Syrian Arab Republic: DDG MA Programme/Operations Manager Syria

Danish Demining Group (DDG) is looking for a highly qualified and motivated Mine Action Programme and Operations Manager to strengthen Danish Demining Group's (DDG's) current humanitarian mine action and potentially armed violence reduction products and activities in Syria.

Please note: A technical background in EOD (IMAS Level 3 minimum) is a requirement, as is experience in working with humanitarian mine action operations. If you do not possess these skills, please do not apply for this position.

Who are we?

DRC has been operating in Syria since 2007 and DDG under the auspices of DRC since 2013. Danish Demining Group (DDG) is the branch of the Danish Refugee Council that focuses on human security programming. DDG strives to identify safety and security needs from the perspective of those living with conflict and to help them find non-violent solutions.

About the job

The DDG Programme and Operations Manager reports to the DRC/DDG Country Director in Syria and the Head of Program (HoP) for Syria, with reporting lines related to the management of DDG projects to the DDG Regional Manager (DDG RM) for MENA.

Duties and Responsibilities

The overall responsibility of the position is to manage and further develop the DDG portfolio of projects in Syria within the DDG/DRC country team.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the resource and mobilisation effort and implementation of DDG/DRC‘s humanitarian mine action and potential armed violence activities in Syria in coordination with the Country Director and the DDG Regional Manager.
• Lead the development and continuous update of mine action and potential armed violence reduction program strategy in close coordination with the Country Director and the DDG Regional Manager.
• Ensure that the mine action objectives and program implementation are consistent with the DDG SOPs, relevant international standards, and best practice in the sector
• Monitor technical operations, including: SOPs; structure/capacity (types of team size, numbers, coordination); reporting; etc.
• Develop Mine Action and AVR project proposals and budgets, in coordination with relevant focal points locally and in cooperation with the DDG Regional Office.
• Monitor monthly and annual program expenditure of DDG related activies with assistance from the DRC HoFA and the DDG Regional Office.
• Implement outcome and impact monitoring frameworks for DDG programming.
• Liaise with current and potential mine action/SALW partners and donors.
• Liaise with mine action/SALW and other relevant authorities at national and local levels
• Act as the focal point for Safety & Security related DDG activities and provide guidance and support to ensure compliance with the DDG/DRC Programme Handbook
• Seek synergies where possible with non DDG activities within the rapidly changing country context and coordinate with the HoP for DRC Syria on possible joint activities/programming
• Represent DDG in Syria/MENA and elsewhere if requested.

Speific Operations related responsibilities

• Initial assessment and planning of any new site for mine action operations (ERW RE, NTS, Survey, EOD and clearance.)
• Negotiation and liaison with all NGOs and other organizations in the area of operations.
• Obtaining all appropriate clearances from official government bodies (Government/Police/Military) in the area of operations.
• Facilitate the necessary logistic and administrative support necessary for the set-up and during the project.
• Providing reconnaissance, progress and completion reports to the authorities.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive database to record clearance operations.
• Operate and control the radio communication system.

Qualifications

Professional competencies

• IMAS EOD 3 qualified
• A minimum of 5 years of working experience at senior management level with humanitarian NGOs or similar international bodies out of which 3 years must have been within the Mine Action sector
• A minimum of 5 years of working experience in the area of mine clearance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (IMAS EOD level 3 is required)
• Experience in managing Remote NTS and Mine Risk Education programming is desired.
• Experience in managing the safety of personnel and assets is desired.
• Fluency in written and spoken English with excellent writing skills is required.
• Experience from working with Government authorities is highly desirable.
• Experience with programme management, staff management, monitoring and evaluation is highly desirable
• Working experience from Syria or MENA is deemed an asset
• Experience with programmes within Armed Violence Reduction (AVR) is deemed an asset

Personal competencies:

• Strong leadership skills.
• Capacity to work independently
• Managerial courage and integrity
• A problem-solving attitude and ability to get things done
• Innovative and creative thinking with strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Political and cultural sensitivity, as well as a diplomatic, tactful, and flexible interpersonal style.
• Proven ability to function well in a potentially volatile and sometimes stressful environment.

We offer

DDG/DRC offerd the successful applicant a 6-12 months contract with the possibility of extension.

Start date: As soon as possible .

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to www.drc.dk under Vacancies. This position will be placed at level B3.

Duty station: Damascus, Syria with frequent travel to field locations when possible. The selected candidate must be prepared for much travel to field sites and for extended periods of living and working in environments with limited recreational and social facilities. Accommodation is provided.

Further information

For further information, please contact the DDG Regional Manager, Lene Rasmussen, at lene.rasmussen@drc.dk . For general information about the Danish Demining Group and the Danish Refugee Council, please consult www.danishdeminingroup.dk and www.drc.dk . Applications sent directly to Lene Rasmussen will not be considered.

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking here. All applicants should include a cover letter and an updated CV no longer than four pages, in English. Your CV should also include contact details of three professional referees.

Applications close on 8th January, 2017.

Please note that applications are not to be sent to individuals within DDG, but should be submitted by clicking the below “apply for position” button.

Please contact job@drc.dk, if you experience problems with your online application.

Danish Demining Group (DDG) is widely recognised as provider of efficient and community-oriented solutions to human security problems caused by landmines and other explosive remnants of war as well as small arms and light weapons.
DDG is part of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), which is a humanitarian, non-governmental, non-profit organisation founded in 1956 that works in more than 35 countries throughout the world. We are the largest humanitarian NGO in Denmark and consistently ranked as one of the world’s best NGOs according to Global_Geneva.
We fulfil our mandate by providing direct assistance to conflict-affected populations – refugees, internally displaced people and host communities in the conflict areas of the world. We also advocate on behalf of conflict-affected populations globally on the basis of humanitarian principles and the Human Rights Declaration. Our work and long-term strategies are guided by our five core values: Humanitarian approach - Respect - Independence & neutrality - Inclusion - Honesty & transparency.
You can read more about our vision and work on drc.ngo.