Humanitarian Mine Action Quality Assurance Manager

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Position Title: Humanitarian Mine Action Quality Assurance Manager
Location: Kyiv
Country: Ukraine
Deadline Date: December 12th, 2024

Job Details

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 dedicated to providing assistance and support to those in need, focusing on various sectors including protection, livelihoods, shelter, and humanitarian disarmament. DRC has been operational in Ukraine since 2014 and currently employs over 800 staff members. The organization is planning a significant scale-up in 2024 to enhance its emergency response capabilities across multiple sectors, utilizing direct interventions and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs).

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Mine Action Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for overseeing all quality-related matters within the DRC's Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP) program in Ukraine. This role is crucial for ensuring that all technical assets meet high standards and comply with National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) and International Mine Action Standards (IMAS). The QA Manager will work closely with the Operations Manager and Project Manager, and will be involved in revising mine action legislation, providing technical input, and managing a team of specialists. The position requires travel to operational areas and national training centers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication within the team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Humanitarian Mine Action Quality Assurance Manager include:

• Ensuring quality assurance in accordance with IMAS, NMAS, and DRC SOPs, monitoring Land Release activities within the DRC HDP Ukraine program.
• Developing and overseeing the HDP Quality Management toolbox, Training Management Plans (TMPs), and training courses for HMA activities and Land Release operations.
• Developing, implementing, and revising country-specific Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) for all HDP activities.
• Supervising and documenting the nationalization and capacity development process of national staff.
• Recruiting, training, managing, and developing internal Quality Management (QM) teams for independent QM activities within a 12-month timeframe.
• Monitoring the implementation of capacity building plans for DRC technical personnel conducting NTS, clearance, and EORE.
• Documenting and conducting the capacity development process as directed by the Operations Manager (OM) and Head of HDP.
• Assisting in creating quarterly capacity building plans for operations.
• Supporting capacity development projects for national mine action stakeholders in cooperation with relevant stakeholders. 1
• Adapting the QM toolbox for the HDP Ukraine program and conducting QM on all activities carried out by HDP teams, including EORE. 1
• Performing regular and unannounced task site inspections, reporting findings to the OM, and informing the OM about any non-conformities identified during site visits. 1
• Providing advice on QM issues and assisting in updating SOPs. 1
• Modifying training management plans to support operations as per capacity development plans and ensuring all training aligns with capacity building plans. 1
• Preparing, designing, and monitoring implementation of training plans and procedures as instructed by OM. 1
• Compiling and recording all training undertaken by HDP personnel and assisting in training/briefing managerial staff on technical mine clearance policies or procedures. 1
• Assessing and modifying operational reporting formats as needed, ensuring completion and correctness of all Operations Reports. 1
• Reporting critical non-conformities in HMA operations to OM and conducting investigations of incidents or accidents. 1
• Conducting regular inspections in the Information Management unit to ensure appropriate documentation/filing. 1
• Supporting OM and Head of HDP in providing operations-related information for donor reports. 2
• Conducting random checks to ensure proper use and maintenance of HMA equipment. 2
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with organizations involved in HMA activities. 2
• Undertaking other necessary actions as directed by the OM.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• At least 7 years of relevant working experience at the international level, with a minimum of 5 years in humanitarian international NGOs or similar international bodies within the Mine Action sector.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in people management.
• Hands-on experience in training, supervising, and deploying HMA teams for Land Release operations.
• Extensive experience in HMA Quality Management Systems.
• Knowledge of and practical experience with a range of equipment such as the Minelab F3 and Ebinger UPEX 740M for clearance operations.
• IMAS EOD Level 3+ certification or equivalent from an internationally recognized technical school (Military or Civilian) with proven experience to support EOD Level 3+.
• Experience in advisory and coordination roles in Capacity Development in post-conflict environments is desirable.
• Proven experience in drafting SOPs and Training Management Plans.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering technical training. 1
• International Certification/Qualifications in Quality Management Systems is highly desirable. 1
• A high degree of computer literacy in all MS Office programs. 1
• Work experience in program management, including representation, technical supervision of staff, monitoring, and evaluation is highly desirable. 1
• Knowledge of advanced trauma care is highly desirable. 1
• Work experience from within the region (Eastern Europe) is desirable. 1
• An international driving license (manual gearbox) is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background that supports their qualifications for the role. This typically includes a degree in a field related to humanitarian work, international relations, or a similar discipline. Additional certifications in quality management or mine action are highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least 7 years of relevant working experience at the international level. This includes a minimum of 5 years working with humanitarian international NGOs or similar international bodies within the Mine Action sector. Additionally, candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in people management, demonstrating their ability to lead and develop teams effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and team members. Proficiency in additional languages may also be considered an asset, depending on the operational context.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The role is classified at Level F-1 Management, indicating a seniority level that requires significant expertise and leadership capabilities. The position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and the start date is as soon as possible. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates. All applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is December 12th, 2024, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as recruitment will be conducted on a rolling basis.