Mechanical Clearance Advisor At FSD

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Mechanical Clearance Advisor plays a critical role in the successful execution of humanitarian mechanical operations. S/he is to provide overall supervision and control of the mechanical asset and clearance sites in Ukraine. S/he will be responsible for ensuring all clearance operations are conducted safely and efficiently in accordance with FSD accredited SOPs and National Standards of Ukraine. S/he will mentor mechanical team(s), monitor compliance with SESU SOPs, NMAS and IMAS and assist SESU quality management staff.

The Mechanical Clearance Advisor reports to the FSD Programme Manager. S/he is based in Kharkiv, Ukraine with travel to other areas within Ukraine as requested by the Programme Manager.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Management

• Oversee and manage daily mechanical demining operations;
• Develop and implement operational plans and schedules in coordination with the Programme Manager;
• Conduct training upon the request of the Programme Manager for mechanical clearance methodologies and manual clearance (follow-up the machine);

Safety and Compliance:

• Assist the Programme Manager in the ongoing development of FSD Mechanical SOPs;
• Ensure all mechanical demining activities are conducted in compliance with all safety protocols, FSD SOPs and National Standards of Ukraine;
• Conduct regular safety briefings and ensure all team members adhere to safety guidelines;
• Monitor and enforce compliance with relevant national and international mine action standards;
• Ensure compliance to FSD’s Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct guidelines and procedure, this includes pro-active briefing, monitoring and reporting of all and any digressions under FSD’s policies.

Equipment Management:

• Ensure the proper use, maintenance, and servicing of all mechanical demining equipment;
• Assist the Programme Manager to secure the provision of equipment and negotiate acceptable procedures with the aim of providing technical training to manual clearance teams in techniques associated with the ‘follow-up’ of mechanical systems;
• Coordinate with the logistics department to ensure timely procurement and maintenance of equipment;
• Write and develop disabled machine recovery protocols and procedures;
• Assistance, mechanical support and training of a selection of vehicles and equipment used as mobile workshops;
• Provide technical guidance and ensure that repairs and maintenance of the machine(s) in the field are scheduled at the correct intervals;
• Maintain accurate records of equipment usage, maintenance, and repairs.

Coordination and Communication:

• Liaise with local authorities and other relevant organisations to facilitate smooth operations;
• Ensure effective communication between the mechanical demining teams and the Programme Manager;
• Support the Programme Manager and Mechanical Logistics manager, as required.
• Participate and contribute to the visibility of FSD Programmes;
• Report on a regular basis to the FSD Programme Manager; formal reporting will be required for FSD’s internal reporting schedule and donor requirements;

Team Leadership and Supervision:

• Provide leadership and guidance to mechanical demining teams, fostering a positive and productive work environment;
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide feedback to team members;
• Identify training needs and coordinate training sessions to enhance the skills and knowledge of the teams.

Incident Management:

• Respond promptly to any incidents or emergencies, ensuring appropriate actions are taken to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of personnel;
• Assist the Programme Manager in conducting thorough investigations of any accidents or incidents.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Monitor the progress and performance of mechanical demining operations, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as necessary;
• Conduct regular field visits to oversee operations and provide on-the-ground support and supervision.

MANDATORY COMPETENCIES

• Minimum 10 years – Mechanical Demining experience and exposure to demining, EOD (IMAS level 3);
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience of writing and drafting SOPs, technical working practices and standards;
• Proficient in, and knowledge of, all IMAS and Mine Action SOPs.

PREFERABLE COMPETENCIES

• Experience of drafting national mine action standards or similar technical standard writing;
• Basic knowledge (or higher) of Ukrainian or Russian.

GENERAL

• Work within the framework of FSD’s core values, promoting its ethos and mission statement; especially impartiality and non-political alignment;
• Work towards achieving FSD organisation and programme level objectives;
• Stay informed of FSD global activities;
• Ensure familiarity with and adhere to all FSD policies, procedures, and security plan;
• Participate in meetings and seminars as requested by the Programme Manager or Head of Country Coordination Office.
• Participate in FSD training activities as and when requested by the Programme Manager or Head of Country Coordination Office.
• Undertake the role in a manner appropriate to respective cultural contexts and within all local legal frameworks.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post as may be required.