Humanitarian Mine Action Operations Manager

Who are we?

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.

DRC Syria

DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts and provide assistance to IDPs and the vulnerable resident population countrywide. Since then, DRC activities have been focused on NFI distributions, Shelter, WASH, Protection, Education, Livelihoods and Mine Risk Education in six Governorates (Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara'a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs). While Protection/community service activities are provided to beneficiaries throughout our Community Centers.

About the job:

The OM is accountable for all aspects of HMA work in Syria. The OM supervises HMA operations and sub-ordinates (direct reports listed above) to ensure HMA is conducted effectively, safely, and in accordance with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and DRC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The OM will develop detailed plans for the HMA in Syria in cooperation with INGO and non-HMA partners, national authorities, and implements HMA under the UNMAS coordination umbrella.

The OM ensures that operations are adequately staffed with competent and qualified personnel and monitors the safety and quality of all activities through regular visits to project sites. The OM prepares appropriate reporting within DRC, to the UN and national authorities, and to donors and partners as required.   

Responsibilities:

Operations Management

• Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate all aspects of HMA activities.
• Ensure the prioritisation of national authorities (and/or UNMAS in their absence) is taken into consideration in planning of operations.
• Manage, monitor and supervise staff (direct reports listed above), ensuring that they carry out their duties as tasked and as per job descriptions.
• Ensure the highest possible standards of safety and security are maintained in all operations as per IMAS and DRC SOPs.
• Promote safety culture, and safe and effective methods of munitions clearance and disposal.
• Exercise responsibility for safe storage and handling of explosives, including within warehousing structures.
• Monitor HMA productivity and recommend methods and practices to enhance it for improved cost effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Lead the planning and monitoring of training, and competence-building of staff, with a specific objective of nationalisation of staff positions.
• Ensure that teams are adequately supplied with all necessary equipment.
• Assist DRC support services in developing appropriate plans for operational support, procurement planning, procurements and budgeting.
• Report operational outputs to HDP or HoP monthly, based on input from direct reports.
• Be responsible for the internal Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) of HMA activities through visits to project sites and desk analyses.
• Keep a record of all HMA related trainings carried out in Syria and elsewhere for staff.
• Gather and store technical information on munitions encountered.

External Relations

• Support HDP or HoP in matters related to required permits to conduct HMA including desk and field accreditations with authorities.
• Support HDP or HoP with strategic planning and implementation of all HMA projects.
• Contribute to the donor proposals and reports and assist HDP or HoP in donor liaison when required.
• Develop a professional collaborative relationship with Syrian authorities, UN and HMA agencies, and non-HMA agencies benefiting from DRC HMA.
• Establish direct communication channels and bilateral relationships with non-HMA actors present in the areas of HMA operations.
• Work towards a joint prioritisation and complementarity of ongoing activities with other HMA actors and non-HMA projects and actors.
• With HDP or HoP, assist in proposing improvements to technical procedures and SOPs to DRC HQ, for authorisation prior to adoption.

Other

• Maintain and develop Syria HDP SOPs, HMA workplans, training management plans (TMP), and other operations documents in DRC Syria.
• Assist HDP or HoP in recruitment of HMA staff to Syria and coach all HMA staff in country context.
• Communicate lessons learned, challenges faced, and solutions sought in Syria directly with HDP Global Senior Technical Advisor, Global Operations Advisor and HDP Regional HoP, in support and collective learning of DRC HMA programmes around the world.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of previous experience in HMA and full understanding of its technical requirements.
• IMAS EOD 3+ qualifications and previous work experience as Operations Manager.
• Proven management experience gained in a range of settings.
• Knowledgeable of UN accreditation, HMA tasking and task prioritisation processes.
• Knowledgeable of Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) and GIS mapping applications.
• Proven record of training national staff and ability to train and mentor national counterparts to international standards (IMAS).
• Experience of working in insecure and conflict environments.
• Diplomatic, patient and persistent.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Excellent command of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to embrace and further develop DRC’s objectives such as gender equity, impact monitoring, and cross-sector cooperation.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Armed Violence Reduction (AVR) concepts and programming.
• Knowledge of supply chain systems.

Education

• IMAS EOD 3+ qualification

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Knowledge of Arabic is desirable 

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 act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: one year (Extension based on performance and funds)

Level: Management – E

Location: Damascus – Syria (With countrywide travel)

Expected Start date: May 2025

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking the below link:

Humanitarian Mine Action Operations Manager - Application Form

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.

Applications close on 09th of April-2025

Need further information?

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.

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