Head of Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established with the mission to protect, advocate for, and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been actively operating in Ukraine since 2014, employing over 800 staff members who implement emergency and recovery programming across various sectors including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding, particularly focusing on humanitarian mine action. DRC's approach is characterized by an integrated model where different sectors are designed to complement each other, maximizing the impact on conflict-affected communities. The organization emphasizes outcomes that enable communities to safely cultivate land, restore infrastructure, and support displaced populations in rebuilding their lives. DRC operates through a decentralized model, ensuring that program delivery and decision-making are closely aligned with local realities and community needs, while maintaining coherent technical and operational standards across its responses. This integrated approach sets DRC apart from other mine action operators, allowing for a more holistic response to humanitarian needs.

Job Overview:
The Head of Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) is tasked with providing overall leadership, management, and oversight of DRC's HMA portfolio in Ukraine. This role involves close collaboration with the Head of Operations and the Head of Programs, ensuring that the HMA strategy aligns with DRC's broader objectives. The Head of HMA is responsible for guiding the development of the HMA Programme Strategy, serving as the focal point for external engagement and fundraising, and leading the liaison with Mine Action Authorities. The position requires a strong focus on integrated programming, enabling operational decision-making that contributes to recovery outcomes for conflict-affected communities. The Head of HMA will also oversee the capacity building and nationalization strategy for HMA staff, ensuring that the team is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the humanitarian mine action sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of HMA will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities including:

• People Management: Leading and managing direct reports, ensuring effective people planning, development, performance appraisal, and well-being in accordance with DRC policies and national legislation.
• Strategic Leadership: Setting the strategic direction for the HMA Programme, ensuring alignment with national mine action strategies and donor priorities.
• Programme Oversight: Overseeing the design, review, and updating of the HMA strategy, ensuring quality and timely inputs to donor reports and communication products.
• Localisation and Partnership Development: Leading the HMA localisation strategy, ensuring capacity assessments inform the selection of national partners.
• Operational Delivery: Holding overall responsibility for planning and delivering the HMA portfolio, ensuring adherence to operational SOPs and national/international mine action standards.
• Financial Management: Preparing and updating budget forecasts, workplans, and procurement plans for HMA initiatives.
• External Engagement: Serving as the focal point for donor engagement and maintaining high-quality technical communication with mine action authorities.
• Coordination: Representing DRC in mine action coordination mechanisms and engaging with other actors to promote best practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 7 years of working experience with strong knowledge in the humanitarian mine action sector at a senior level, evidenced by recognized technical qualifications. While EOD qualifications are an asset, they are not mandatory. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience managing multi-disciplinary teams in complex humanitarian contexts, particularly in conflict settings. Demonstrated experience in program strategy design, proposal writing, and budget management for multiple concurrent grants is essential. A solid understanding of HMA program cycle management, including compliance with IMAS/NMAS, is required, along with experience in external engagement with donors and mine action authorities.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, typically requiring a degree in a field related to humanitarian action, international relations, or a similar discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in mine action or related areas would be advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7 years in the humanitarian mine action sector at a senior level. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing and leading diverse teams, particularly in complex humanitarian contexts, and experience working in conflict settings is crucial. The role also demands demonstrated experience in program strategy design and development, including proposal writing and budget management for multiple concurrent grants.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local stakeholders and authorities effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a 12-month fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability after a successful 3-month probationary period. The role is classified under Band E1 – Manager, and the duty station is designated as Kyiv, which is a non-family duty station. The start date for this position is as soon as possible, and salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for both national and international employees. 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 closing date once a suitable candidate is identified.