Humanitarian Mine Action Team Member (Mechanical Operator)

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 Team Member (Mechanical Operator) in Kharkiv.

About the job

The Mechanical Operator will support DRC’s Humanitarian Mine Action operations in Kharkiv by safely operating and conducting daily checks and maintenance of the GCS 200 mechanical clearance machine during mechanical demining operations. The role is essential to ensuring that the GCS 200 machine is operated safely, effectively, and in accordance with the manufacturer’s operation handbook, DRC HDP Ukraine GCS 200 SOP, safety procedures, and minefield/hazardous area rules. The Mechanical Operator will be part of the Humanitarian Mine Action team and will report to the Humanitarian Mine Action Technical Field Manager.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Conduct scheduled daily maintenance on the GCS 200 machine.
• Physically check for abnormalities on the GCS 200 machine at the maintenance area.
• Check the overall functionality of the GCS 200 machine in the designated test area before starting daily operations.
• Assist the GCS 200 Mechanic whenever required during breakdowns, scheduled service, or maintenance.
• Ensure that daily log sheets/logbooks are up to date and kept inside the GCS 200 workshop container/mobile workshop.
• Inform the Mechanical Technical Advisor, when necessary, about GCS 200 machine capabilities in relation to terrain or environmental challenges, including soil condition, vegetation, and gradient.
• Adhere to minefield and hazardous area rules and regulations.
• Operate the GCS 200 machine safely in accordance with the manufacturer’s operation handbook and DRC HDP Ukraine GCS 200 SOP.
• Immediately inform, alert, or report to the MMC Team Lead and MDT Mechanic any abnormalities in the performance of the GCS 200 machine.
• Maintain radio contact with the MMC Team Lead.
• Comply with DRC SOPs, safety procedures, internal regulations, and the DRC Code of Conduct.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the line manager, related to the achievement of DRC objectives. Carry out any other duties assigned by the line manager, related to the achievement of DRC objectives.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a minimum of 3 years of practical experience as a machine operator/mechanic for other types of mechanical demining machines or Earth-moving machinery and heavy-duty vehicles e.g. Bulldozers, Front-end loaders, Excavators, Backhoe, Bobcat etc. and also good technical awareness, and the ability to work safely and effectively in field conditions. You should be able to follow instructions, identify and report abnormalities, maintain accurate logs, and operate the GCS 200 machine in line with DRC procedures and safety requirements. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Good speaking, reading, and writing skills in Ukrainian.
• Verified training certificates of previous work experience and knowledge.
• Willingness and ability to complete a minimum of 21 days of DRC HDP training on the operation and maintenance of the GCS 200 machine.
• Light/heavy duty verified and approved/permitted driving license – minimum driving license category B.

Desirable

• High school education or equivalent.
• Heavy-duty mechanical skills.
• Experience working on a Humanitarian Mine Action programme.
• Beginning level of English.

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: 3-month probation period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and available funding.
• Band: J non-manager.
• Designation of Duty Station: Kharkiv.
• Start date: As soon as possible.

This position is open to national applicants. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts.

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: 14th May 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 suitableb candidate has been identified.

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