DDG Operations Manager - Sri Lanka

Danish Demining Group (DDG) has operated in Sri Lanka since 2003. At present the field work force consists of one international technical advisor (TA), two national TAs and approximately 400 national employees involved in manual demining, manual surface and sub-surface clearance, mechanical ground preparation and EOD.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Operations Manager has the primary functions of providing technical advice to the national field staff, mentoring and guidance of TAs, and the planning and supervision of operations. Ensure that correct and safe Mine Action practices are followed in accordance with DDG SOP and NTSG. Sustainable national supervision and management capacity is being developed within the organisation and the Operations Manager is expected to play a leading role in this. The Operations Manager is also the DDG focal point for security.

REPORTING

The Operation Manager reports to the Programme Manager. TA’s Operations Cell and Jaffna field officers staff report to the Operations Manager. Officers, Team leaders and other similar level field staff report to designated area TAs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Relations

• Liaise and further develop the relationship with Mine Action authorities, and other organisations active in demining, recovery and development.

• Advise the Programme Manager on operational matters and technical issues.

• Ensure accreditation of operations/field teams are achieved and maintained with authorities.

• Support strategic planning.

• Support the writing of proposals and reports for authorities and donors.

Management duties

• Responsibility for the management and supervision of all operational activities.

• Planning, monitoring and evaluation of all aspects in EOD, BAC and mine clearance activities.

• Liaison with the local NGOs providing MRE support.

• Ensure that the prioritisation set by the National Mine Action Authority (NMAA), Regional Mine Action Office (RMAO), and the direction/interests of the donors are taken into consideration in the planning of operational activities.

• Manage, monitor and supervise the TAs providing guidance and training as necessary.

• Monitor and analyse operations and recommend methods and practices to increase the productivity and cost effectiveness of operations.

• Identifying training and capacity building needs and the supervision of any such training.

• Support the Logistic Manager in the development/review of maintenance and procurement plans.

Other

• Member of the senior management team: consisting of the Programme Manager, HR and Finance Manager, Logistics Manager and the Grant Manager.

• In close collaboration with the DDG Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) maintain and develop Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) and implement amendments and changes to practice in the programme accordingly.

• Draft a monthly operations report for circulation to HQ, authorities and donors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Considerable experience in mine clearance methods and technology.

• Qualified to EOD Level 3as a minimum. EOD Level 4 preferred

• Experience with humanitarian mine action. Experience with commercial demining is an advantage.

• Understanding of financial management.

• Experience in less than stable security environments.

• Diplomatic, tactful, patient and persistent.

• Proven experience of building and leading a team and working in harmony with national support staff.

• Fluency in written and spoken English.

• Good knowledge of Word and Excel.

CONDITIONS

Duty station

Jaffna with regular monitoring and supervisory travel across the northern region of Sri Lanka (approximately 60% in Jaffna/40% in other areas of operation). Occasional travel to Colombo where the main office is located.

Contract

1 year contract with possibility of extension. Salary and other conditions are in accordance with DDG/DRC staff rules (see www.drc.dk under Vacancies). The position is placed on level C1.

Start

As soon as possible. Preferably by 01 September 2011 but more likely to be 1 October 2011 depending on visa and work permit lead times.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Questions on duties and conditions can be directed to DDG Head of Desk Sri Lanka, Lene Rasmussen, lene.rasmussen@drc.dk.

Please note that applications are not to be sent to Ms. Rasmussen, but via our online-application form on www.drc.dk under Vacancies/ DDG Operations Manager – Sri Lanka. Applications sent directly to Ms. Rasmussen will not be considered.

APPLICATION AND CV

Only motivated letters of application that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications sent together with a CV will be considered.

CV-only applications will not be considered.

We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.dk under Vacancies/ DDG Operations Manager – Sri Lanka.

Please forward your application, in English and marked “DDG Operations Manager – Sri Lanka”, no later than 12 August 2011.

Please contact Anne Oxholm, job@drc.dk if you experience problems with your on-line application.

ABOUT DDG

DDG was established in 1997 as an independent organisation. It has since merged with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in order to create a Humanitarian Mine Action unit within the organisation, hence benefiting from synergies in cooperation but not being limited at the same.

The vision of Danish Demining Group is to be the preferred strategic and operational partner working to reduce the humanitarian and socio-economic threats caused by landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW).

DDG bases its approach upon the principles of the Ottawa Convention’s five pillars of Mine Action, but does not limit fields activities to the removal of anti personnel mines only, and routinely engages in the disposal of the full range of ERW. DDG currently operates in Afghanistan, Somaliland, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Chechnya, Uganda and Sudan.

DRC/DDG is a non-profit, private, humanitarian organisation, which aim is to protect refugees and internally displaced persons against persecution and to promote durable solutions based on humanitarian principles and human rights, both in Denmark and internationally. Support and capacity building of local and national authorities and NGOs form an integrated part of the work as does relief work and other humanitarian aid, rehabilitation, support to return and repatriation, and the removal of landmines.