DanChurchAid (DCA) is currently looking for an experienced Humanitarian Technical Field Lead to join our Mine Action Programme in Ukraine.

DCA Ukraine seeks to support community based and integrated deliverables through a combination of activities including Survey and Clearance, Risk Education, Livelihood, Protection, WASH and Shelter activities.

As Technical Field Lead, you will be part of developing, planning, management, quality assurance and reporting on DCA mine action activities as well as maintaining, building, and strengthening close coordination with other humanitarian program activities and colleagues. Ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in operations as well as ensuring good communication with relevant authorities and partners are key elements for the position.

DCA Ukraine is currently developing its mechanical clearance capacity. This position will be pivotal in ensuring DCA’s mechanical assets are deployed to optimise clearance outputs and outcomes. Therefore, candidates must demonstrate adequate experience in the planning, training, and routine maintenance of mechanical mine clearance machinery. Additionally, the candidate must also have experience in manual clearance (MMC/BAC/TS), as use of mechanical assets, due to the allocated taskings process, may not be possible.

The Technical Field Lead supports operations of an innovative and diverse programme that works closely with national mine action authorities, local authorities, and communities as well as with UNDP and other mine action actors. The HMA programme is supported by international donors with national and international staff.

You are interested in collaborating with relevant staff on ensuring that DCA’s MA programme is integrated into a larger humanitarian response. The Technical Field Lead refers daily to the DCA Ukraine Operations Manager, who has overall oversight of the Humanitarian Mine Action programme in Ukraine.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure that all mine action operations are implemented in accordance with the National Mine Action Strategy and DCA in-country SOPs.
• Provide technical support and guidance of field operations, including training, internal quality assurance, safety, and security as well as daily operational planning and implementation.
• Lead on gaining accreditation for mechanical clearance activities and developing DCA’s SOPs in line with both international and national standards.
• Ensure DCA’s mechanical assets are correctly operated, serviced, maintained, repaired, and have appropriate spares.
• Provide training and mentoring of local staff to strengthen their capacity in the areas of light and heavy plant machinery operation and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance of all mine action operations and reporting to line manager.
• Liaise with national authorities, including senior officers of the civil defence when required.
• Supervision and guidance of operations staff.
• Ensure timely, efficient, and effective implementation of high-quality operations.
• Support in the development of operational plans for on-going activities.
• Coordinate with other components of the country programme along with procurement, finance, HR, and Admin units as part of the country office structure.
• Stay informed and current on new techniques, manuals and devices relating to Humanitarian Mine Action.
• Prepare well written and quality inputs for progress and annual reports, including concept notes and proposals.
• Step in and cover for the Operations Manager when s/he is on leave, attending international meetings or when requested to do so by Senior Management.

Your profile

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) qualifications or International Mine Action Standard (IMAS) equivalent (EOD Lv3), with certificates.
• Knowledge and experience of EOD and ERW clearance methodologies (IMAS).
• Knowledge and experience of search methodologies and ground sign awareness in contaminated areas, both urban and rural settings.
• Knowledge and experience in the management of light and heavy plant machinery as well as experience of maintaining and carrying out minor repairs on a range of mechanical clearance assets.
• Instructor or mentor qualifications a plus; experience training and mentoring national staff in Survey, EOD and Search techniques, including preparation and execution of structured training courses to IMAS standards.
• Experience managing and capacity building of local staff and in designing and delivering training in the use, repair, and maintenance of mechanical clearance assets.
• Previous experience in Humanitarian Mine Action organizations is desirable, including knowledge of IMSMA forms.
• Strong leadership, team building and communication skills.
• Have a calm and sensitive disposition as well as a well-developed diplomacy, liaison, and public relations skills are a must.
• Understanding of the humanitarian principles linked to NGO field and operations contexts.
• Experience working in remote and insecure field locations.
• Flexibility and cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Regional experience is desirable.
• Computer literacy essential including proficiency in Word, Power Point and Excel.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, Ukrainian is an advantage.

We offer:

• A one-year renewable contract
• Non-family posting based in Ukraine, Mykolaiv with frequent in-country travel
• A competitive salary package, including hardship allowance, to be negotiated based on experience level
• 6 weeks of paid vacation and a generous R&R package
• Insurance as per industry standards
• An opportunity to make a difference in a challenging environment and improve the lives of people living in conflict and poverty

Only applications in English and consisting as a minimum of a CV and a cover letter will be considered, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Please note that only applications submitted through our recruitment system will be considered: https://www.danchurchaid.org/join-us/jobs/international-vacancies.

Closing date of application is 2nd August 2024. Please note, applications will be reviewed and interviewed on a rolling basis and DCA reserves the right to select a candidate prior to the closing date. Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a written test prior to the interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

For further information please contact via email Michael Edwards (mied@dca.dk) or Barry Jolly (bjol@dca.dk).

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, abilities or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. DCA conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you can pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us. Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Code of Conduct, Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.