Deputy Head of Operations At FSD

Location: HQ Geneva based with minimum 35% travel worldwide.

Application Deadline: 11 November 2024, Midnight Geneva time

About FSD:
FSD is an international NGO focused on humanitarian demining and environmental remediation. We operate in various regions globally, removing landmines and toxic pollutants to create safe and sustainable communities. Our programmes aim to mitigate the impact of post-conflict threats and environmental hazards, fostering long-term development.

Position Overview:

The Deputy Head of Operations is responsible for the direct supervision and reporting on FSD’s country programmes and programme managers delegated from its worldwide portfolio of operations. This includes all international expatriate staff, relations with relevant stakeholders and donors, all donor proposals and reporting, and the management of all programme associated administrative, financial and procurement functions. The role reports directly to FSD’s Head of Operations.

The role also covers key cross cutting themes within FSD’s HQ and within the mine action world such as FSD’s SOPs and technical standards; attendance at international and Geneva based professional mine action or related conferences, participation in working groups (UN/ICRC/UNICEF/WFP/FAO/Mine Action/UNMAS/GICHD/UNEP etc.); and representation of FSD as a lead on topics such as gender, diversity and equality, environment and climate change, sanctions and policy development and geo-political monitoring of global events. Finally, the role also may require the incumbent to lead and/or assist on business development and programme development missions and proposals. All of these tasks are delegated and shared within the operations team in Geneva HQ under the Head of Operations.

The role is office based with not less than 35% of the time to be expected away from home on travel in FSD programmes worldwide. The role is strongly independent due to the high level of expected travel and remote work with a 60-70% office attendance required permanently in Geneva.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and develop projects and programmes in the assigned countries of operations as delegated by FSD’s Head of Operations. This includes the development of proposals, negotiation of donor contracts, the relationship with donors and authorities in-country as well as the management of all FSD resources, assets and staff.
• In close cooperation with the Head of Operations, develop new operational projects and programmes for FSD world-wide including missions and scoping visits to possible new countries or programmes.
• Consult the Head of Operations for all expertise related to humanitarian activities.
• Consult the Head of operations for all safety, technical and SOP related competencies.
• Contribute and consult with FSD’s Head of Operations on cross cutting themes and projects and take lead to represent FSD as delegated by FSD’s Head of Operations on topics such as gender, diversity and equality, environment and climate change, sanctions and policy development and geo-political monitoring of global events.
• Represent FSD in fora and conferences in mine action and other linked/similar work themes for FSD (innovation, environmental remediation, humanitarian and nexus (HDP) discussions and policy, donor workshops, student working groups and projects).

Qualifications and Experience:

• Masters level education in a suitable field (international relations, development, crisis and disaster response/management, etc.).
• Proven experience of at least 10 years in humanitarian and/or development programme management. It is an advantage if this is in humanitarian demining, EOD/security and/or emergency and post-conflict recovery contexts. Additional experience/knowledge in environmental and climate change/resilience projects will be an asset.
• Proven report and proposal writing experience and knowledge.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing international teams and working in complex environments.
• Proven financial management experience, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance with donor regulations (EU, US, UK, Swiss, GFFO etc.).
• Proven and demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, government bodies, and local communities.
• Experience of working internationally managing travel and work commitments autonomously.
• Fluency in English (spoken, reading and written) is mandatory and a critical skill; knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel internationally to donor office locations, conflict areas and all FSD programmes as necessary.