(Humanitarian) Mine Action (HMA) Chief Technical Advisor At DanChurchAid

Under the department of Humanitarian Response and Mine Action Unit (HRMA), DanChurchAid (DCA) has Mine Action programming in DR Congo, Mali, South Sudan, Libya, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Ukraine, and Myanmar. DCA work encompasses clearance of minefields and explosive remnants of war, arms and ammunition management, risk education, victim assistance and psychosocial support, advocacy, and complementary and integrated activities within conflict prevention and social cohesion.

The Mine Action Chief Technical Advisor is one of the six Technical Leads within the Humanitarian Response and Mine Action Unit at DCA HQ. The Mine Action Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of technical standards and safety including quality, operational design, and guidance to DCA mine action programmes, with a focus on EOD/IEDD. The CTA leads the development and refinement of DCA Quality Management Systems (e.g., tools, procedures, standards, etc.) including use of new digital technologies. The role involves operational concept development and operational planning, quality management and operational supervision, recruitment, training, impact measurement and performance management. He/she guides and direct Country Directors and Operations Managers to maintain and improve operational standards and output and ensure compliance with DCA SOPs and IMAS. The CTA will furthermore be responsible to secure specialist knowledge and support from external agencies and stakeholders. The Chief Technical Advisor reports to the Mine Action Program Advisor (MAPA).

Key tasks and responsibilities (in cooperation with the team and country offices):

Technical standards and staff

• Ensure DCA technical knowledge is kept abreast of current developments, particularly IEDD/EOD techniques, and procedures
• Establish and maintain oversight of technical activities within HMA programmes
• Monitor and quality assure field technical operations
• Maintain the operational safety and standards incidence reporting and ensure learning is incorporated in procedures
• Continuous refinement of QMS and SOP’s
• Ensure technical staff qualifications are maintained and matched
• Organise and/or execute and/or plan relevant and current technical training
• Advise, support, and endorse recruitment of selected technical personal qualifications

Programmes, communication & coordination

• Advise and support the QA during proposal development, donor reporting and evaluations
• Guide and direct Country Directors and Operations Managers to maintain and improve operational standards and output and ensure compliance with SOPs
• In coordination with Head of Unit and Mine Action Program Advisor (MAPA), maintain professional relationships with relevant national, regional, and international stakeholders (UNMAS, GICHD, etc.)
• Advice and support relevant country programmes adequately reflect operational goals and donor deliveries
• In coordination with the Head of Unit and MAPA, monitor, analyse, pursue and position DCA towards new/emerging mine action operations
• Ensure and Support Strategy documents & deliveries in coherence with DCA HMAs global aims and strategy
• Ensure and support Strategy documents & deliveries in coherence with DCA overall global aims and strategy and cross cutting themes
• Strengthen and support monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) related to HMA programming
• Progress monitoring and global output tracking

The successful applicant will have the following qualifications and personal attributes:

• Extensive field- and/or headquarters-based experience in Mine Action programmes in two or more countries at strategic and management levels
• Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) qualifications or International Mine Action Standard (IMAS) equivalent (EOD/IEDD 3+), with certificates
• Knowledge and experience of EOD, IED and ERW clearance methodologies
• Knowledge and experience of search methodologies and ground sign awareness in IED contaminated areas, both urban and rural
• Instructor or mentor qualifications a plus experience training and mentoring national staff
• Flexibility and cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Excellent written communication skills
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. French is highly desirable.

We offer:

• A competitive salary package including pension based on DanChurchAid´s collective agreements
• Duty station is preferably Copenhagen, with substantial travel to DCA Mine Action programmes
• Start date as soon as possible
• Insurance as per industry standards
• An interesting and challenging experience addressing humanitarian needs
• A rewarding, central role in a team of highly motivated and competent colleagues