Technical Advisor

WHO ARE WE?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

ABOUT THE JOB

Danish Demining Group (DDG) is the humanitarian mine action unit of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). DDG has operated in Afghanistan since 1999, initially beginning operations in Kandahar province, before moving its headquarters to its current location in Kabul. Since 2012, it has been a fully integrated department of DRC Afghanistan. DDG delivers a full package of mine action services, including non-technical and technical survey, explosive ordnance risk education, mine clearance (manual and mechanical), battle area clearance, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). DRC Mine Action staff have significant experience and expertise, and the primary role of the TA is to build on existing local capacity thus ensuring that the highest technical standards are maintained in HMA and EOD both operationally and in training. In doing so, the TA will make certain that DDG Mine Action projects are compliant with national (AMAS) and international (IMAS) mine action standards as well as DDG’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and procedures.

The position has the primary function of providing technical advice to the Mine Action Manager (MAM) of DDG’s operations in Afghanistan. The purpose of providing this technical advice is to develop the capacity and technical knowledge of the staff while at the same time work to ensure management and implementation of operations is in line with mine action good practice and DDG SOP’s. The TA is thus expected to be engaged in reviewing systems and procedures across all aspects of MA operations and continually provide technical advice to the programme management and DDG HQ on potential areas of improvement. In addition to a general and programme wide focus, it is envisaged that the TA will take a leading role in preparing DDG Afghanistan to address the threat posed by Abandoned Improvised Mines (AIM) aka Victim-Operated Improvised Explosive Devices (VOIEDs).

Given the security situation, the TA is primarily an office-based position. However, the TA is expected to conduct regular field visits as permitted by the security context. In the course of the TA’s duties, he/she will develop in cooperation with the MAM detailed plans for the implementation of activities in close liaison with the national authorities, ensure that operations are adequately staffed with well-qualified personnel, monitor all field activities for quality and safety through visits to project sites (security dependent), identify and deliver relevant training and capacity building, advise on equipment/assets, update training packages/plans and relevant documentation, and contribute with ideas and technical input to donor proposals.

The TA reports directly to DDG’s Head of Programme (HoP) in Afghanistan and has a technical line to DDG’s Global Senior Technical Advisor (STA) and Global Operations Manager (GOM). The TA works directly with the MAM and Quality Assurance Manager (QAM) and plays key role in facilitating exchanges and coordination between QA and Operations Departments. The TA will have exceptional people skills to effectively build relationships with colleagues, partners, and local authorities in a challenging context.

It is also important that the TA is self-reliant and demonstrates a high level of initiative, flexibility and an open-minded approach to integrated mine action-development activities as well as gender and diversity mainstreaming. Previous experience of working in a senior technical position within a similar organization and environment is desirable. A patient, tactful and diplomatic style will be required for success.

Responsibilities:

Review Mine Action Operations:

• Upon deployment and in cooperation with the MAM, develop and complete a review of OPS systems and procedures including but not limited to:

  • Capacity Building and Training practices
  • QA/QC practices
  • Reporting procedures and systems
  • Asset management
  • SOPs

• Based on review findings, provide recommendations on areas of improvement and cooperate with national staff managing MA to develop implementation plans

• Support in implementing final and agreed recommendations

Quality and Technical Supervision of Mine Action Activities:

• Ensure the highest possible standards of safety and quality are maintained in all operations according to NTSG and DDG standards.

• Advising on Planning, monitoring, and evaluation of all MA activities including:

  • Advising the MAM in the planning and tasking of operational assets
  • Advising the MAM on the correct and appropriate deployment of operational assets
  • Monitoring the procedures and quality assurance of operations in close coordination with QAM and MAM

• Monitor and analyse productivity achieved and recommend methods and practices to enhance productivity, ensuring cost-effective operations to be conducted in the programme.

• Identify in coordination with STA, MAM, QAM and HoP new technologies/methodologies that will contribute to increased operational efficiency and safety.

• Assist the MAM with the delivery of support service functions specifically the Supply Chain Manager, in developing plans for procuring supplies and equipment required, and with meeting the communications and transport needs of the field teams.

• Advise on DDG’s mechanical demining activities, including maintenance, training, deployment, and SOP development/updating to the extent that experience allows.

• Ensure that priorities set by the programme, and NMAA are met, and the requirements of the donors and beneficiaries are taken into consideration

• Mentor, manage, monitor and supervise national colleagues ensuring that they carry out their duties in a responsible manner in accordance with DDG SOPs.

• Regularly conduct Internal quality assurance of Demining, EOD, and BAC teams and providing corrective action where necessary in close coordination with QAM and MAM..

• Support capacity building of national partners through training and mentoring.

• Verify correct staff levels are maintained for tasks.
• Identify staff that have the potential for advancement and make recommendations to the MAM.

Abandoned Improvised Mines (AIM)

• The TA will take a leading role in preparing DDG Afghanistan to address the threat posed by Abandoned Improvised Mines (AIM). Specifics are as follows:
  • Develop a detailed plan outlining key tasks required for DDG to enter into AIM detection and clearance
  • Implement the plan required for DDG to enter into AIM detection and clearance

Staff Capacity and Development

• Deliver and monitor where applicable training to build capacity within the national staff in consultation with the MAM, QAM, STA, Training Specialist, and Head of Programme.
• In coordination with the STA, MAM, and QAM participate in the revision of SOPs and training packages – ensuring up to date documents based on DDG GOPs

Technical and Strategic Advice to DDG HoP:

• Support the DDG HoP with strategic planning and implementation of all HMA projects.
• Identify in coordination with MAM and HoP areas for strategic and business development
• Contribute to the development of donor proposals and reports

External Relations:

• Ensure that accreditation of operations is achieved and maintained with authorities.
• Ensure that the prioritization set by the DMAC, UNMAS, and the donors are taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of operational activities.
• Support capacity building of local NGO partners and national authorities through training and mentoring
• In coordination with MAM, attend, support, and participate in relevant technical working group meetings with the NMAA and any other relevant meetings/training.
• Assist the HoP in donor liaison when required.
• Develop a professional collaborative relationship with national authorities and other agencies involved in mine action, and other fields of interest, including development agencies.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies:

• A minimum of 4 years of working experience in the area of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (a minimum of IMAS EOD level 3 qualifications) is required and a full understanding of its technical requirements (IMAS, NTSG, SOPs).
• Previous work experience as an Operations Manager/Technical Advisor/Technical Field Manager.
• Previous experience in Abandoned Improvised Mines (AIM) aka Victim-Operated Improvised Explosive Devices (VOIEDs) clearance
• ​​​​​​​Experience with operational accreditation to IMAS standard.
• Proven record of training national staff and ability to train and mentor national counterparts.
• Experience of working in insecure environments.
• Willingness to embrace and further develop overall objectives such as gender equity, impact monitoring, and cross-sector cooperation
• Experience in logistics and safety of personnel and assets is required
• Fluency in written and spoken English with excellent writing skills required
• A high degree of computer literacy is required
• Substantial documented professional technical experience in mine action
• Basic first aid
• Basic radio communication skills
• Excellent command of the most common methodologies to identify, assess and monitor activities, with a proven record of achievements
• Strong administration and organizational ability
• Excellent management and personnel skills – a calm and diplomatic disposition will be preferred
• Ability and flexibility to understand the cultural and political environment and to work well with the local authorities

Desirable Experience and Technical Competencies:

• Previous working experience in Afghanistan, or a context similar to Afghanistan.
• Previous working experience with mechanical demining assets
• Knowledge of supply chain systems.
• Knowledge of remote management and advising

Education/qualifications:

• IMAS EOD 3/3+ qualifications.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English

We Offer:

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with DRC salary scale