Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Technical Advisor

The 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.

Overall purpose of the role

The HMA Technical Advisor will have two distinct roles for DRC, as the primary employer, and the United Nations Mine Action Services (UNMAS), to whom the HMA Technical Advisor will be seconded.

Under UNMAS secondment, the  HMA Technical Advisor will ensure the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of EOD operations to mitigate risks posed by explosive hazards in the Gaza Strip. By conducting risk assessments, coordinating response efforts with local and international stakeholders, and supporting humanitarian access, the role enhances the safety of affected communities and humanitarian personnel.

Under DRC employment, the  HMA Technical Advisor plays a critical function in advising strategic and operational planning, maintaining best practices through Standard Operating Procedures, and representing the program within the broader humanitarian framework. Through these efforts, the role contributes to a coordinated and efficient response to explosive threats, enabling safer movement and operations in complex environments.

Duties and Responsibilities

Operations - Implementation and Monitoring

• Conduct rapid and comprehensive risk assessments to identify priority areas for EOD operations
• Plan and execute EOD operations in coordination with local authorities and international agencies
• Plan and execute assessments of United Nations’ facilities that are sheltering civilians, that have been impacted by EO and assess them for continued safe occupation. Such assessments will be conducted only at the request of the Director of UNRWA, and in accordance with the direction of UNDSS

• Liaise with humanitarian organisations, local communities, and relevant stakeholders to communicate risks and coordinate response efforts
• Support humanitarian convoys by verifying that routes are safe to transit
• Be ready to safely and remotely remove or mark and avoid any EO hazard found on the route

Stakeholder Management

• Effectively coordinates with multiple UN and humanitarian partners
• Represents UNMAS Palestine Programme to humanitarian partners on a working and operational level

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – DRC

Operations - Planning

• Support and advise the HMA Coordinator and DRC’s Head of Operations on EOD operational planning

• Support the HMA Coordinator and DRC’s Head of Operations with strategic planning of EOD activities
• Maintain and develop relevant Standard Operating Procedures and other relevant operations documentation
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Experience and technical competencies:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in explosive threat mitigation
• A minimum of 3 years of proven and applicable experience (within the past 10 years) in humanitarian mine action operations and in particular previous experience managing / implementing at least one of the following activities:

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal in single, multiple and bulk demolitions 
• Non-technical survey 
• Technical survey
• Battle Area clearance
• High Risk Search (HRS) and/or Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD)

• Experience applying of the following standards is required

• International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)
• International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG)

• Experience using information management systems such as Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) is desired
• Recent experience working in a complex Explosive Threat environment is a distinct advantage
• The following certification/qualifications from organisations that train and educate EOD / IEDD specialists in accordance with IMAS standards are required (individuals are responsible for providing proof of completion):
• EOD Level 3+ qualification (aerial bombs, guided weapons as described in Test and Evaluation Protocol 09.30/01/2022)
• IEDD qualification through internationally military and / or civilian accredited training is required

Languages

• Fluency in Arabic [Advantage].
• Professional knowledge of English is required.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 3 months with a possibility of extension based on performance and funding

Position Band:  This position will be placed at Management band (F1 non-management)

Start date: ASAP

Duty station: Gaza

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

At the end of the application, certain mandatory questions must be answered, and the required certificate related to EOD IMAS Level 3+  and IEDD must be uploaded in other document option.

Application process

Interested to apply? 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.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right of conducting tests and interviews before the closing date, and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.

Closing date for applications: February 23, 2025

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.