Wars and armed conflicts come to an end; however, the remnants of war continue to impact millions of people for decades to follow. Mine Action and Disarmament’s vision is a world where people and communities are safe, resilient and protected before, during and after armed conflict. Together with national authorities and other stakeholders, we are working to resolve problems faced by local communities caused by Explosive Ordnance (EO). Currently, NPA has more than 20 Mine Action Programmes ongoing in Africa, Asia, Latin America, South East Europe and the Middle East.

Do you want to join our professional and committed global team in our mission to protect civilians?

We are looking for a new Technical Field Manager to join NPA’s newly established Mine Action and Disarmament programme in Ukraine. NPA is working in liberated areas of Ukraine that were previously under Russian occupation. The programme is in the process of obtaining mechanical assets to implement Land Release with the help of mechanical clearance/ground preparation assets within Ukraine. You will be responsible for the coordination and delivery of Land release activities along with capacity development and further expansion of NPA operations. As the operational representative for this highly rewarding project, you will be able to make an important impact on the local communities affected by the conflict.

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine with frequent travel within the country.

We offer

• An interesting and challenging position, where you will be making a difference for the people of Ukraine.
• Comprehensive salary package including country specific allowances and insurance scheme.
• Five weeks’ annual holiday plus one additional week off for expats.
• Three international flights home per contract year.
• R&R scheme.

Please note that we offer a two-year contract* with the possibility of renewal. The salary and allowances are subject to income tax according to NPA’s Tax Policy. The working conditions, including annual leave, follow the Norwegian Working Environment Act.

Requirements

• Relevant work experience, e.g. result-focused mine action NGO or commercial EOD work, relief and development programmes or military qualifications.
• At least three years’ experience in mine action operations with one year’s experience of management in deployment of flail and tiller equipped mech assets in humanitarian demining context.
• Hands-on operating and training experience with remote controlled mechanical assets, in mechanical ground preparation, vegetation removal, clearance and TS operations in the land release context.
• Experience in operational planning and proven analytical skills.
• Proven ability to plan and maintain the smooth running of mechanical fleet.
• Proven experience in drafting technical notes, SOP and training packages.
• Proven experience to develop and manage a team in mechanical survey and clearance of mines, cluster munitions and other ERW, including motivating and leading a team.
• Experience with HMA Toolbox and Land Release.
• Category B driving license.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Good leadership and communication skills are required along with the ability to motivate staff in a calm and professional manner with limited supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to plan and coordinate activities often within tight deadlines in a harsh environment

Desirable:

• Internationally recognized certification in operating mechanical plant such as excavators, front end loaders or bulldozers.
• Experience managing and/or maintaining armored plant machine operations.
• IMAS EOD level 3 or equivalent experience and good knowledge of Humanitarian Disarmament policy.
• Written and verbal proficiency in Ukrainian and/ or Russian.

What you will do

• With support of the Operations Manager/ STFM, Implement and manage NPA MAD Ukraine mechanical operations.
• Assisting in the development of the annual operational plan ensuring the achievement of donor set targets, whilst maintaining the quality management of Mechanical operations.
• Plan and implement training of local staff in in Ukraine on implementation of Mechanical Land release procedures in accordance with SOP as well as upkeep and maintenance of the NPA Ukraine Mechanical fleet.
• Assist in the development and update of (mechanical) operational SOPs and maintain operational accreditation.
• Implement technical and managerial continuation training of national staff to build capacity.
• Provide progress reports on technical, operational and administrative matters.
• Liaise with local authorities to ensure smooth implementation of operations.
• Maintain an operational QM system.
• Contribute to methodology development.

*Validity of the offer and contract depends on satisfactory medical certificate, full vaccination, valid travel visa and necessary permits for service and residency in the country of service. The offer and contract also depend on donor funding and might be subject to donor approval.