Operations Manager

Wars and armed conflicts come to an end; however, the remnants of war continue to terrorize millions of people for decades to follow. Department for Mine Action and Disarmament’s (DMAD) vision is a world where people and communities are safe, resilient and protected before, during and after armed conflict. Together with national authorities and other stakeholders, we are working to resolve problems faced by local communities caused by landmines and other explosive remnants of war. Currently NPA has 20 DMAD Programmes ongoing in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Balkans and the Middle East.

Do you want to join our professional and committed global team in our mission to make Kosovo free of cluster munition?

NPA is looking for a new Operations Manager for our programme in Kosovo. As the senior operational representative, you will have the ability to make changes for the improvement of the programme and its overall impact on the local communities who suffer from the long-standing dangers of cluster munitions. The NPA Kosovo programme is expected to complete its mission in 2025. The selected candidate will be instrumental in completing NPA’s mission through leading and facilitating the land release of all remaining hazardous areas of cluster munitions strikes in NPA’s area of responsibility.

Location: Mitrovica, Kosovo

We offer

• A satisfying role where you will be making a difference.
• Comprehensive salary package including country specific allowances and insurance scheme.
• Five weeks’ annual holiday plus one additional week off for expats.
• Three international flights home per contract year.

Please note that we offer a two-year contract* with the possibility of renewal. The salary and allowances are subject to income tax according to NPA’s Tax Policy. The working conditions, including annual leave, follow the Norwegian Working Environment Act.

Requirements

• At least three years of operational managerial experience in mine action, within demining, battle area clearance and cluster munitions clearance.
• Proven experience in liaison and negotiations with national authorities.
• Proven experience in enhancing operational efficiency in a cluster munitions clearance / battle area clearance context.
• Proven ability to develop and manage multiple teams in survey and clearance of mines, cluster munitions, and other ERW, including motivating and leading teams.
• Good knowledge and proven track record in the application of IMAS and Land Release principles.
• Category B international driving license.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Operational experience in a Mine Action NGO is an advantage.

What you will do

• Manage all operational staff.
• Liaison and negotiations with national mine action authority on operational best practices to ensure mission completion by 2025.
• Lead the development of the annual operational plan ensuring the achievement of donor set targets, whilst maintaining the quality management of survey and clearance operations in accordance with SOPs and IMAS/NMAS.
• Development and update of operational SOPs and maintain operational accreditation.
• Develop capacity development plans for national operational staff, plan, oversee and conduct training for local staff in survey (NTS/TS), clearance, impact assessment.
• Provide operational reports including progress reports, NPA Monthly report, NTS and hazard reports, completion and suspension report, to both NPA’s reporting system and the National Authority through IMSMA.
• Maintain a functional operations room with technical and operational planning and reporting systems.
• Represent the Country Director when required.
• Represent NPA at relevant stakeholder meetings and events.

Preferred starting date: February 2023

Instructions for applying

Please apply by the 14th of December 2022. Interviews will be held in the beginning of January 2023.

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. When you apply for a job in Norwegian People’s Aid, you will be treated objectively. We focus on diversity and inclusion, and strive to minimize any potential biases throughout our recruitment processes. You will hear from us within two weeks after the application deadline.

We kindly ask you to carefully read NPA’s Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, and Anti-Corruption Policy before you submit your application. If you are the selected candidate for this position, you will be asked to complete and sign a Safeguarding self-declaration as well as our Code of Conduct.

*Validity of the offer and contract depends on satisfactory medical certificate, full vaccination, valid travel visa and necessary permits for service and residency in the country of service. The offer and contract also depend on donor funding and might be subject to donor approval.