Operations Manager (re-advertised)

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 have experience with EOD, IEDD, High Risk Search (HRS) and HMA and want to join our professional and committed team?

We are recruiting an Operations Manager for our programme in the Syrian Arab Republic.

During the ongoing conflict the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic has been heavily contaminated by landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive ordnances. The humanitarian situation in the country remains extremely complex and challenging. The Operations Manager will play a key role in the establishment and implementation of a Mine Action programme in one of the most challenging countries.

The programme is in the process of establishing ten manual multi-tasking teams (MTT), with further plans to increase this capacity and develop capacity for mechanical teams and mine detection dog teams, capable of deploying throughout Government controlled areas of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Duty station: Damscus, Syrian Arab Republic

In this position your main responsibilities will be:

• Establishing, leading, overseeing and managing all aspects of mine action, EOD/IEDD and HRS operations and ensuring that Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) are following best practices and compliant to IMAS/NMAS and NPA’s policies and mandate.
• Assisting and supporting the Programme Manager in developing the country programme strategy, plans, proposals and budgets regarding technical training and operations in line with NPA’s mission and mandate.
• Conducting country assessments and other technical missions on behalf of NPA in country and worldwide as required by the Programme Manager.

To be successful in this role you must have:

• Minimum 8 years’ experience of management responsibility in a mine action programme, including hands on experience with the Land Release process.
• Experience with non-technical survey, technical survey, manual demining, EOD, IEDD, BAC, mechanical and/or MDD.
• IMAS EOD L3 or equivalent military qualifications.
• Experience of working with clearance operations in conflict/post conflict countries.
• Tack record of establishing and maintaining effective professional relations with relevant stakeholders.

In this position, the following personal qualifications are required:

We are looking for a person with the experience and ability to work independently, be proactive and make decisions as required. Good communication skills, cultural understanding, diplomacy and interpersonal skills is a prerequisite for being successful. Arabic language and recent experience from the region is an advantage.

Preferred starting date: Mid-March

Before you apply:
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.

In return we offer:
A position in the Norwegian labour movement’s global humanitarian solidarity organisation. NPA strives for diversity and gender equality, and encourages candidates of all nationalities, backgrounds and gender to apply. We particularly encourage female candidates to apply for this position. We aim for an inclusive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported. In addition, we are continuously working towards reducing our environmental impact in all our interventions.

We offer a comprehensive salary package which includes country specific allowances and R&R system. You will be covered by our comprehensive insurance scheme. We offer five weeks annual holiday plus one additional week off for expats. NPA provides three international flights home per contract year. We offer a two-year contract with the possibility of renewal.

In general, we emphasize the importance of strong health, and you will need a medical «fit for duty» attestation from an NPA-approved health service to take up the position.

* Please note that salary and allowances are subject to income tax according to NPA’s Tax Policy.
** Terms for annual leave follow the Norwegian Annual Holidays Act
*** Terms apply according to NPA’s internal regulations

For more information about NPA, please see our website or visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

Please note that due to the current COVID-19 situation, the process and/or the start date might be delayed.

Employment in this position is conditional on satisfactory medical and vaccination certificates. Moreover, the ability to obtain a valid travel visa and necessary permits for service and residency into the Syrian Arab Republic is a requirement.