HMA Operations Manager

he overall purpose of the role: The OM is accountable for all aspects of HMA/weapons-related work in a country programme and manages technical staff to ensure HMA is conducted effectively, safely, and in accordance with standards (SOPs). S/he is to assign technical staff to Area Managers where required. Where staff are assigned to an Area Office, they will report to the Area Manager for all aspects other than those managed directly by the OM. The OM remains accountable throughout for operational tasking and internal quality assurance controls of the HMA programs. Other aspects of HMA programs – program and budget management including grants management, financial follow-ups, supply chain management, administrative tasks, Security (other than task/demolition safety), and coordination and representation are assigned to the Area Manager. The OM 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 (DMA and UNMAS), 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. When required, a Medical Coordinator will deploy to the programme for a fixed-term period, during which she/he will also report to the OM. The Information Management / GIS / Mapping Officer also reports directly to the OM.

Accountable for:

Operations Management:

• Plan, monitor, and evaluate all aspects of HMA activities.
• Ensure the highest possible standards of safety and security are maintained in all operations.
• Exercise responsibility for safe storage and handling of explosives, including within warehousing structures.
• Ensure that the prioritisation set by the DMA and /or UNMAS are taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of operational activities.
• Manage, monitor, and supervise the HMA TFMs and IM officers, 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.
• Assist support service managers in developing appropriate plans for operational support (eg procurement planning).

Quality Assurance /Quality Control:

• Responsible for the internal Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) in all locations conducting HMA operations within Iraq
• Conduct regular AC/QA visits to all teams and ensure the TFM, TL and the teams are carrying out drills in accordance with the HDP SOPs
• Promote a 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.

Coordination:

• Ensure close coordination with the Area Managers regarding various aspects of mine action.
• Ensure that the TFMs are aware of their reporting responsibilities towards the Area Manager and they report to him/her in regard to Project management, Budget follow-ups, Finance Management, supply chain, HR, coordination and representation, and security management. These functions rest with the Area Manager.
• Ensure close coordination with Area Manager while deciding on project implementation area prioritisation and project proposal development
• Liaise closely with the HOP and HD&P Regional Coordinator for overall regional HMA strategy and priorities

Reporting:

• Report operational outputs to HD&P Copenhagen HQ monthly, based on input from TFMs and PMs.
• Responsible for ensuring all technical data in donor reports are prepared on time and adequate review is done prior to submission
• Ensure all statutory reports are prepared and submitted to the DMA and MASC.
• Ensure HOP and CD are kept abreast of all relevant and critical issues developing in the HMA sector.

Training:

• Conduct regular training needs assessments for the HMA operations and keep these updated
• Ensure adequate resources are included in the project proposals to ensure adequate training capacity is developed
• Lead the planning and monitoring of training and competence building of national operational employees, with a specific objective of nationalisation of posts, particularly ensuring that each location has at least EOD 2/3 level national staff trained
• Keep a record of all training carried out by all employees together with the TFM.

External Relations:

• Support and advise the 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.
• Contribute to the writing of donor proposals and reports and assist the HoP in donor liaison when required.
• Develop a professional collaborative relationship with national authorities and other agencies involved in mine action, and related fields of interest. Provide timely, accurate, and relevant information to the Liaison person and work closely to ensure there are continuous and cordial relations with the DMA and government authorities.
• Ensure the prioritisation by DMA, and ongoing activities of other operators and stakeholders are considered during strategic planning and operational work plan processes.
• With HoP, assist in proposing changes and improvements of technical procedure and standards to HQ, for authorisation prior to adoption.

Other:

• Maintain and develop SOPs, work plans, and other relevant operations documentation and implement changes within the programme accordingly.
• Recruit and manage HMA technical staff.
• Work directly with the HMA Global Senior Technical Advisor, Global Operations Manager, and HDP Regional HoP in analysing lessons learned from the country to support other programmes regionally and globally, and vice versa.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 5 years’ previous experience in HMA and full understanding of its technical requirements.
• IMAS EOD3+ and IMAS IEDD 3+. Preferred previous experience in a similar role
• Proven management experience gained in a range of settings particularly people management skills
• 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.
• Diplomatic, patient, and persistent, ability to work in a team and see the bigger picture.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Willingness to embrace and further develop overall objectives such as gender equity, impact monitoring, and cross-sector cooperation.

Desirable

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

Education: IMAS EOD3+ and IMAS IEDD 3+

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Arabic is an asset

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

• Head of Programme
• Area Managers
• National PM
• 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