Programme Manager, Research & Innovation

About us

The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) works towards reducing risks to communities stemming from explosive ordnance, with a particular focus on mines, cluster munitions, other explosive remnants of war and ammunition storages. The Centre helps develop and professionalise the sector for the benefits of its partners: National and local authorities, donors, the United Nations, other international and regional organisations, non-governmental organisations, commercial companies and academia. It does so by combining three distinct lines of service: field support focused on capacity development and advice, multilateral work focused on norms and standards, and research and development focused on cutting-edge solutions. These efforts are facilitated from the GICHD’s location within the Maison de la Paix in Geneva.

Purpose / Summary

The Standards and Operations Division provides services and technical expertise on standardisation, quality management, and operational efficiency in support of national authorities in mine action and the wider mine action and human security sector. In addition to supporting the development of International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), emphasis is placed on: providing technical assistance, training and capacity development, conducting research, producing publications, developing tools and work methods, supporting the development, improvement and implementation of national mine action strategies and developing and improving national mine action standards (NMAS). The Division further seeks to ensure operational efficiency by providing advice, record and shares best practices to ensure standardised, safe and efficient survey and clearance operations.

The Programme Manager (PM) will lead the Programme on Research and Innovation within the Standards and Operations Division (SOD). This Programme will focus on leading research, innovation on technology-related initiatives, and on methods (both technical and managerial) that improve the delivery of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Land Release operations, including research initiatives related to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at the global level. Other operational research may also be conducted in limited basis. The Programme Manager will act as the line manager and direct supervisor for Project Managers, Advisors and Programme Officers within the Research and Innovation Programme and will act as technical level coordinator for advisers from other Programmes and Division conducting R and I projects in conjunction with those staff members line managers. The PM may also directly plan and implement projects or activities as agreed with the Head of Division (HoD), and subject to workload.

The PM role will provide strategic direction to the Research and Innovation Programme which constitutes a renewed investment on the part of the GICHD in research and innovation to support the mine action sector. The Programme’s objectives will revolve around bringing new technologies and methods to bear on the humanitarian and development tasks of reducing the risks to communities posed by EO. The PM will therefore be required to lead in operationalising research into innovative ideas with the aim of advising the sector on initiatives that can be exploited to improve operations. In addition, the PM will build frameworks, concepts and tools, and work in close collaboration with a number of different stakeholders (including mine action operators, researchers, equipment providers and National Authorities) in order to establish the Programme. This work will be carried out in support of the SOD HoD so as to contribute to the overall objectives of the GICHD Strategy. The Programme Manager will work in close collaboration with other SOD Programme Managers to identify synergies and areas for cooperation, as well as with other Divisions (in particular IM, SPI and GMAP within the Mine Action Programmes Directorate).

Areas of Responsibility

• Lead the development of the programme sub-strategy in an inclusive manner. Provide a clear vision and mission for the programme.
• Foster communication with researchers and developers who are working on issues relevant to Mine Action (MA) and develop linkages with relevant MA stakeholders.
• In conjunction with key MA stakeholders prioritise key areas of support in terms of new research on technology and methods, based on a needs-based approach.
• Oversee the Programme’s planning process, including the development of projects and activities, in accordance with its Sub-Strategy
• Oversee the implementation of the Programme’s projects and activities in accordance with agreed work plan: objectives, priorities, and resources.
• In conjunction with other managers coordinate the work of staff assigned to R and I projects from other Programmes and Divisions
• Ensure the coordination of support on Research and Innovation as requested by states, operators, donors and international and regional organisations working closely with the HoD.
• Identify and support cross-programme synergies and links within SOD and the GICHD as a whole, as well as the wider MA sector
• Contribute to resource mobilisation efforts of SOD, including by overseeing the drafting of project proposals and providing substance to discussions with donors, as requested by the HoD and Donor stewards.
• Support and guide the Programme team in delivering projects and activities, including:
  • Designing, developing and delivering research related to technology and methodological improvements in mine action.
  • Support to publishing relevant papers.
  • Review all GICHD operational research papers to ensure quality and consistency
  • Events/seminars/webinars and meetings pertaining to sharing the results of the research in the Programme.
  • Conducting field and desk assessments as required.
  • Ensuring the delivery of projects on time and to budget.
  • Identifying the need for new projects or areas of intervention for the Programme, and in conjunction with the HoD, identifying resources for these.
  • Complying with financial management policies and processes.
• Supervise and manage the staff of the Research and Innovation Programme, including:
  • Lead and guide the Programme’s Advisors, Programme Officer(s), and other staff allocated to the programme.
  • Monitor the performance and encourage the professional development of Programme Team and carry out performance appraisals with input from the HoD.
  • Promote a culture of inclusiveness, safety and collegiality within the programme.
  • Identify HR needs and gaps in accordance with the implementation of the Programme’s annual plan.
  • Manage recruitment processes, in coordination with the HoD.
  • Oversee leave and travel for the Programme to ensure adequate coverage of responsibilities,
  • Ensure compliance with the GICHD’s IRR and organisational frameworks and policies.
• Engage in on-going coordination with the Finance Division in order to ensure that financial data is accurate and key indicators for the programme are on track.
• Ensure the accuracy of results reported into the Result-based Management (RBM) system and foster an environment within the Programme that encourages learning and continual improvement.
• Carry out all work safely, diligently and in respect of GICHD colleagues, including compliance with the GICHD’s Safeguarding and Accountability Framework.
• Maintain awareness of environmental issues and manage the Programme to support the GICHD’s environmental policy.
• Fulfil other tasks assigned by Head SOD.

QUALIFICATIONS (technical qualifications or certifications that are essential to fulfil the post):

• Masters or Doctoral degree in a humanitarian discipline (e.g., International Development, Economics, Public or Business administration, International Relations, Political Science, Conflict) or other subjects of relevance
• Alternatively, technical research qualifications and 7 years’ experience within a research organisation or division of a larger organisation can be considered, in lieu

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, TECHNICAL SKILLS (that are essential to fulfil the post)

• At least 10 years of experience in designing and conducting research projects in internationally recognized institutions, including but not limited to an academic, government, or non-profit nongovernmental institution, inside or outside the Mine Action
• At least 5 years of experience in managing teams in multi-cultural settings
• Experience working in mine action, including at least 5 years in managerial / executive functions at a headquarters or country level
• Demonstrative understanding of how mine actions sits within humanitarian/development frameworks
• Experience working in at least one related discipline to mine action (such as international development cooperation, humanitarian affairs, disarmament, security sector reform, peace-building or post-conflict reconstruction, or technical disciplines related mine clearance or explosive ordnance disposal)
• Competence in developing networks and partnerships with organisations and states
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.