Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and implements 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 a Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Operations Manager in Kyiv.  

About the job

The Operations Manager (OM) has the primary function of ensuring that the highest technical standards are achieved and maintained in HMA and that DRC works in line with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) and DRC’s own HMA standard operating procedures (SOPs) and global guidelines. The OM achieves this purpose by contributing to and approving the development of detailed technical plans for the implementation of activities, and most critically, ensure field operations are staffed by appropriately qualified technical staff,  the appropriate technical training is provided, field operations are appropriately technically monitored, and robust quality assurance of field operations is undertaken on a regular basis, with follow up as required. The OM, works in close liaison with internal stakeholders (e.g. Area Managers, safety, support services, etc.) and external stakeholders (such as the National Mine Action Authority and Mine Action Center) to achieve this purpose.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

People Management

  • Leading and line managing staff (including people planning, development, performance management, appraisal and well-being)
  • Technically supervising and line managing specific key managerial positions on current HMA projects, in line with HMA SOPs, NMAS and IMAS standards under the management of the Head of HMA and the overall supervision of the Head of Operations
  • Leading the planning and monitoring of technical training, and capacity and competence building of DRC operations employees, in line with the Head of HMA’s plan for capacity building and nationalization of roles

Operational Delivery

  • Supporting and advising the Head of HMA in operational matters and ensure that accreditation of operations is achieved and maintained with authorities.
  • Maintaining and developing SOPs, approving technical workplans and other relevant training and operations documentation and implement changes within the programme accordingly.
  • Provide technical inputs for procurements and support technical procurements
  • Overseeing overall daily management and supervision of HMA clearance operations. Monitor team outputs and proactively address underperformances.
  • Provide technical input to proposals, reports and budget and activity forecasts when required by the Head of HMA.
  • Lead the planning, implementation and monitoring of operational aspects of programme delivery, (e.g. procurement, equipment storage, training organisation etc.).
  • Provide feedback to the MEAL/ IM department on the adequacy of reporting tools for field use, ensuring they capture sufficient information to monitor outputs and outcomes

Technical Monitoring and Quality Management

  • Ensuring that the highest technical standards are maintained in HMA and that DRC works in line with IMAS, NMAS and DRC‘s HMA SOPs to support safe and efficient operations
  • Overseeing and evaluating all technical aspects of HMA activities.
  • Monitoring and analysing productivity achieved in order to identify recommendations for methods and practices to enhance productivity, ensuring cost effectiveness of operations conducted within the programme
  • Maintain and supervise a robust quality management system that ensures regular monitoring of all activities in all locations, and ensure that observations and recommendations are communicated and followed by operational personnel
  • Ensures that accidents, incidents and near misses are appropriately investigated, root causes are identified and addressed
  • Keeps up to date with emerging clearance and survey technology, advising the Head of HMA on relevant measures to increase efficiency

Technical Training and Capacity Building

  • Providing technical management and authority for planning, monitoring and follow up of technical training support to technical HMA staff in the field
  • Providing capacity and competence building support to government stakeholders, with a specific objective of strengthening and enhancing their technical capacity.
  • Building and reinforcing the operational capacities of Civil Society Organizations to deliver EORE, NTS and Clearance activities in cooperation with the relevant DRC departments

External relations

  • Contributing to the development of a professional collaborative relationship with national authorities and other agencies involved in mine action.
  • Represent DRC at external meetings and conferences pertaining to HMA policy, procedures, equipment and legislation as delegated by the Head of HMA.

About you

To be successful in this role, we expect you to have deep technical expertise and a strong track record in operations and people management. You hold IMAS EOD 3+ qualifications and at least 10 years of experience in humanitarian mine action, with a solid understanding of IMAS and NMAS compliance requirements and hands-on experience overseeing quality management systems in complex field environments. At least 5 years of people management experience. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

  • IMAS EOD 3+ qualifications and previous work experience as an Operations Manager.
  • Proven management experience gained in a range of settings.
  • Experience with accreditation according to different country standards.
  • Proven record of training national staff and ability to train and mentor national counterparts.
  • Demonstrated interest in and commitment to DRC's integrated and outcome-oriented programming approach.
  • Experience of working in conflict context.
  • Excellent communication and coordination skills.
  • Diplomatic, patient, and persistent.
  • Good knowledge of Word, Excel and SharePoint.
  • Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken).

Desirable

  • IEDD IMAS level 3+ or Search Advisor certification.
  • Knowledge of supply chain systems, human resources and budget management.
  • Familiarity with other sectors in which DRC operates.
  • Knowledge of IMSMA, GIS, ArcView.

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, after successful completion of a 3-month probation period.
  • Band: E2 – Manager.
  • Designation of Duty Station: Kyiv (non-family duty station).
  • Start date: August/ September 2026.

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

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: 09 June 2026.

We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible, interviews might be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select candidate before the vacancy close date once a suitable candidate has been identified.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.