Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Operations Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency dedicated to safeguarding, advocating for, and promoting sustainable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Established in 1956, DRC has a long-standing history of providing humanitarian assistance and support in various contexts. With over 800 employees currently working in Ukraine, DRC has been operational in the country since 2014, focusing on emergency responses across multiple sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. The organization collaborates with civil society organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders to implement effective interventions and adapt its strategies to the evolving needs of displaced populations. DRC's mission is to ensure that the rights and needs of displaced individuals are met, and it continues to expand its efforts to provide durable solutions in challenging environments.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Operations Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring that DRC adheres to the highest technical standards in mine action operations. This position is responsible for overseeing the implementation of activities in compliance with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), National Mine Action Standards (NMAS), and DRC's own standard operating procedures (SOPs). The Operations Manager will develop detailed technical plans for field operations, ensuring that they are staffed with qualified personnel and that appropriate training is provided. The role requires close collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders, including area managers and national authorities, to ensure effective operational delivery and compliance with accreditation requirements. The Operations Manager will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the technical aspects of HMA activities, ensuring quality management, and providing capacity-building support to both DRC staff and government stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operations Manager will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• People Management: Leading and managing staff, including performance management, development, and well-being. Technically supervising key managerial positions in HMA projects. Planning and monitoring technical training and capacity building for DRC operations employees.
• Operational Delivery: Advising the Head of HMA on operational matters, maintaining accreditation with authorities, and developing and approving SOPs and technical workplans. Overseeing daily management of HMA clearance operations and monitoring team outputs. Providing technical input for proposals, reports, and budget forecasts.
• Technical Monitoring and Quality Management: Ensuring compliance with IMAS, NMAS, and DRC's HMA SOPs. Evaluating technical aspects of HMA activities and maintaining a robust quality management system. Investigating accidents and incidents to identify root causes.
• Technical Training and Capacity Building: Planning and monitoring technical training for HMA staff and providing support to government stakeholders to enhance their technical capacity.
• External Relations: Developing collaborative relationships with national authorities and representing DRC at external meetings and conferences related to HMA policy and legislation.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• IMAS EOD 3+ qualifications and previous experience as an Operations Manager in humanitarian mine action.
• Proven management experience in various settings, with a strong understanding of accreditation processes according to different country standards.
• A demonstrated ability to train and mentor national staff, with a commitment to DRC's integrated and outcome-oriented programming approach.
• Experience working in conflict contexts and excellent communication and coordination skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and SharePoint, along with full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken).

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background that supports their qualifications for the role. This may include degrees or certifications in fields related to humanitarian action, project management, or technical disciplines relevant to mine action. Specific educational requirements may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications, but a strong foundation in relevant areas is essential for success in this position.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of experience in humanitarian mine action, with a solid understanding of IMAS and NMAS compliance requirements. A minimum of 5 years of experience in people management is also required, demonstrating the ability to lead teams effectively in complex field environments. Candidates should have hands-on experience overseeing quality management systems and a proven track record of operational delivery in challenging contexts.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, both written and spoken. While not required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the operational context in Ukraine or the broader region.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered on a 12-month contract, following a successful 3-month probation period. The designated duty station is Kyiv, which is classified as a non-family duty station. The expected start date for this role is August or September 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for both national and international employees. All applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is 09 June 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy close date if a suitable candidate is identified.