The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an independent international non-governmental organization, working in 40+ countries throughout the world, and our primary mandate is to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced populations. DRC has been present in South Sudan since 2005, implementing projects in Upper Nile, Unity, Jonglei, Western Bahr el Ghazal and Eastern Equatoria states. DRC works to make communities safer by promoting peace and clearing landmines and unexploded ordinances.
Overall purpose of the role
This role will lead the Humanitarian Mine Action operations for DRC in South Sudan. The Operations Manager will contribute with ideas and technical input to donor proposals, and develop detailed plans for the implementation of activities in close liaison with the national authorities to ensure that operations are adequately staffed with well-qualified personnel, monitor all field activities through regular visits to project sites, and prepare appropriate reports for various audiences.
The Operations Manager reports to DRC’s Humanitarian Disarmament & Peacebuilding Manager for South Sudan, has technical accountability to DRC’s Global Technical Advisor and is supported by the HDP Regional Coordinator based in Nairobi. When required, a Medical Coordinator will deploy to the programme for a fixed-term period, during which she/he will also report to the Operations Manager.
DRC’s Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP) portfolio in-country was initially established in 2006 with Area Clearance, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Peacebuilding (PB). DRC currently conducts these activities, along with Non-Technical Surveys, in Unity, Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria, and Upper Nile States.
Responsibilities:
Operations Management:
- Ensure the highest possible standards of safety and security are maintained in all operations.
- Take responsibility for daily and supervision of all Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) operations.
- Plan, monitor and evaluate all aspects of HMA activities.
- Ensure all operational accreditation documentation is up to date including Standard Operating Proceduress, operational plans etc. in liaison with relevant DRC HQ Technical Advisors, and in keeping with DRC global SOPs, International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and National Mine Action Standards (NMAS).
- Ensure that the prioritisation set by National Mine Action Authority (NMAA), UNMAS, and the donors are taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of operational activities.
- Monitor, and supervise the HMA Technical Field Manager, Senior Paramedic, Liaison Officer, HDP Mechanic and Community Liaison Manager, ensuring that they carry out their duties and responsibilities in accordance with their job descriptions and as tasked.
- Monitor and analyse productivity achieved and recommend methods and practices to enhance productivity, ensuring cost effective operations to be conducted in the programme.
- Responsible for the internal Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)
- Conduct regular QA visits to all teams and ensure operations are conducted in accordance with the HDP SOPs
- Exercise responsibility for safe storage and handling of explosives, including within warehousing structures.
- Lead the planning and monitoring of training and competence building of national operational employees, with a specific objective of nationalisation of posts.
- Assist with the delivery of support service functions especially the Supply Chain Manager in developing plans for liaison with stakeholders and suppliers, in procuring supplies and equipment required, and with meeting the communications and transport needs of the field teams.
- Report operational outputs to DRC’s Copenhagen HQ on a monthly basis, based on input from the HMA team.
- Support, where relevant, the integration of HMA with other DRC response sectors such as Economic Recovery and Peacebuilding.
- Coordinate closely with the Area Managers.
Programme Development
- Support and advise DRC’s Humanitarian Disarmament & Peacebuilding Manager (and the Head of Programme if required) in operational matters and ensure that accreditation of operations is achieved and maintained with authorities.
- Support the HDP Manager with strategic planning and implementation of all HMA activities
- Work closely with the Conflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding Coordinator (and other technical coordinators) to find synergies and integrating programming opportunities
- Contribute to the writing of donor proposals, development of budgets and reports and assist the HDP Manager in donor liaison when required.
- Support the HDP Manager in developing innovative new approaches to HMA, including analysing new tools, equipment methodologies and approaches to technical implementation of HMA and ways of improved coordination of delivery with DRC programming.
External Relations:
- Develop a professional collaborative relationship with national authorities, the Mine Action Area of Responsibility, and other agencies involved in mine action, conflict prevention and other fields of interest, including development agencies.
- Ensure the prioritisation by NMAA, and ongoing activities of other operators and stakeholders, is considered during strategic planning and operational workplan processes.
- Support field teams in maintenance of positive working relationships with local authorities and communities.
Other:
- Play an active role in supporting DRC Senior Management Team.
- Maintain and develop SOPs, workplans and other relevant operations documentation and implement changes within the programme accordingly.
- Work directly with the DRCs HQ Technical Team and the Regional HDP Coordinator in analysing lessons learned from South Sudan to support other programmes regionally and globally, and vice versa.
- Deputise for the HDP Manager as an in-country representative for HMA if/as required.
About you
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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: You act in line with our vision and values.
Experience and technical competencies:
- Minimum 5 years’ previous experience in HMA and full understanding of its technical requirements.
- IMAS EOD 3 qualifications and previous work experience as an Operations Manager.
- Proven management experience gained in a range of settings.
- Experience with accreditation to IMAS standards.
- Knowledge of Armed Violence Reduction or Peacebuilding concepts and programming.
- Proven record of empowering and training national staff and ability to train and mentor national counterparts.
- Experience of working in challenging and insecure environments.
- Diplomatic, patient and persistent.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Good knowledge of Word and Excel.
- Willingness to embrace and further develop overall objectives such as gender equity, impact monitoring, and cross-sector cooperation.
Desirable
- IMAS EOD3 +
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply;
- Working experience in South Sudan;
- Experience in data analysis and Information Management
Education
• Diploma level (Bachelor’s degree desired)
• IMAS EOD 3 qualifications
Languages:
• Excellent verbal and written proficiency in English
Providing equal opportunities We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.
Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process
Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered.
DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application form on https://www.drc.ngo/ under Job / view vacancies
Please submit your application and CV in English no later than December 31st, 2023
