Subaquatic EOD Technical Advisor & Senior Mentor (Reserve Pool) At HAMAP Humanitaire

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  • Organization: HAMAP-Humanitaire (HH)
  • Duty Station: Primarily based in Kyiv, Ukraine (with frequent travel within Kharkiv Oblast and potentially Sumy/Mykolaiv Oblasts)
  • National Partner: Ukrainian Deminers Association (UDA)
  • Reporting Line: Country Coordinator (Ukraine) / Head of Mine Action (HQ)
  • Contract Type: 9-to 12-month international contract (renewable) – Reserve Pool
  • Security Level: Volatile, high-risk environment (National Level D) – Strict safety protocols in place

Program Context

In Ukraine, HAMAP-Humanitaire operates under a strict, partner-driven capacity-strengthening framework, respecting a “red line” of non-substitution. Rather than deploying as a direct operator, HAMAP-Humanitaire acts exclusively as a technical mentor, advisor, and quality controller to the Ukrainian Deminers Association (UDA), the country’s premier national civilian mine action operator recently accredited for underwater clearance.

The primary objective of this program is to deploy, consolidate, and scale Ukraine’s first civilian Land & Water Release capability. Operations focus on surveying, mapping, and clearing explosive remnants of war (ERW) and submerged munitions from rivers, lakes, agricultural irrigation canals, and water reservoirs heavily affected by active hostilities and hydraulic infrastructure failures.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

1. Technical Mentoring, QA/QC & Localization

  • On-the-Job Mentoring: Provide daily technical mentoring, coaching, and operational support to UDA EOD team leaders and diving personnel during field deployments.
  • Quality Assurance & Control (QA/QC): Implement and supervise rigorous QA/QC protocols on UDA subaquatic worksites, ensuring total compliance with International Mine Action Standards (specifically IMAS 09.60) and Ukrainian National Mine Action Standards (NMAS).
  • Accreditation Support: If requested, assist UDA’s leadership in refining and submitting their technical dossiers to secure and maintain national subaquatic demining accreditation with the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC).
  • SOP Development: Co-evaluate, test on-site, and continuously improve the IMAS-compliant underwater Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed jointly by HH and UDA.
  • Technical Representation: Participate in IMAS review boards and international technical side-event forums to contribute specialized expertise, promote the project’s technical achievements, and actively advance humanitarian and localized approaches to underwater explosive ordnance clearance.

2. Subaquatic Operations Supervision & Training

  • Technical Instruction: Co-facilitate and supervise advanced theoretical and practical training modules (inland diving operations up to 20 meters depth) for UDA’s EOD divers in accordance with HAMAP-Humanitaire’s training curriculum.
  • Advanced Technology Deployment: Oversee the operational use and data analysis of advanced subaquatic detection hardware, including side-scan sonars, marine magnetometers, handheld subaquatic metal detectors, and underwater Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs).
  • Decompression Safety Innovation: Implement human-centric safety controls, specifically monitoring post-dive nitrogen desaturation using ultrasonic venous microbubble detection.

3. Security, Emergency Management & Ethical Compliance

  • Hyperbaric Emergency Management: Validate, update, and run weekly simulated emergency evacuation drills (Medevac) and decompression accident management protocols in coordination with designated national hyperbaric medical facilities.
  • HEAT & BTLS Integration: Actively support the ongoing training and field application of Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) and Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) first aid protocols for all deployed team members.
  • Compliance & Safeguarding: Ensure absolute adherence to HAMAP-Humanitaire’s Code of Conduct, dual-use equipment export regulations, and PSEAH (Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment) standards, including the monitoring of internal alert systems for both HH and UDA staff.

Job Requirements & Qualifications

Mandatory Certifications

  • IMAS EOD Level 3+ (or EOD Level 3 with a formal, internationally accredited subaquatic/underwater EOD specialty).
  • Professional Diving Qualification: Recognized commercial or military diving certification (equivalent to Ukrainian Class 3 Group 3, or French Classe II/III Mention A, B or D (industrial, technical, or military/rescue diving or or UK HSE Surface Supplied (or Royal Navy Clearance Diver equivalent).
  • Emergency Medical / Hyperbaric Certification: Certified specialization in hyperbaric safety, dive accident management, or advanced trauma care (BTLS/EMT)

Required Experience & Competencies

  • HMA Experience: A minimum of 4 years of operational experience in Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA), with active involvement in Non-Technical Survey (NTS), Technical Survey (TS), and Land Release processes.
  • Subaquatic EOD Expertise: Proven experience in underwater search, mapping, and EOD recovery in low-visibility, high-current, and high-turbidity inland waterways (rivers, canals, lakes).
  • Pedagogical Skills & Posture: Proven track record in technical mentoring, training delivery, or capacity building with national personnel (civilian, civil protection, or state deminers). Ability to maintain a highly professional, objective, and standard-compliant posture under pressure.
  • Languages: Fluent English (essential for project management, donor reporting, and technical documentation). Working knowledge of French, Ukrainian or Russian is considered a significant asset.

Working Conditions & Benefits

  • Contract: Standard international humanitarian contract
  • Financial Package: Competitive salary/allowances, monthly per diems, and a dedicated hardship allowance calibrated for active conflict zones in Ukraine.
  • Insurance: 100% comprehensive medical, life, and repatriation insurance (with specific war-risk coverage).
  • R&R: Regular Rest and Recuperation cycles provided in line with HAMAP-Humanitaire’s country security guidelines.

How to apply

To join our reserve pool of experts and contribute to strengthening localized humanitarian mine action in Ukraine, please send your CV, certificates and cover letter to acm@hamap.org with the subject line: ‘Subaquatic EOD Pool – Ukraine’.

HAMAP-Humanitaire is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and localized capacity sharing