Head of Humanitarian Mine Action

The Head of Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) provides overall leadership, management and oversight of DRC’s HMA portfolio in Ukraine. The role involves strategic leadership, programme oversight, people management, operational delivery, and external engagement with donors and authorities to ensure integrated, outcome-oriented programming for conflict-affected communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and line manage direct reports including people planning, development, performance appraisal and well-being in line with DRC policies and national legislation.
• Maintain strong oversight of the HMA team structure at Country and Area Office levels and ensure sound management practices.
• Advise management on critical positions and flag challenges.
• Drive capacity building of key HMA staff and oversee nationalisation plans for key roles.
• Set strategic direction of the HMA Programme aligned with DRC Ukraine strategies.
• Lead design, review, and updating of HMA strategy in coordination with Head of Programme.
• Ensure HMA priorities align with national mine action strategies, donor priorities, and DRC global technical standards.
• Represent HMA in extended Senior Management Team.
• Work closely with Protection and VA teams to identify synergies and integrated programming opportunities.
• Participate in Go/No-Go decision-making for HMA funding opportunities.
• Lead technical inputs to concept notes and proposals including targets, outputs, indicators, budgets and workplans.
• Conduct technical review of partner proposals and budgets.
• Ensure quality and timely HMA inputs to donor reports and communication products.
• Oversee data collection and management in line with IMSMA standards.
• Lead HMA localisation strategy and ensure capacity assessments inform partner selection.
• Ensure partner-led implementation meets DRC technical and quality standards.
• Hold overall responsibility for planning and delivery of DRC's HMA portfolio in Ukraine.
• Oversee all phases of implementation and closure for direct and partner-led activities.
• Ensure operational planning for clearance, survey, and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education activities.
• Ensure training and quality management take place and follow up.
• Ensure priorities set by authorities and donors are considered in planning and implementation.
• Ensure adherence to operational SOPs and Mine Action Standards.
• Accountable for centralized and country level initiatives including procurements, certifications, capacity building and training.
• Ensure regular monitoring and quality assurance including support to corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Head of Safety on training areas and polygons.
• Prepare and update monthly budget forecasts, workplans, and procurement plans.
• Ensure all country office-level HMA procurements are planned and followed up.
• Serve as focal point for HMA donor engagement and prepare technical talking points.
• Contribute to donor relationship management and participate in donor visits and sector events.
• Ensure coherent and high-quality technical engagement with national and local mine action authorities.
• Maintain oversight of technical communication with authorities and inform SMT of key developments.
• Represent DRC Ukraine in mine action coordination mechanisms and engage with other HMA actors to promote coordination and best practice sharing.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of working experience with strong knowledge in the HMA sector at senior level, evidenced by recognised technical qualifications.
• EOD qualifications are an asset but not a requirement.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing and leading multi-disciplinary teams in complex humanitarian contexts, including experience of working in conflict settings.
• Demonstrated experience in programme strategy design and development, including proposal writing and budget management for multiple concurrent grants.
• Solid understanding of HMA programme cycle management, including IMAS/NMAS compliance.
• Experience in external engagement with donors, Mine Action Authorities and UN coordination bodies.
• Experience in partner and localisation management, including capacity development of national partners.
• Experience coordinating across departments (Programme, Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, HR) at field and country office level.
• Demonstrated commitment to DRC's integrated and outcome-oriented programming approach.
• Demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: Striving for excellence, Collaborating, Taking the lead, Communicating, Demonstrating integrity.

Skills

• Humanitarian Mine Action
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal
• Programme Strategy Development
• Proposal Writing
• Budget Management
• HMA Programme Cycle Management
• IMAS Compliance
• NMAS Compliance
• Donor Engagement Strategies
• Mine Action Authorities Coordination
• UN Coordination
• Partner Management
• Localisation Management
• Capacity Development
• Multi-disciplinary Team Leadership
• Conflict Settings
• Cross-Department Coordination
• Operational Delivery
• People Management

Languages

English