Humanitarian Mine Action Manager (HMAM)

WHO ARE WE?

We Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

ABOUT THE JOB

 

• The HMA Mine Action Manager (HMAM) is accountable for all aspects of HMA/weapons-related work in the DRC West AO and manages technical staff to ensure HMA Operation is conducted effectively, safely, and by standards (SOPs).

 

• The HMAM is responsible for maintaining efficient cooperation with the West AM Manager/APM on a day-to-day basis and participates in all coordination efforts led by the HMA OM and AM/APM Manager.

 

• The HMAM will support the HMA OM in programme development in the West Area Office including the development of detailed plans for the implementation of activities in close liaison with the national authorities (such as the NMAAs and UNMAS at the area), to ensure that operations are adequately staffed with well-qualified personnel, monitor all field activities through regular visits to project sites, and prepare appropriate reports for various audiences.

 

The HMAM line manages (note, this list will change according to how the organogram develops):

• HMA TL
• EORE Officer
• Technical staff in the western region (QRT, NTS and EORE teams)

 

Responsibilities:

 

Operations Management:

 

• Provide technical oversight of relevant field operations of the project for which the HMAM is responsible, including training, safety and security, daily operational planning and implementation and the direction of all employed operational personnel under his/her control.
• Ensure the highest possible field safety and security standards are maintained in all operations in the west region.
• Ensure to have regular and efficient cooperation with the west AM/APM and other departments/sectors in the west region.
• Ensure relevant non-HMA staff in the west Area Office have the required basic understanding to support HMA operations.
• Deliver operational reporting in compliance with DMAC/IMSMA requirements.
• Ensure that the Project Cycle Management Tool (PCMT) is updated regularly, report monthly to the Area Manager (AM) and (APM) on the achievements/challenges.
• Track the Budget Follow-Up (BFU) and take responsibility for proper follow-up on each budget line. Monitor all budget lines to prevent overspending or underspending.
• Budget Forecasting and Evaluation: Handle budget forecasting, evaluation targets, and monitor the expenditures. Ensure budget lines are tracked correctly and report to the Area Manager in monthly or as required.
• Conduct regular QA/QC visits (1-2 times per month) to all teams and ensure the HMA Team Leaders, Operations /EORE Officers, and the teams are carrying out drills following the HDP SOPs.
• Monitor the team's daily activities in the field to ensure that all safety procedures are followed according to DRC HDP SOPs.
• Closely monitor the security situation across the west region (where MA operation is) along with the AM, and ensure compliance with safety instructions in the field. The HMA MAM shall forward information on any changes in the security to the AM and safety department and relevant management staff/departments in the CO.
• Ensure that the monthly operational mission plans are approved by the HMA OM before implementation and submission to the DMAC RO.
• Shall be responsible for safe storage and handling of explosives, including within warehousing structures, and keep records of explosive usage updated and reported to relevant government authorities at the provincial level.
• Lead on providing monthly technical refresher training for operational teams and identify/plan any other training that is required for technical staff in the west region.
• Shall conduct Field Risk Assessment (FRA) for each MF, BF, and AIMF, 1-2 weeks before starting the task together with the relevant field teams.
• Support provided to the HMA TL/OO to prepare a Task Implementation Plan (TIP) and submit it to OM for approval one week before starting. 
• Organize and conduct mine action field /tasks assessment including task prioritization across the region based on the DMAC prioritization criteria.
• Support the HMA OM in terms of suggestions/requests for the amendment and improvement of SOP.
• Maintain a logbook for each EOD task completed and obtain approval from the OM for each task.

• Take part in the demining accident investigation process when required.

 

External Relations:

• Establish and maintain close communication and relationships with stakeholders involved in mine action and related activities in the west Office in close coordination with the west AM.
• Participate and represent DRC-HDP at monthly DMAC operation coordination meetings in the west region.
• Attend the task completion (MF, BF, and AIMF) handover ceremony where applicable.
• All reports to outside agencies (non-DRC organizations) or media representatives shall be approved by the Head of HDP.

 

Other:

• Keep close coordination and communication with all departments in the area (HR, Admin, supply chain, safety & program departments) in terms of requirements for HMA activities.
• Update the Project Cycle Management Tool (PCMT) including IPTTs and BFUs for each relevant project in the west region, every month.
• Ensure attendance of all relevant technical and coordination meetings scheduled with HDP CO and AO level, including project kick-off, grant closing, and BFU meetings.
• Monitor project achievements against targets as set in donor contracts and contribute to donor reporting when required.
• 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 and make recommendations to the OM and AM.
• Conduct an annual appraisal of staff as directed by the OM and AM.
• Undertake any other tasks appropriate and necessary by the HMA OM and AM.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies: 

 

• 2-3 years of experience in economic recovery programing and livelihood programing with INGOs/NGOs or the UN.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, proven self-initiative and problem-solving abilities.
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, meet deadlines and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment.
• Problem-solver who takes initiative to provide solutions
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative assessment and training delivery is a strong advantage.
• Experience in managing/ handling data with familiarity with KOBO and other online data collection tools. 
• Good communication skills in English and fluency in Dari and Pashto languages.
• Commitment to the mission and the core values of Danish Refugee Council-DRC.
• Willing to stay in field locations and travel in all DRC coverage areas.

Education/qualifications:

• High school or above
• IMAS EOD 3 qualifications
• NTS qualifications
• EORE qualifications
• Quality management qualifications

Languages:

• Advanced English language but Dari and Pashto are a requirement.

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking the Apply link below.  All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages), Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Note: Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.