Humanitarian Mine Action Technical Advisor

Humanitarian Mine Action Technical Advisor

Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

January 16, 2026January 31, 2026Ukraine
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to advocate for and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been committed to providing assistance and protection to those in need, and it has been operational in Ukraine since 201
  • With a workforce of over 800 employees in Ukraine, DRC implements emergency responses across various sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. The organization employs direct interventions, supports duty bearers, collaborates with civil society organizations (CSOs), and forms partnerships to enhance its impact. DRC is dedicated to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that its programs remain relevant and effective in addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Mine Action Technical Advisor (HMA TA) plays a crucial role in providing technical guidance to national staff involved in Humanitarian Mine Action activities. The primary responsibility of the HMA TA is to offer daily support and expert advice to various teams engaged in Manual Mine Clearance (MMC), Battle Area Clearance (BAC), Mechanical and Community Liaison (NTS/EORE) operations across a wide operational area. In addition to providing technical oversight, the HMA TA is tasked with enhancing the capacity and technical knowledge of national HMA staff, aiming to establish a sustainable and effective partially nationalized HMA operation within a specified timeframe. The HMA TA will report directly to the Humanitarian Mine Action Manager and collaborate closely with other technical advisors, field managers, and demining team members. While primarily based in Mykolaiv or Kharkiv, the HMA TA is expected to travel to various regions where HMA teams operate, including national training centers and the DRC Country Office in Kyiv.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HMA TA's responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks essential for the successful implementation of HMA operations. Key duties include providing technical oversight for field operations, ensuring compliance with safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols, and directing operational personnel. The HMA TA will supervise Land Release operations and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) activities in accordance with DRC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Collaboration with the HMA Operations Manager, HMA Manager, and Quality Management Team is vital for developing the project's technical contributions to national mine action capacity. The HMA TA will assist in training national personnel, maintaining technical procedures, and ensuring effective reporting mechanisms. Establishing and nurturing relationships with various organizations involved in HMA activities is crucial for successful collaboration. The HMA TA will monitor daily field activities to ensure adherence to safety procedures, compile Implementation Plans and Field Risk Assessments for tasks, and ensure necessary approvals from national authorities. Additionally, the HMA TA will follow up on Quality Management visits and undertake other tasks as deemed necessary by the Operations Manager.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the HMA TA position, candidates must possess a minimum of five years of international experience within humanitarian NGOs or similar organizations, specifically in the Mine Action sector. Verifiable hands-on experience in training, supervising, and deploying Land Release teams is essential. Candidates should have practical knowledge of various HMA equipment, including the Minelab F3, Ebinger UPEX 740M, CEIA CMD, and Vallon VMR3/VMC, for Land Release operations. A minimum of IMAS EOD Level 3 certification or an equivalent qualification from a recognized technical school is required, along with proven experience at EOD Level
  • Fluency in written and spoken English, coupled with excellent writing skills, is mandatory. A high degree of computer literacy in MS Office programs is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the HMA TA position should have a relevant educational background that supports their technical expertise in Mine Action. This typically includes formal education in fields related to humanitarian work, engineering, or a similar discipline. Specific certifications, such as IMAS EOD Level 3 or equivalent, are essential to demonstrate the necessary technical knowledge and skills required for the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of experience working at an international level within humanitarian NGOs or similar organizations, specifically in the Mine Action sector. This experience should include hands-on involvement in training, supervising, and deploying Land Release teams, as well as practical knowledge of HMA equipment and operations. Proven experience in the application of Land Release policies and procedures is crucial, along with a willingness to transfer knowledge and expertise to national staff.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is a mandatory requirement for this position, as effective communication is essential for the role. Additionally, knowledge of Ukrainian and/or local languages is highly desirable, as it can facilitate better interaction with local communities and stakeholders. Candidates with language skills beyond English and Ukrainian may have an advantage in the selection process.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is set for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability after a successful three-month probation period. The positions are classified as non-family duty stations, and candidates are encouraged to indicate their preferred location (Mykolaiv or Kharkiv) in their application. The expected start date for the role is March 202
  • Salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council's Terms of Employment for expatriate contracts, and candidates are advised to refer to the organization's website for further details. The application process requires candidates to upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English, along with high-resolution copies of their EOD certification and course syllabi supporting EOD Level III. Applications submitted via email will not be considered, and the closing date for applications is set for 30th January 202
  • Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis, and DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy closes once a suitable candidate is identified.
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