Re-advertised: Mine Action Operations Manager

Overall Purpose of the Role

This role will lead the Humanitarian Mine Action operations for DRC in South Sudan. The Operations Manager will contribute with ideas and technical input to donor proposals, and develop detailed plans for the implementation of activities in close liaison with the national authorities to ensure that operations are adequately staffed with well-qualified and accredited personnel, monitor all field activities through regular visits to project sites, and prepare appropriate reports for various audiences.

The Operations Manager reports to DRC’s Humanitarian Disarmament & Peacebuilding Programme Manager for South Sudan, has technical accountability to DRC’s Global Technical Advisor and is supported by the HDP Regional Coordinator based in Nairobi. When required, a Medical Coordinator will deploy to the programme for a fixed-term period, during which she/he will also report to the Operations Manager.

DRC’s Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP) portfolio in-country was initially established in 2006 with Area Clearance,Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Peacebuilding (PB). DRC currently conducts these activities, along with Non-Technical Surveys, in Unity, Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria, and Upper Nile States.

Main Responsibilities:

• Ensure the highest possible standards of safety and security are maintained in all operations.
• Take responsibility for daily and supervision of all of the Mine Action (HMA) operations.
• Plan, monitor and evaluate all aspects of MA activities.
• Ensure all operational accreditation documentation is up to date including Standard Operating Proceduress, operational plans etc. in liaison with relevant DRC HQ Technical Advisors, and in keeping with DRC global SOPs, International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and National Mine Action Standards (NMAS).
• Ensure that the prioritisation set by National Mine Action Authority South Sudan (NMAA), UNMAS, and the donors are taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of operational activities.
• Monitor, and supervise the HMA Technical Field Manager, Senior Paramedic, Liaison Officer, HDP Mechanic and Community Liaison Manager, 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.
• Responsible for the internal Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)
• Conduct regular QA visits to all teams and ensure operations are conducted in accordance with the HDP SOPs
• Exercise responsibility for safe storage and handling of explosives, including within warehousing structures.
• Lead the planning and monitoring of training and competence building of national operational employees, with a specific objective of nationalisation of posts.
• Assist with the delivery of support service functions especially the Supply Chain Manager in developing plans for liaison with stakeholders and suppliers, in procuring supplies and equipment required, and with meeting the communications and transport needs of the field teams.
• Report operational outputs to DRC’s Copenhagen HQ on a monthly basis, based on input from the HMA team.
• Support, where relevant, the integration of HMA with other DRC response sectors such as Economic Recovery and Peacebuilding.
• Coordinate closely with the Area Managers.
• Support and advise DRC’s Humanitarian Disarmament & Peacebuilding Manager (and the Head of Programme if required) in operational matters and ensure that accreditation of operations is achieved and maintained with authorities.
• Support the HDP Manager with strategic planning and implementation of all HMA activities
• Work closely with the Conflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding Coordinator (and other technical coordinators) to find synergies and integrating programming opportunities
• Contribute to the writing of donor proposals, development of budgets and reports and assist the HDP Manager in donor liaison when required.
• Support the HDP Manager in developing innovative new approaches to HMA, including analysing new tools, equipment methodologies and approaches to technical implementation of HMA and ways of improved coordination of delivery with DRC programming
• Develop a professional collaborative relationship with national authorities, the Mine Action Area of Responsibility, and other agencies involved in mine action, conflict prevention and other fields of interest, including development agencies.
• Ensure the prioritization by NMAA, and ongoing activities of other operators and stakeholders, is taken into account during strategic planning and operational workplan processes.
• Support field teams in maintenance of positive working relationships with local authorities and communities.
• Play an active role in supporting DRC South Sudan Senior Management Team.
• Maintain and develop SOPs, workplans and other relevant operations documentation and implement changes within the programme accordingly.
• Work directly with the DRCs HQ Technical Team and the Regional HDP Coordinator in analysing lessons learned from South Sudan to support other programmes regionally and globally, and vice versa.
• Deputise for the HDP Programme Manager as an in-country representative for HMA if/as required.

Experience and technical competencies:

Required

• Five (05) years of national or international experience in mine action operations, including at least three (3) years managing multiple teams operating remotely from each other within the past 10 years.
• IMAS EOD 3+ qualifications in preparing bulk demolitions and previous work experience as an Mine Action Operations Manager.
• Three (03) years of proven direct experience in managing and supporting mine-clearance and BAC operations within the past 10 years, with sound knowledge of the relevant International Mine Action Standards and the National Technical Standards and Guidelines.
• Previous experience with handheld and large loop detector
• Proven management experience gained in a range of settings.
• Experience with accreditation to IMAS standards.
• Knowledge of Armed Violence Reduction or Peacebuilding concepts and programming.
• Proven record of empowering and training national staff and ability to train and mentor national counterparts.
• Experience of working in challenging and insecure environments.
• Diplomatic, patient and persistent.
• Fluency in written and spoken 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

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply;
• Previous working experience in South Sudan or sub-Saharan Africa;
• Experience in data analysis and Information Management

Education:

• Diploma level or Bachelor’s degree
• IMAS EOD 3+ qualifications

DRC as an employer
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. We pride ourselves on our:

• Professionalism, impact & expertise
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
• Culture, values & strong leadership
• Fair compensation & continuous development

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/support-for-job-seekers.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants regardless of race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status. We have a strong ambition to further enhance the diversity of our workforce and our goal is to achieve 50% gender balance and at least 50% representation of national staff in management roles. We acknowledge the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive team to successfully achieve our organizational goals and positively impact the communities we serve.