Programme Manager Palau

The vision of Norwegian People’s Aid is Solidarity in Action. We are a politically independent membership-based organisation working in Norway and in more than 30 countries around the world. Founded in 1939 as the labour movement’s humanitarian solidarity organisation, NPA aims to improve people’s living conditions and to create societies that are more just and more democratic. NPA’s international work covers three core areas: Mine Action and Disarmament, Democratisation and Just distribution of power and resources and Humanitarian Action and Crises response.

Norwegian People’s Aid is seeking a Programme Manager for the Mine Action and Disarmament Programme in Palau

Wars and armed conflicts come to an end; however, the remnants of war continue to impact millions of people for decades to follow. Mine Action and Disarmament’s vision is a world where people and communities are safe, resilient and protected before, during and after armed conflict. Together with national authorities and other stakeholders, we are working to resolve problems faced by local communities caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war. Currently, NPA has more than 19 Mine Action Programmes ongoing in Africa, Asia, Latin America, South-East Europe and the Middle East.

Do you want to join our professional and committed global team in our mission to protect civilians from explosive weapons?

Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) Mine Action and Disarmament has been present in Palau since 2015 and is assisting the Palauan national authorities in the survey, clearance and disposal of unexploded ordnance. NPA currently deploys two multi-skilled survey/clearance teams and an explosive ordnance remote cutting team.

Do you have proven ability to manage land release and EOD operations, skills in project management and want to join our professional and committed global team?

In this position your main responsibilities will be:

Overall responsibility for all aspects of the Mine Action and Disarmament Programme; operations, personnel, finance and logistics, including deliveries of any delegated tasks.

To be successful in this role you must have:

• Relevant education or equivalent qualifications (result focused mine action NGO or commercial EOD work, relief and development programmes or military qualifications)
• Proven ability to manage land release operations, including motivating and leading a team.
• IMAS EOD 3 qualifications
• Experience in Humanitarian Mine Action
• Previous experience of working internationally at senior management level
• Experience of developing programme strategies
• Experience working with National Authorities and other stakeholders in a Mine Action context
• Good knowledge of IMAS, NMAS and land release principles.
• Good knowledge of IMSMA
• Understanding of Quality Management Systems in Mine Action
• Experience of having developed relationships and negotiated with donors, government bodies, other NGOs as well as local partnerships
• Experience of managing finance, administrative and human resource systems to ensure programme efficiency
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant institutional donors (PMWRA, USDoD, DFAT, NMFA etc.)
• Understanding and commitment to, humanitarian and capacity development principles
• The ability to meet deadlines and work calmly under pressure and limited supervision.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English
• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

We consider it an advantage if you also have:

• Understanding of the national and development context of the Pacific
• Skills and experience in the land release process.
• Skills and experience in working closely with Capacity Development of National Mine Action Authorities.
• Track record of establishing and maintaining effective professional relations with relevant stakeholders, in particular local and national authorities (civilian and military), local communities and other development agencies.
• Hands on mine action experience with survey, clearance, EOD, BAC
• Skills and experience of planning and conducting EOD Spot Task operations
• Skills and experience or proven understanding of underwater clearance and survey
• Driving licence

For all positions we are looking for people with the experience and ability to work independently, be proactive and make decisions as required. Good communication skills, cultural understanding, diplomacy and interpersonal skills is a prerequisite for being successful.

The position is based in Koror, Palau and requires domestic and international travel.

Preferred starting date: 15 March 2021.

Please note that screening and interviews may take place continuously and before the application deadline.

In return we offer: A position in the Norwegian Labour movement’s Global humanitarian solidarity organisation. NPA strives for diversity and gender equality, and encourages candidates of all nationalities, backgrounds and gender to apply. We aim for an inclusive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported. In addition, we are continuously working towards reducing our environmental impact in all our interventions.

We offer a comprehensive salary package which includes country specific allowances You will be covered by our insurance scheme. We offer five weeks annual holiday plus one additional week off for expats. NPA provides three international flights home per contract year. We offer a one-year contract with the possibility of renewal.

In general, we emphasize the importance of strong health and you will need a medical «fit for duty» attestation from an NPA approved health service to take up the position.

Please not that this position is still pending donor funding. All NPA’s recruitments are subject to donor approval and continued funding

* Please note that salary and allowances are subject to income tax according to NPA’s Tax Policy.
** Terms for annual leave follow the Norwegian Annual Holidays Act
*** Terms apply according to NPA’s internal regulations

Contact person

Kyaw Lin Htut

Advisor DMAD

[email protected]