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

DCA DRC seeks to support community based and integrated deliverables through a combination of activities including Survey, Clearance, Risk Education, 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. 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) and Senior Management Team (SMT) ensuring that DCA mine action activities are 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, you 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 larger humanitarian response. The Operations Manager refers daily to the DCA DRC Country Director, who has overall oversight of the programme in DRC and to the Mine Action Program Advisor (MAPA) and Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) who are based in HQ for support on operations, fundraising and project cycle management.

Key responsibilities:

• 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).
• 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.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance of field operations, including training, compliance with quality assurance standards, safety, 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 including 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.

Your profile:

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) (IMAS 3 or IEDD 3+) and / or High Threat Search 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, IED, 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, IEDD 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.
• Knowledge 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, 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

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 Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.

Please note that only applications submitted through our recruitment system will be considered: https://www.danchurchaid.org/join-us/jobs/international-vacancies. Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment policy, Child Safeguarding policy and Counter-Terrorism policy.

Closing date of application is 7th of June 2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and DCA reserves the right to select a candidate prior to the closing date.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. The interviews with the shortlisted candidates are scheduled to take place the week following the closing date. Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a written test prior to the interview. Initial interviews will take place using Microsoft Teams.

For further information please contact via email DCA DRC CD (misk@dca.dk) or Lene Rasmussen (lera@dca.dk).