Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Head of Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP) to manage and strengthen DRC’s humanitarian mine action component in Myanmar.
About the job
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has a mandate to create a safe environment where people are free from the threat of landmines, explosive remnants of war and small arms and light weapons. DRC has been present in Myanmar since 2013 seeking to address the threats posed by landmine contamination resulting from decades of civil strife. Myanmar is a highly contaminated country with mines and unexploded ordnance. It is therefore an essential part of DRC’s work to provide education to communities to effectively protect them from these threats that affect their daily life. DRC’s Mine Risk Education and Non-Technical Survey work is supplemented with support to landmine victims and all activities are closely linked with DRC’s other humanitarian activities. Once existing restrictions on mine action in Myanmar are removed, it is DRC’s aim to provide further assistance in conducting technical survey and clearance activities to the benefit of communities under threat.
As Head of HDP you will be responsible for the overall Mine Action programmatic strategy across the entire country operation to be closely coordinated with DRC Head of Programme. You will manage fundraising activities and external representation, including advocacy activities and liaison with state and non-state actors. You will enable and oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation activities across the Mine Action operation.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
Lead on high-level liaison and advocacy work related to Mine Action, including state and non-state actors and the UN when required.
Close coordination with the Country Director (CD) and DRC Head of Programme based in Yangon, and the HDP Programme Specialist based in Copenhagen, to ensure efficient and accountable project/programme implementation of the DRC Mine Action portfolio in Myanmar.
Keep the CD, Senior Management Team (including respective Area Managers), programme management and the PS informed at all times around programmatic updates and potential fundraising/project ideas and initiatives.
Plan, implement and monitor implementation activities of all Mine Action projects in Myanmar.
In close coordination with the CD, DRC HoP and PS lead the process of securing funds for Mine Action activities. This includes liaison and contact with country-based mine action-specific donors and national stakeholders.
Technical supervision and line management of key managerial positions on current Mine Action projects, in line with DRC HMA SoPs and International mine action standards (IMAS) and in coordination with the DRC Head of Programme and the respective Area Managers in the field.
Line management of the Mine Action support staff.
Work closely with the DRC Head of Programme on cross-sector programme planning and implementation, particularly in view of multi-sector project proposals.
Lead and coordinate efficient and responsive action in regard to proposals and report writing in close collaboration with the Country level Finance, Grants and MEAL and the Mine Action PS.
Conduct meetings on behalf of DRC. Specific to mine action, this is focussed around the MRE Working Group and donor-operator’s Mine Action Group meetings on mine action in Myanmar and other related mine action meetings which include national and international stakeholders.
Maintain and expand DRC’s relationships and network to key national stakeholders such as Community Based Organizations (CBO), Civil Society Organizations (CSO), coordination platforms such as the International Humanitarian Mine Action Forum (IHMAF).
Manage and monitor the budgets closely and report to CD, Head of Support Services (HoSS) and PS of any discrepancies.
Support MRE, NTS and first aid training for DRC and other NGO staff.
Serve on both the Senior Management Team and the Extended Senior Management Team.
Assist the CD and the PS on any additional requests.
About you
To be successful in this role we expect you to have a minimum of 7 years international work experience with 4 years at senior management level within humanitarian NGOs or similar international bodies, of which 5 years must have been within the humanitarian sector, preferably in challenging security environments. We expect you to have experience working in the Humanitarian Mine Action action sector and IMAS Explosive Ordnance Disposal knowledge or qualifications are an advantage. Moreover, we also expect the following:
Relevant university degree, preferably a masters in social sciences, management, law, international development, international relations or other relevant field, a bachelor’s degree with additional work experience, or sufficient proven professional experience related to the sector.
Proven successful experience with fundraising, budget design and monitoring, and managing multiple funding grants.
Demonstrable leadership and management skills, including team building, building national capacity, and management by example.
Extensive experience with donor and stakeholder engagement, including government and national mine action authorities specifically.
Demonstrable capacity to be articulate, imaginative and innovative.
Demonstrable ability to think strategically, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a complex and challenging environment.
Experience in managing the safety and security of personnel, resources and assets in a complex and fluid context.
Fluency in verbal and written English with excellent writing skills is required.
Experience with programmes within Armed Violence Reduction (AVR) and previous experience of working on partnerships with local civil society is deemed an asset.
Experience working in Myanmar, with an extensive professional network, is a strong advantage.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently unsupervised with a strong work ethic.
Political and cultural sensitivity, including ability to adapt well to local cultures with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy.
A high degree of flexibility with respect to working hours, with ability to plan and manage her/his own time effectively.
Able to exercise a large degree of common sense and personal discipline. Demonstrated successful experience working within a complex security environment is preferred.
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:
Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
We offer
Contract length: 12 months
Level: Senior Management, E
Designation of Duty Station: Yangon, with regular visits to programme activities – non-family duty station. The selected candidate must be prepared to travel to field sites and to live and work for extended periods in environments with limited recreational and social facilities. Accommodation is provided.
Start date: 1 December
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates.
How to apply
Applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered. Upload your application here.
Closing date for applications: 4 October
For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Mr. Søren Adser Sørensen, DRC’s HD&P Programme Specialist covering Myanmar (soeren.adser.soerensen@drc.ngo).
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.
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