Operations Manager (OM)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on responding to displacement. Established in 1956, DRC has been registered in Sudan since 2004 and has been delivering life-saving programming in various sectors including protection, emergency response, shelter, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and livelihoods, disaster risk reduction, camp management, and humanitarian mine action. The organization operates in multiple regions within Sudan, including Central Darfur, South Kordofan, Gedaref, Port Sudan, and White Nile. DRC is committed to addressing the needs of one of the largest displaced populations in Africa, which includes over 3.7 million internally displaced people and more than 1.1 million refugees from various countries. The organization is actively involved in fundraising to expand its mine action portfolio, especially in light of the ongoing political crisis and economic turmoil in Sudan, which has been exacerbated by disease outbreaks and conflict.

Job Overview:
The Operations Manager (OM) plays a crucial role in overseeing all aspects of Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) related work within DRC's operations in Sudan. This includes managing projects, providing technical support, and ensuring effective oversight of local partners involved in mine clearance activities. The OM is responsible for developing detailed implementation plans for project activities, ensuring that operations are adequately staffed with qualified personnel, and monitoring field activities through regular site visits. The role also involves preparing reports for various stakeholders and creating training needs assessments and capacity development plans for national HMA staff. The OM must ensure that all operations adhere to safety standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs), while also promoting a culture of safety and effective munitions clearance methods.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operations Manager will be responsible for a wide range of duties including: ensuring the highest standards of safety and security in all operations; planning, monitoring, and evaluating HMA activities; maintaining and developing training materials and operational documentation; managing the safe storage and handling of explosives; supervising HMA Team Leaders and Technical Field Managers (TFMs); conducting training needs assessments; promoting a culture of safety; collaborating with local partners; reporting operational outputs to headquarters; and ensuring compliance with quality control and assurance standards. The OM will also be involved in external relations, liaising with the National Mine Action Center, supporting country management on operational matters, and contributing to donor proposals and reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of IMAS EOD 3 qualifications, with IMAS EOD 3+ being desirable. A minimum of 5 years of previous experience in HMA is required, along with a full understanding of its technical requirements. Previous experience as an Operations Manager is essential, as well as proven management experience in various settings. Candidates should have experience with accreditation to IMAS standards, a proven record of training national staff, and the ability to build relationships with National Mine Action Authorities (NMAA). Experience working in insecure environments is also necessary, along with strong skills in Microsoft Word and Excel. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to embrace objectives such as gender equity and cross-sector cooperation.

Educational Background:
The position requires a relevant educational background in fields related to humanitarian mine action, safety management, or a similar discipline. Specific educational qualifications may vary, but candidates should have a strong foundation in technical aspects of mine action and operational management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in humanitarian mine action, with a focus on operational management. Experience in training and mentoring national staff is crucial, as is a background in working in challenging and insecure environments. Proven management experience in a range of settings is essential, along with a track record of successful project implementation and oversight.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered on a five-month contract with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance evaluations. The salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for International staff. The position is graded at M.E and requires immediate availability. The duty station is Port Sudan, with frequent travel to operational sites. The Operations Manager will report directly to the Humanitarian Disarmament & Peacebuilding (HDP) Manager. All applicants must submit a cover letter and updated CV in English via the online application form provided on the DRC website. Applications will close on 3 August 2025, and candidates are encouraged to apply early as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.