The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities 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. 

DRC is Denmark’s largest NGO. We are a leading international NGO - one of the few with specific expertise in forced displacement. In 40 countries across the world, our 7,500 employees work to protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.

In 2003, following the start of foreign military operations in Iraq, DRC became one of the first organisations to provide humanitarian assistance in the country and now operates in Basra, Baqubah, Jalawla, Gatoon, Baghdad, Muqdadiya, Balad, Aziz Balad, Samarra, Mosul, Duhok, Telafar, Baa’j, Sinjar, and Erbil.

Find more about DRC operations in Iraq here: Iraq | DRC Danish Refugee Council

Overall purpose of the role

The Mine Action Manager (MAM) has the primary function of ensuring that the highest technical standards are maintained in HMA and that DRC works in line with national, international and DRC-HDP standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies and procedures. The MAM will contribute with ideas and technical input to donor proposals, develop detailed plans for the implementation of activities in close liaison with the national authorities (such as DMA) 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 MAM is accountable for all aspects of HMA work in DRC Iraq and manages technical staff to ensure HMA are conducted effectively, safely, and in accordance with standards (SOPs), while ensuring efficient coordination and cooperation with the Area Manager, HMA Technical Advisor and HDP Coordinator.

Accountable for:

Operations Management:

• Ensure the highest possible technical standards of safety and security are maintained in all operations.
• Plan, monitor and evaluate all aspects of HMA activities.
• Ensure regular and efficient coordination and cooperation with Area Manager.
• Ensure relevant non-HMA staff in Area Offices have the required basic understanding to support HMA operations.
• Exercise responsibility for safe storage and handling of explosives, including within warehousing structures.
• Ensure that the prioritisation set by the DMAC, and /or UNMAS are taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of operational activities.
• Manage, monitor, and supervise the HMA staff , ensuring that they carry out their duties and responsibilities in accordance with their job descriptions and as tasked.
• Monitor and analyse productivity achieved and recommend methods and practices to enhance productivity, ensuring cost effective operations to be conducted in the programme.
• Lead the planning and monitoring of training and competence building of national operational employees, with an objective to further strengthening the roles.
• Maintain and develop SOPs, workplans and other relevant operations documentation and implement changes within the programme accordingly.
• Ensure reports on operational outputs are submitted to HDP Copenhagen HQ on a monthly basis.
• Accountable for maintaining the functionality and effectiveness of the Quality Management System.
• Conduct regular QAQc visits to all teams and ensure the HMA Supervisor, Team Leaders and Deputy Team Leaders and the teams are carrying out drills in accordance with the HDP SOPs.
• Keep a record of all training carried out by all employees.
• Maintain a logbook for all EOD tasks conducted with all specifics related to the task. 
• Promote safety culture, and safe and effective methods of munitions clearance and disposal.
• Collection and retention of technical information on munitions as well as the maintaining of the information library on such munitions. S/he is under no circumstances to carry out, or permit others to carry out, forensic work or similar to gain insight into weapon functionality.
• The MAM is responsible for managing accident investigations when required.

External Relations:

• Support and advise in country management on operational matters and ensure that accreditation of operations is achieved and maintained with authorities.
• Support the HoP with strategic planning and implementation of all HMA projects.
• Where relevant and necessary, contribute to the writing of donor proposals and reports.
• Develop a professional collaborative relationship with national authorities and other agencies involved in mine action, and related fields of interest.
• With HMA Technical Advisor and HoP, assist in proposing changes and improvements of technical procedure and standards to HQ, for authorisation prior to adoption.

Other:

• Recruit and manage HMA technical staff.
• Work directly with the HMA Technical Advisor, HDP Coordinator, HDP MERO Coordinator, HMA Global Senior Technical Advisor and Global Operations Manager in analysing lessons learned from country to support other programmes regionally and globally, and vice versa.
• Conduct annual appraisals of staff as directed by the AM and HR.
• Conduct a training needs analysis and create a capacity-building strategy based on the findings of the analysis.
• Cover for the AM when required.

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

• HoP.
• Area Manager.
• HMA Technical Advisor.
• HD&P Regional Coordinator.
• HMA Global Senior Technical Advisor.
• HMA Global Operations Advisor.

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: 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: 1 year (renewable upon funding availability)
• Salary Band: F Level  (Management)
• Comprehensive health insurance for staff, spouse, and up to two children under 18.
• Personal Accident insurance coverage in the event of work-related accidents during working hours.
• Psychosocial support for staff and family members.
• Learning & Development opportunities for professional growth.
   

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

Experience and technical competencies: 

• Minimum 5 years’ previous experience in HMA and full understanding of its technical requirements.
• IMAS EOD 3 +  qualifications and previous work experience
• Proven management experience gained in a range of settings.
• Experience with accreditation to IMAS standard.
• Proven record of training national staff and ability to train and mentor national counterparts.
• Experience of working in insecure environments.
• Skills in diplomacy, patience and persistence.
• Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English.
• Good knowledge of Word and Excel.
• Willingness to embrace and further develop overall objectives such as gender equity, impact monitoring, and cross-sector cooperation.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Peacebuilding  concepts and programming.
• Knowledge of Supply Chain systems.
• Knowledge of Budget Management and Staff Allocation management.

*Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Education: 

• IMAS EOD 3 + qualifications.

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Fluent in English
• Fluent in Arabic

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the Apply button.

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: 14 December 2023

Diversity & Inclusion:  DRC Iraq is committed to promoting an inclusive work environment according to our Age, Gender, and Diversity approach (AGD). We aim to have a more diversified leadership structure creating opportunities for qualified women to take on managerial roles. We also continuously work to make our workplace more accessible for persons with specific needs. We offer benefits related to psychosocial support, health insurance, maternity and paternity leave, child sick leave, and lactation breaks. As part of our commitment to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from female candidates, persons living with disabilities, as well as representatives of minorities.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit Support for jobseekers | DRC Danish Refugee Council

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website Professional | DRC Danish Refugee Council