Humanitarian Mine Action Operations Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195

• With a mission to assist refugees and internally displaced persons globally, DRC provides emergency aid, advocates for their rights, and works towards sustainable solutions for a brighter future. The organization has grown to employ over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers, operating in numerous countries affected by conflict. DRC's vision is to ensure a dignified life for all displaced individuals, guided by core values such as humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency. In Syria, DRC has been active since 2008, initially addressing the Iraqi refugee crisis and later expanding its efforts to respond to the ongoing Syria crisis, focusing on the full cycle of displacement and community recovery.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Mine Action Operations Manager (OM) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) program in Syria. This includes supervising HMA operations, ensuring compliance with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and DRC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The OM will develop detailed plans for HMA activities in collaboration with various stakeholders, including INGOs, national authorities, and local communities. The role is crucial for scaling and managing DRC's HMA program, ensuring safe and effective operations while promoting localization and national capacity development. The OM will also be responsible for monitoring the safety and quality of HMA activities, preparing reports for DRC, UN, and national authorities, and contributing to DRC's localization commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operations Manager will plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate all aspects of HMA activities, ensuring alignment with national priorities. Responsibilities include managing and supervising staff, promoting a safety culture, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and enhancing operational efficiency. The OM will lead training and competence-building initiatives for national staff, support the development of sustainable operational systems, and ensure teams are adequately equipped. Additionally, the OM will maintain external relations with authorities and partners, contribute to donor proposals and reports, and represent DRC in coordination forums. The role also involves maintaining operational documents, assisting in recruitment, and fostering a positive team culture focused on learning and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of 7 years of experience in Humanitarian Mine Action, with at least 5 years in a managerial role. They should possess IMAS EOD 3+ qualifications and have proven management experience in diverse settings. Knowledge of Information Management Systems for Mine Action (IMSMA) and GIS mapping applications is essential, along with experience in training and mentoring national staff. Candidates should demonstrate experience in localization, stakeholder management, and integrating HMA with broader humanitarian programming. Strong leadership, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in politically sensitive environments are crucial.

Educational Background:
The position requires an IMAS EOD 3+ qualification, with IMAS IEDD level 3 being desirable. Candidates should have a strong educational background relevant to the field of mine action and humanitarian operations.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in Humanitarian Mine Action, particularly in operations management. Experience working in insecure and conflict environments is essential, as is a proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships. Familiarity with the Syrian context and operational dynamics is highly desirable, along with experience in integrated programming environments.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Strong Arabic communication skills are highly desirable due to the need for extensive engagement with local authorities, communities, and national partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with a contract length of 12 months, subject to extension based on performance and funding availability. The salary level is classified as E level 2 - Management according to DRC's salary scale. The location is in Syria, specifically Al Kisweh (Rural Damascus), with expected travel across the country. The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 202

• Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications closing on May 27, 2026.