Humanitarian Mine Action Quality Assurance Manager

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and will continue significant scale-up in 2024 to implement emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a Humanitarian Mine Action Quality Assurance Manager to join our team in Kyiv.

Overall purpose of the role:

As Quality Assurance Manager (QA Manager), you'll oversee all quality-related matters and ensure high standards for technical assets. You'll play a crucial role in revising National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) and MA legislation, providing technical input to the DRC Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP) team. Based in Kyiv, you'll travel to operational areas and national training centers, collaborating closely with the Operations Manager (OM) and Project Manager (PM). You'll directly report to the HDP OM and coordinate with global advisors. Additionally, you'll manage a team of specialists and officers and work closely with field managers and other team members.

Your main responsibilities will be:

Quality Assurance:

• Ensure quality assurance in accordance with IMAS, NMAS, and DRC SOPs, monitoring Land Release activities within the DRC HDP Ukraine program.
• Develop and oversee the HDP Quality Management toolbox, Training Management Plans (TMPs), and training courses for HMA activities and Land Release operations.
• Develop, implement, and revise country-specific Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) for all HDP activities.
• Supervise and document the nationalization and capacity development process of national staff.
• Recruit, train, manage, and develop internal Quality Management (QM) teams for independent QM activities within a 12-month timeframe.

Capacity Development:

• Monitor the implementation of capacity building plans for DRC technical personnel conducting NTS, clearance, and EORE.
• Document and conduct the capacity development process as directed by the Operations Manager (OM) and Head of HDP.
• Assist in creating quarterly capacity building plans for operations.
• Support capacity development projects for national mine action stakeholders in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.

Quality Management:

• Adapt the QM toolbox for the HDP Ukraine program.
• Conduct QM on all activities carried out by HDP teams, including EORE.
• Perform regular and unannounced task site inspections, reporting findings to the OM.
• Inform the OM about any non-conformities identified during site visits.
• Provide advice on QM issues and assist in updating SOPs.

Training:

• Modify training management plans to support operations as per capacity development plans.
• Ensure all training aligns with capacity building plans and support operational staff training as needed.
• Prepare, design, and monitor implementation of training plans and procedures as instructed by OM.
• Compile and record all training undertaken by HDP personnel.
• Assist in training/briefing managerial staff on technical mine clearance policies or procedures.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Assess and modify operational reporting formats as needed, ensuring completion and correctness of all Operations Reports.
• Report critical non-conformities in HMA operations to OM and conduct investigations of incidents or accidents.
• Conduct regular inspections in the Information Management unit to ensure appropriate documentation/filing.

Others:

• Support OM and Head of HDP in providing operations-related information for donor reports.
• Conduct random checks to ensure proper use and maintenance of HMA equipment.
• Establish and maintain relationships with organizations involved in HMA activities.
• Undertake other necessary actions as directed by the OM.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 7 years of relevant working experience at international level with a minimum 5 years of experience working with humanitarian international NGOs or similar international body, within the Mine Action sector and at least 3 years of experience in people management. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• Hands-on experience of training, supervising and deploying HMA teams for Land Release operations is required.
• Extensive experience in HMA Quality Management System is required.
• Knowledge of and practical experience with a range of equipment such as the Minelab F3, Ebinger UPEX 740M, for the purposes of  clearance operations is essential.
• IMAS EOD Level 3+ certification, or equivalent from an Internationally recognized technical school (Military or Civilian) is required with proven experience to support level EOD Level 3+.
• Experience in advisory and coordination in Capacity Development roles in post conflict environments is desirable.
• Proven experience in drafting SOPs and Training Management Plans is required.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering technical training is required.
• International Certification/Qualifications in Quality Management System is highly desirable.
• A high degree of computer literacy in all MS Office programs is required.
• Work experience in programme management, including representation, technical supervision of staff, monitoring and evaluation is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of advanced trauma care is highly desirable.
• Work experience from within the region (Eastern Europe) is desirable.
• International Driving license (manual gearbox) required.

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:  

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes. 
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.  
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.  
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.  
• Demonstrating integrity: Acting in line with DRC's vision and values.      

We offer.

Contract length: 12 months

Level: F-1 Management

Designation of Duty Kyiv

Start date: ASAP

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: December 12th, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Recruitment will be conducted on a rolling basis, and a final candidate may be selected before the advertisement closes. Only candidates who meet the criteria will be contacted.