DanChurchAid (DCA) is looking for an experienced Head of Humanitarian Mine Action Operations to manage the DCA Mine Action Programme in DRC.

DCA Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seeks to appoint an experienced Operations Manager to oversee a range of Humanitarian Mine Action activities in DRC including Survey (NTS and TS), Clearance (Manual Demining, Battle Area Clearance and EOD) and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education. In addition, the Head of HMA / OM will support the Country Director in providing relevant technical advice to facilitate more efficient delivery of other humanitarian activities delivered by DCA. These include those with community based and integrated deliverables including, Protection, WASH and Shelter activities.

As Operations Manager you will be responsible for and in charge of developing, planning, and managing DCA mine action activities in DRC. You will fulfil a range of operational level oversight activities to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of mine action activities – including via Quality Assurance – also providing related donor and other stakeholder reporting. You will provide Subject Matter Expertise (SME) and advice to the Country Director (CD) including as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) ensuring that DCA mine action activities are fully integrated within country strategy. You will also lead on the development of concept notes, donor / stakeholder engagement and proposal writing for mine action activities. This role also requires the maintenance, building, and strengthening of coordination with other humanitarian program activities and colleagues. Put simply, the HoHMA/OM will ensure that the DCA mine action agenda is carried forwards effectively.

DCA adopts a nexus approach to its humanitarian activities including mine action. As a result, you will be expected to collaborate with relevant staff across the country programme to ensure that DCA’s MA programme is integrated into a broader humanitarian response. The HoHMA /OM refers daily to the DCA DRC Country Director and provides updates and advice and has a leadership role for all HMA activities. The DCA Sr. Mine Action Program Advisor (MAPA) and Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) who are based in HQ are available for routine support to the OM on operations, fundraising, project cycle management and other HMA related activities.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure that current Grant HMA Operation is fully operational.
• Ensure that Medevac/Casevac procedures are updated and compliant with duty of care for staff.
• Ensure that all mine action operations are effectively planned, delivered and monitored in accordance with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), National Mine Action Standards (NMAS), National Technical Support Guidelines (NTSG) and DCA international and local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Provide technical oversight and guidance of field operations, including training, compliance with quality assurance standards, safety (including medical) and security as well as daily operational planning and implementation.
• Regularly liaise with national authorities and other stakeholders in support of the effective delivery of mine action activities.
• Provide mine action SME advice and support to the CD and SMT, including through direct support to concept development, donor / stakeholder development and proposal writing, in order to further the DCA mine action agenda in DRC.
• Supervision and guidance of technical advisers and operations staff, including planning, delivering and managing developmental training and the conduct of performance reviews.
• Ensure that mine action activities are well coordinated and executed in collaboration with other components of the country programme incl. procurement, finance, HR, and Admin units as part of the country office.
• Ensure clear direction and good discipline of all operational staff, including international and national operational and administrative staff under his/her responsibility.
• 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 as well as for project proposals.
• Work closely with the Safety and Access Manager for implementing MA related security plans as required.
• Represent DCA at relevant mine action sector and donor meetings with the Head of Programme and Country Director.
• Lead and be responsible for DCA’s MA Accreditation Certification, ensuring that MA teams can continue to be operational within DRC and conduct MA activities in line with Country Strategy plan.

Your profile

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) (IMAS 3/+) qualifications, with certificates.
• A minimum of 7 years’ experience working at an operational level in the delivery of operational mine action activities, including 5 years directly managing HMA implementation.
• Knowledge and experience of EOD and ERW clearance methodologies.
• Knowledge and experience of high threat search methodologies, both urban and rural settings.
• Instructor or mentor qualifications a plus; experience training and mentoring national staff in EOD and Search techniques, including preparation and execution of structured training courses to IMAS standards is desirable.
• Strong leadership, team building and communication skills.
• Have a calm and sensitive disposition as well as well-developed diplomacy, liaison, and public relations skills.
• 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. Spoken and written French is desirable.
• Knowledge and experience of DRC would be an asset.

We offer:

• A one-year renewable contract
• Non-family posting based in Goma with frequent in-country travel (approximatively 50%)
• A competitive salary package
• 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