Nov 16, 2015

Danish Demining Group Technical Adviser, Yemen


Employer: Danish Demining Group
Location: Yemen
Closing date: 01 Dec 2015

Introduction
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an independent, non-profit organization (NGO), founded on the basis of humanitarian principles, and human rights based approach, to secure the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and to promote long term solutions to the problems of forced displacement. Danish Demining Group (DDG) is a specialized business unit within DRC mandated to recreate a safe environment where people can live without the threat of Landmines, Unexploded Ordnance and Small arms and Light Weapons. DDG’s work in the regions spans five sectors:
Addressing immediate threats to life and limbs by explosive remnants of war
Strengthening local institutions and enhancing local capacity for addressing safety needs
Building capacity for conflict management and peace
Strengthening relationships between security providers and communities
Addressing small arms as a tool of violence

DRC began working in Yemen in 2008 in response to the mixed migration flows from the Horn of Africa. Since then, DRC expanded its sectors of intervention and is now providing humanitarian assistance in eight governorates throughout the country. DDG Yemen started activities in January 2012 with two projects delivering Mine Risk Education (MRE) and Conflict Management Education (CME) in Aden in South Yemen. DDG has since expanded its activities to include governorates in the north. DDG is currently embarking on a 6 months project and the two main areas of intervention are MRE and deployment of stand-by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams from the Yemen Executive Mine Action Center (YEMAC). Through quality surveys, DDG will also support the development of a more accurate threat and response map, by clearly identifying Suspected Hazardous Areas (SHA’s) and for this purpose, DDG will deploy a Mine Action Data Expert tasked to develop the tools and give guidance on the information management, and also to help with the distribution of relevant data to other humanitarian stakeholders.

General

The Technical Adviser (TA) has the primary function to assist DDG with building the technical capacity of the YEMAC in the south of Yemen for the purpose of conducting clearance of mines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW). This will include support to the procurement and logistical aspects of providing the correct specialised equipment for the clearance tasks to be undertaken. The latter must happen in close coordination with the relevant in country DRC Logistic Manager and HQ focal points.

Duty station

The TA will be stationed in Yemen, with a planned base in Aden (unless otherwise agreed) with frequent travel to areas of implementation and other offices. Until the TA’s visa for access into Yemen is granted, the TA will be stationed in another location, to be determined. Yemen is a hazardous environment; all personnel must adhere to all security precautions and contribute to enhancing the security of personnel.

Reporting

The TA reports to the DDG Yemen Programme Manager. In the absence of a Yemen Programme Manager the TA reports to the DDG Regional Manager on programmatic issues and to the DRC Yemen Country Director on non-programmatic issues, such as security. The TA is also responsible to the DDG Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), who as the DDG Global Specialist Lead on mine action, has oversight of all issues of technical safety, quality standards and compliance in DDG mine action programmes.

Responsibilities

The TA’s main responsibility is to develop the capacity and technical knowledge of national staff within DDG Yemen and the YEMAC teams in the South of Yemen to IMAS standard in regards to mine clearance and Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD). The job will also include support to the coordination of the DDG Mine Risk Education (MRE) teams and in general assist with quality assurance of DDG activities where needed.

In conjunction with the above, it is also important that the TA assist with the preparation for the technical training of clearance teams, such as the correct specialised clearance equipment being procured, imported and transported into Yemen under the appropriate conditions. This task requires close coordination and planning with the DRC Logistic Manager (in country or regional) and logistics support in the HQ if required.

During the practical training phase, it is important that the TA focus on reinforcing national capacities and does not take over the tasks and responsibilities of the national staff under his/her supervision. The TA will monitor national staff as they carry out their technical work and provide corrective advice and direction when needed to ensure the safe and efficient implementation of operational activities.

Specific Responsibilities

The TA will have specific responsibility for the following:
Assist with planning, implementing tenders and ensure procurement of correct specialised equipment for the project.
Assist with logistic procedures on getting equipment into Yemen under the correct conditions (e.g., potential tax exemption, VAT, licenses).
Work closely and in coordination with the DRC Logistic Manager (in country or regional) in regards to the above two issues (a and b).
Assist the DDG Roving Training TA in developing training plans and a timely schedule for conducting training in EOD and mine clearance for YEMAC teams and DDG national staff.
Assist the DDG Roving TA in identifying suitable and appropriate training facilities within the context where the training must be facilitated.
Support with operational coordination and reporting on the MRE teams in country.
Together with the Data Management TA, conduct QA of all aspects of mine action related activities, and ensure that they are carried out in accordance with IMAS and relevant SOPs.
In collaboration with the DDG Programme Manager, monitor technical and national safety standards in regards to operations.
Support key national staff on close and effective interaction and coordination of the integral aspects of mine action, such as QA, Mine Victim Support, and Mine Risk Education.
Support and train a national QA staff(s) unit, and ensure the QA Management System is being used by relevant key staff.
Ensure the QA Management System is applied in a fair and equitable manner, and that accreditation, licensing and monitoring does not interrupt or delay demining projects.
Assist the Data Management TA with the implementation of Impact Monitoring and M&E in regard to the DDG activities on the ground.
Assist the DDG Roving TA and the Chief Technical Advisor in updating SOPs, so that they are current and stay relevant to country context. In this regard, the TA is to refer to the DDG generic SOP as a baseline, using the amendments process set out in the DDG Quality Framework to make local amendments where necessary.
Assist the Programme Manager with coordination and planning on related operations within DDG as required.

Other duties and responsibilities

a. Responsible for the investigation of all incidents/accidents and corrective action of nonconformities.

b. Assist with the liaison with Local Authorities, Mine Action Authorities, and any other relevant organisations active in demining, development and security.

c. Act as responsible officer for demolitions and EOD Safety Officer.

d. Any additional tasks as given by the Programme Manager.

Commitments:

DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability committments. All staff are required to contribute to compliance with this framework while carrying out the work of DRC.

Qualifications
Minimum of five years working experience at an international level with humanitarian international mine clearance NGOs or similar operational UN agencies.

b. A minimum of EOD Level 3.

c. Experience from humanitarian/development work.

d. Vast experience in training within MA components.

e. Basic first aid.

f. Basic radio communication skills.

g. Experience with MA logistics and procurement.

h. Excellent command of the most common methodologies to identify, assess and monitor activities, with proven record of achievements

i. Strong administrative and organizational ability

j. Excellent management and personnel skills – a calm and diplomatic disposition will be preferred

k. Strong communication and analytical skills.

l. Ability and flexibility to understand the cultural and political environment and to work well with the local authorities.
Demonstrable capacity to be articulate, imaginative and innovative. In the context of Yemen, the capacity to 'think outside of the box' is essential.

n. Ability to work independently and still be a good team player.

o. Ability to live and work in remote and isolated area.

p. Fluency in spoken and written English. Good spoken Arabic would be desirable.

q. Good computer skills including excel and word.

Personal skills

a. Leadership skills, including ability to build and motivate a team and willingness to deal with conflicts

b. Political and cultural sensitivity, including ability to adapt well to local cultures

c. Proven ability to function well in an unstable and restricted environment

d. Strong liaison, education and communication skills

e. Ability to resist external pressures

f. Innovative and creative thinking

g. Analytical and reporting skills

Conditions *Availability:* As soon as possible

Duty station: Aden, Yemen with frequent travel to areas of implementation and other offices. Yemen is a hazardous environment; all employees must adhere to all security precautions and contribute to the security of the team.

Contract: Five month contract, extension dependent on both funding and performance. Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Global Expatriates (available atwww.drc.dk under Vacancies). This position is graded as B3. For qualified National staff the terms of employment will be in accordance with DRC terms for National staff.


HOW TO APPLY:

Application and CV

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit updated CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post.

We only accept applications sent via our online-application form onwww.drc.dkunder Vacancies.

Please forward the application and CV, in English through the online application on www.drc.dkunder vacancies no later than 1 December,2015. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and DDG may fill this position prior to the closing date.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contactjob@drc.dk

For general information about the Danish Refugee Council and Danish Demining Group, please consultwww.drc.dk and www.danishdemininggroup.dk