About DRC’s Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP) Sector in Ukraine
DRC has been working in humanitarian mine action in Ukraine since 2014, conducting survey and clearance, risk education, victim assistance and capacity development with national mine action stakeholders. DRC currently has accreditation for its mine action activities until December 2027. In the process of scaling up operations in response to increased levels of contamination, DRC will have 15 clearance, 8 non-technical survey and 18 risk education teams by July across Kyivska, Chernihivska, Kharkivska, Dniepropetrovska and Mykolaivska Oblasts, almost double the current capacity.
About the role
The Operations Manager (OM) has the primary function of ensuring that the highest technical standards are maintained in HMA and that DRC works in line with national, international and DRC-HDP standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies and procedures. 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 (such as the National Mine Action Authority and Mine Action Center), 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.
Duties and Responsibilities
Operations Management
Manage, monitor, and supervise the Technical Field Managers, Technical Advisors, and Quality Management and Training Manager and the team of national members assigned to the HMA operations ensuring that they carry out their duties and responsibilities in accordance with their job descriptions and as tasked. Ensure the highest possible standards of safety and security are maintained in all operations. Ensure that the prioritisation set by the NMAA, MAC, and the donors are taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of operational activities. 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 HDP ’s Copenhagen HQ on a monthly basis, based on input from TFM/TA/QM. Technical supervision and line management of key managerial positions on current HDP projects, in line with NMAS, HDP SOPs and International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and in coordination with the Head of HDP and the respective Area Managers in the field. Manage and monitor the HDP budgets closely and report to Head of HDP, CD, the Head of Support Services (HoSS) any discrepancies. Support and advise the Head of HDP and DRC’s CD in country in operational matters and ensure that accreditation of operations is achieved and maintained with authorities. Support the Head of HDP with strategic planning and implementation of all HMA. Maintain and develop SOPs, workplans and other relevant operations documentation and implement changes within the programme accordingly.Monitoring and Quality Management
The OM has the primary function of ensuring that the highest technical standards are maintained in HMA and that DRC works in line with national, international and DRC-HDP standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies and procedures. Take responsibility for daily management and supervision of HMA clearance operations. Plan, monitor and evaluate all aspects of HMA clearance activities. In coordination with TFMs, Technical Advisors, Quality Management and IM/ MEAL Unit, monitor and analyse productivity achieved and recommend methods and practices to enhance productivity, ensuring cost effective operations to be conducted in the programme.Capacity Building
Lead the planning and monitoring of training, and capacity and competence building of DRC national operational employees, with a specific objective of nationalisation of posts where possible. Assist TFM, TAs, QM in regular monitoring and follow-up of presence, performance and development of demining. Capacity and competence building including monitoring of training of the State Emergency Service (SES) of Ukraine, with a specific objective of strengthening and enhancing their technical capacity.External relations
Develop a professional collaborative relationship with national authorities and other agencies involved in mine action, conflict prevention and other fields of interest, including development agencies. Support the Head of HDP 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.Experience and technical competencies:
Essential Qualifications
Minimum 5 years’ previous experience in HMA and full understanding of its technical requirements. Proven management experience gained in a range of settings. 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. Good knowledge of Word and Excel.Desirables
Previous working experience in affected country, or a context similar to Ukraine. Knowledge of supply chain systems. Knowledge of human resource and budget management. Knowledge of IMSMA, GIS, ArcView.
Languages
Fluent English required; Knowledge or Ukrainian and/or Russian an added value;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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)
Bachelors or Master’s degree in conflict management, conflict prevention, project management or other relevant field from a recognized institution, or relevant working experience. IMAS EOD 3+ qualifications and previous work experience as an Operations Manager.We offer
Contract length: (12) Months
Position Band: This position will be placed at Management (E2) band
Start date: As soon as possible
Duty station: Kyiv, Ukraine
Designation of Duty Station: Unaccompanied / Non-family duty station
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Younes El-Azm, younes.elazm@drc.ngo.
Application process
Interested to apply? All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, DRC reserves the right of conducting tests and
interviews before the closing date, and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a
suitable candidate.
Closing date for applications: June 21st, 2023
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.
This vacancy is archived.