Senior Technical Field Manager MDD (internal announcement)

Do you have extensive experience with the use of Mine Detection Dogs (MDD) in humanitarian Mine Action operations and at least 5 years of operational experience using MDD? Then you might be our new Senior Technical Field Manager MDD for our programme in Ukraine!

Norwegian People’s Aid is in the process of expanding its mine action activities within Ukraine. The Programme is currently in its third year of mine action activities. The position is responsible for the management of NPA Ukraine’s Mine Detection Dog capacity in country. A high degree of diplomacy and cultural awareness is required when dealing at the governmental level.

What We Offer

• An exciting position in one of our largest country programmes where you will frequently travel within the country to NPA’s Area of Operations.
• The opportunity to work in co-ordination with the local national mine action authorities to assist in their capacity development and accommodate their priorities in line with donor objectives and outputs.
• Comprehensive salary package including country specific allowances.
• A robust insurance scheme.   
• Five weeks’ annual holiday plus one additional week off for expats.
• Three international flights home per contract year.
• R&R scheme.
• A two-year expatriate contract* with potential for renewal under the Norwegian Working Environment Act's and the Special Agreement’s favorable conditions.
  
  

Requirements

• ADS 5: ADS instructor (MDD instructor) as per Test and Evaluation Protocol 07.31 02/2022 Competencies required for Animal detection systems handlers, team leaders and instructors.
• Extensive experience with the use of MDD in humanitarian Mine Action operations and at least 5 years of operational experience using MDD.
• IMAS EOD level 2 or equivalent military qualification.
• Experience and knowledge of all MDD-related technical aspects, including but not limited to training methodology, imprinting, testing, health, etc.
• Experience of implementation of land release approach in mine clearance context is required. 
• Experience working with the full "HMA toolbox" approach, including the deployment of manual, MDD and mechanical assets.
• Excellent knowledge of IMAS and the land release principles in humanitarian Mine Action.
• Proven ability to develop and manage multiple diverse teams.
• Experience successfully motivating and leading a team. 
• Experience conducting formal or informal training and the transfer of appropriate skills to others. 
• Strong numeracy and IT skills.
• Category B driving license is a requirement.
• Excellent written and spoken English in is a requirement.
• Able to secure a Ukrainian visa based on nationality.
• Knowledge of local languages is desirable.
  
  

As a person, you identify yourself with the core competencies for managers in NPA:

• Integrity: Ethical decision-making and honesty. Managers embody our values and ensure employees follow ethical standards.
• Trust: Build and maintain reliability. Create a safe space for expression and development. Balance trust and control, delegate wisely, and encourage learning.
• Openness: Foster innovation and development through effective communication and inclusion of relevant skills.
• Accountability: Achieve results with employees through clear direction and goals, balancing strategic initiatives with operational tasks. Provide feedback and hold everyone accountable for performance and work calmly under pressure in stressful and hazardous conditions.
  
  

You possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to motivate and develop a team. You have excellent organizational skills with the ability to plan and coordinate activities often within tight deadlines in stressful and hazardous conditions.

Responsibilities

• Responsibility for keeping up to date with relevant developments within fields of expertise.
• Work in co-ordination with the local national mine action authorities to assist in their capacity development and wherever possible accommodate their priorities in line with donor objectives and outputs.
• Contribute to fostering and improving relationships with local and national communities and promote NPA’s vision.
• On behalf of the Operations Manager, supervise and lead the MDD Technical Field Managers, Team Leaders and other MDD staff in the area of responsibility.
• Assisting in the development of the annual operational plan ensuring the achievement of donor set targets, whilst maintaining the quality management of survey and clearance operations in accordance with SOPs and IMAS/NMAS.
• Assist in the development and update of operational SOPs and maintain operational accreditation.
• Develop capacity development plans for national MDD staff and plan, oversee and conduct MDD training.
• Provide regular operational reports and data on MDD performance and training to relevant employees and actors as required by NPA procedures and reporting systems, as well as the National Mine Action Authority through IMSMA.
• Maintain a functional Reporting system in regard to a MDD operations, training and capacity development.
• Represent NPA on behalf of the Operations Manager at relevant stakeholder meetings and events.
• Liaise with national and local authorities for operational, logistic and administrative purposes.
  
  

This is an internal announcement. Only applications from internal candidates will be considered. In NPA, we define internal candidates as current employees and former expatriate employees who have worked as expatriates for NPA within the past 12 months. If no qualified internal candidates apply for the position within the deadline, we will advertise the position externally after internal applicants have been given feedback.

• Validity of the offer and contract depends on satisfactory medical certificate, full vaccination, valid travel visa and necessary permits for service and residency in the country of service. The offer and contract also depend on donor funding and might be subject to donor approval.
  
  

About The Recruitment Process

We work continuously for more diversity and inclusion throughout Norwegian People's Aid. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Please note, that only applications submitted through our career site will be considered. Applications and resumes sent via e-mail will not be reviewed.

We kindly ask you to carefully read NPA’s Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy and Anti-Corruption Policy, before you submit your application. If you are the selected candidate for this position, you will be asked to complete and sign a Safeguarding self-declaration as well as our Code of Conduct. All policies related to ethics can be found on our website.

We look forward to hearing from you!