at area level with stakeholders including Oblast authorities, local authorities, MA sub-cluster at area level. All external representation at area level should be done jointly with the Area Manager (or Base Manager), unless agreed otherwise in advance.

HR responsibilities

• Line management of direct reports (demining supervisors, NTS Team Leader, EORE Team Leader), including setting of probation/performance objectives and regular performance reviews.
• Ensure correct staff levels are maintained for tasks.
• Discipline and welfare of assigned staff including Code of Conduct, absenteeism and determine the root cause and effect on operations
• Identify staff that have potential for advancement, design and implement capacity building plans, in coordination with the HDP OM.
• Plan and facilitate the recruitment of field-based staff in the area of operation.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 5 years of working experience in the area of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (a minimum of IMAS EOD level 3 qualifications) in an international environment (NGO, UN etc) and at least 3 years of experience in people management. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• Significant proven working experience in planning/ supervising Non-Technical Survey and EORE operations.
• Experience as a trainer/instructor and supervisor of HMA technical staff in the area of Land Release and EOD.
• Significant proven work experience in national technical staff capacity building is required.
• Knowledge of and practical experience with a range of HMA equipment such as the Minelab F3, Ebinger UPEX 740M, CEIA CMD, Vallon VMR3 / VMC, Ebinger SC100, for the purposes of Land Release operations
• Fluency in written and spoken English with excellent writing skills required
• Experience in logistics and safety of personnel and assets/equipment Strong operational planning and organizational skills.
• A strong sense of commitment to quality management.
• A high degree of computer literacy.
• Cultural and political sensitivity.

Others:

• Displays excellent management and communication skills with a strong sense of team spirit and a positive attitude.
• Willingness to adopt new technologies and methodologies within the HMA sector.
• Ability to build good working relationships with key stakeholders and national authorities.
• Ability to understand the cultural and political environment and to work well with the local authorities.
• Willingness to live and work in remote and isolated areas under basic living conditions is required.
• Medically and physically fit for duty in austere environments

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:   

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.   

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.   

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.   

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.   

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. 

We offer:

Contract length: 12 months

Level: F-1 Management

Designation of Duty Kharkiv (non-family duty station)

Start date: ASAP

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: April 21st, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Recruitment will be conducted on a rolling basis, and a final candidate may be selected before the advertisement closes. Only candidates who meet the criteria will be contacted.