Employer: Halo Trust
Location: Based in Laos, SE Asia ( Lao People's Democratic Republic )
Description
The Operations Manager is responsible for managing the operations and operational staff of the HALO Laos programme, in strict accordance with HALO Global Policies, Lao PDR National Standards, Laos programme SOPs, and as directed by the Programme Manager. He/she reports to the Programme Manager and/or Deputy Programme Manager.
The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe and efficient deployment of HALO teams to achieve contractual obligations. As the direct line manager for the international operations officers and senior national operations staff, the Operations Manager is responsible for managing issues that arise during deployment and back briefing up to PM/DPM. In addition, they are responsible for the QM of operations and ensuring adherence to SOPs.
The role is based in Sepon, Savannakhet Province, working a 21-25 day cycle with 5-7 days off during stand down periods each month. Stand down/time off activities are agreed with the PM and could either be spent in an authorised location either within Laos or regionally if that is approved.
Role Summary: The Operations Manager is responsible for managing the operations and operational staff of the HALO Laos programme, in strict accordance with HALO Global Policies, Lao PDR National Standards, Laos programme SOPs, and as directed by the Programme Manager. He/she reports to the Programme Manager and/or Deputy Programme Manager.
The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe and efficient deployment of HALO teams to achieve contractual obligations. As the direct line manager for the international operations officers and senior national operations staff, the Operations Manager is responsible for managing issues that arise during deployment and back briefing up to PM/DPM. In addition, they are responsible for the QM of operations and ensuring adherence to SOPs.
The role is based in Sepon, Savannakhet Province, working a 21-25 day cycle with 5-7 days off during stand down periods each month. Stand down/time off activities are agreed with the PM and could either be spent in an authorised location either within Laos or regionally if that is approved.
Responsibilities
Operations
Manage the accurate prioritisation and deployment of operational personnel and tasking, including preparation of annual and monthly work/deployment plans and prioritisation of CHAs.
Generate fully integrated Ops/IM/CORE planning function.
Ensure task recce/survey/ prioritisation/selection process fit for purpose.
Provide ongoing instruction/guidance/advice to senior staff with regard to conducting safe, efficient and effective clearance, survey and EOD.
Propose and authorise activities to keep staff motivated and act as moderator in conflict resolution when indicated.
Review staffing levels and propose changes.
Manage monthly deployment of teams.
Manage the monthly equipping of the teams, detectors, vehicles and drivers.
Problem solve operational and logistical issues that arise.
Liaise with village representatives (Nai bans) and landowners to ensure harmonious relationships between HALO staff and the communities where work is conducted.
Prepare quarterly and annual work plans and quickly respond to necessary changes.
Act as investigator when relevant disciplinary breaches are reported and advise PM about disciplinary decisions.
Review and monitor explosives usage and request new purchases before stocks reach minimum levels.
Identify needs for further professional development and prepare the Programme Training Schedule.
Participate in UXO accident investigations and produce reports for Senior Management, developing Lessons Learnt, Technical Notes and Operational Alerts.
Report significant incidents and problems to the DPM/Programme Manager.
Take part in the Incident Management Team.
Review Emergency Evacuation Plans, prepare Contingency Plans, ensuring that equipment, staff and procedures are aligned to field requirements and HALO Global Policies.
Follow up and keep abreast of security incidents in the AOO assessing information gathered by senior staff and liaise with local authorities including military and police, implementing preventive measures and reporting to DPM/PM relevant changes.
Participate in discussions and planning to define operational targets for proposals and provide close follow-up of performance on contracted operational targets/outputs, reporting to PM about possible issues or setbacks.
Analyse and follow absenteeism statistics and authorise leave requests as convenient.
Implement actions to ensure Operational Quality Management and best safety practises as recommended by the Health and Safety Board.
Conduct QC and QA of operations ensuring that operations adhere strictly to SOPs.
Propose corrective actions and follow-up their implementation, reporting any nonconformities and improvement plans to DPM/PM.
Lead and support R&D initiatives in Programme working closely with senior ops staff (and when authorised with HALO Global R&D Officer) to identify and propose changes in procedures, equipment, tools and systems to improve efficiency, efficacy and safety.
Amend SOPs as instructed by PM.
Attend UXO Technical Working groups, consortium meetings, liaise with the National Operator UXO Lao and attend other relevant seminars on behalf of HALO Laos where necessary.
Review the fleet deployment plan and advise on changes according to operational needs.
Capacity Development
Work closely with Team Leaders, Supervisors and Ops Officers mentoring them in order to improve task management, efficiency and efficacy.
Guide, mentor and professionally develop the international operations officers within the department.
Work with the Senior Ops Officer and Supervisors in planning and information management, GIS and statistics to involve them in work plan decision making.
Recognise and reward excellent performance.
Keep a record of operations staff who show promise for promotion and further training.
Keep a record of operations staff with weaknesses who require re-fresher training.
With the senior ops staff, select and train personnel as and when required.
Manage staff discipline and morale/motivation; resolve staff issues; escalate to Programme Manager if required according to HALO Internal Regulations.
Conduct performance evaluations of senior ops staff and advise PM on promotions, improvement plans and contract terminations.
Finance
Approve purchasing up to authorised limit.
Seek authorisation and report any fines to staff according to disciplinary procedures.
Admin and Logistics
Liaise with HQ staff to ensure operational staff have all documentation up-to-date (certificates, warnings, contracts etc) and teams are fully equipped throughout the work cycle.
Effectively manage the transference of equipment to and from the field in line with SOPs.
Ensure issues with equipment and supplies are communicated back to HQ.
Participate in the planning and revision of Programme Purchase Plans and advise on technical specifications of items.
Other
Manage internal and external visits to the programme.
Oversee/direct/document technical trials relating to HALO operations.
Conduct scheduled and random controls and checks to identify and/or prevent fraud, theft or misuse of HALO/Donor assets.
Respond to accidents, and urgent/emergency situations in accordance with SOPs after work hours.
Carry out any other duties as directed to meet programme standards and operational requirements.
Requirements
Essential
Experienced Manager
Demonstrably capable of running a complex national staff programme of 500-700 personnel
Experience of working in a complex political and governance context
Political and cultural acumen
Ability to communicate and liaise across a wide range of levels
Able to write and present concisely to a multitude of audiences
Current, credible and experienced EOD background
IMAS EOD3+ or equivalent
Desirable
Experience of living and working overseas in a post conflict rural community
Benefits
Competitive Salary
Overseas Living Allowance
7 weeks annual leave rising to 8 weeks
Life Assurance
Emergency medical insurance including repatriation
Accommodation
Food/Food allowance
3 return flights home per annum
Location: Based in Laos, SE Asia ( Lao People's Democratic Republic )
Description
The Operations Manager is responsible for managing the operations and operational staff of the HALO Laos programme, in strict accordance with HALO Global Policies, Lao PDR National Standards, Laos programme SOPs, and as directed by the Programme Manager. He/she reports to the Programme Manager and/or Deputy Programme Manager.
The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe and efficient deployment of HALO teams to achieve contractual obligations. As the direct line manager for the international operations officers and senior national operations staff, the Operations Manager is responsible for managing issues that arise during deployment and back briefing up to PM/DPM. In addition, they are responsible for the QM of operations and ensuring adherence to SOPs.
The role is based in Sepon, Savannakhet Province, working a 21-25 day cycle with 5-7 days off during stand down periods each month. Stand down/time off activities are agreed with the PM and could either be spent in an authorised location either within Laos or regionally if that is approved.
Role Summary: The Operations Manager is responsible for managing the operations and operational staff of the HALO Laos programme, in strict accordance with HALO Global Policies, Lao PDR National Standards, Laos programme SOPs, and as directed by the Programme Manager. He/she reports to the Programme Manager and/or Deputy Programme Manager.
The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe and efficient deployment of HALO teams to achieve contractual obligations. As the direct line manager for the international operations officers and senior national operations staff, the Operations Manager is responsible for managing issues that arise during deployment and back briefing up to PM/DPM. In addition, they are responsible for the QM of operations and ensuring adherence to SOPs.
The role is based in Sepon, Savannakhet Province, working a 21-25 day cycle with 5-7 days off during stand down periods each month. Stand down/time off activities are agreed with the PM and could either be spent in an authorised location either within Laos or regionally if that is approved.
Responsibilities
Operations
Manage the accurate prioritisation and deployment of operational personnel and tasking, including preparation of annual and monthly work/deployment plans and prioritisation of CHAs.
Generate fully integrated Ops/IM/CORE planning function.
Ensure task recce/survey/ prioritisation/selection process fit for purpose.
Provide ongoing instruction/guidance/advice to senior staff with regard to conducting safe, efficient and effective clearance, survey and EOD.
Propose and authorise activities to keep staff motivated and act as moderator in conflict resolution when indicated.
Review staffing levels and propose changes.
Manage monthly deployment of teams.
Manage the monthly equipping of the teams, detectors, vehicles and drivers.
Problem solve operational and logistical issues that arise.
Liaise with village representatives (Nai bans) and landowners to ensure harmonious relationships between HALO staff and the communities where work is conducted.
Prepare quarterly and annual work plans and quickly respond to necessary changes.
Act as investigator when relevant disciplinary breaches are reported and advise PM about disciplinary decisions.
Review and monitor explosives usage and request new purchases before stocks reach minimum levels.
Identify needs for further professional development and prepare the Programme Training Schedule.
Participate in UXO accident investigations and produce reports for Senior Management, developing Lessons Learnt, Technical Notes and Operational Alerts.
Report significant incidents and problems to the DPM/Programme Manager.
Take part in the Incident Management Team.
Review Emergency Evacuation Plans, prepare Contingency Plans, ensuring that equipment, staff and procedures are aligned to field requirements and HALO Global Policies.
Follow up and keep abreast of security incidents in the AOO assessing information gathered by senior staff and liaise with local authorities including military and police, implementing preventive measures and reporting to DPM/PM relevant changes.
Participate in discussions and planning to define operational targets for proposals and provide close follow-up of performance on contracted operational targets/outputs, reporting to PM about possible issues or setbacks.
Analyse and follow absenteeism statistics and authorise leave requests as convenient.
Implement actions to ensure Operational Quality Management and best safety practises as recommended by the Health and Safety Board.
Conduct QC and QA of operations ensuring that operations adhere strictly to SOPs.
Propose corrective actions and follow-up their implementation, reporting any nonconformities and improvement plans to DPM/PM.
Lead and support R&D initiatives in Programme working closely with senior ops staff (and when authorised with HALO Global R&D Officer) to identify and propose changes in procedures, equipment, tools and systems to improve efficiency, efficacy and safety.
Amend SOPs as instructed by PM.
Attend UXO Technical Working groups, consortium meetings, liaise with the National Operator UXO Lao and attend other relevant seminars on behalf of HALO Laos where necessary.
Review the fleet deployment plan and advise on changes according to operational needs.
Capacity Development
Work closely with Team Leaders, Supervisors and Ops Officers mentoring them in order to improve task management, efficiency and efficacy.
Guide, mentor and professionally develop the international operations officers within the department.
Work with the Senior Ops Officer and Supervisors in planning and information management, GIS and statistics to involve them in work plan decision making.
Recognise and reward excellent performance.
Keep a record of operations staff who show promise for promotion and further training.
Keep a record of operations staff with weaknesses who require re-fresher training.
With the senior ops staff, select and train personnel as and when required.
Manage staff discipline and morale/motivation; resolve staff issues; escalate to Programme Manager if required according to HALO Internal Regulations.
Conduct performance evaluations of senior ops staff and advise PM on promotions, improvement plans and contract terminations.
Finance
Approve purchasing up to authorised limit.
Seek authorisation and report any fines to staff according to disciplinary procedures.
Admin and Logistics
Liaise with HQ staff to ensure operational staff have all documentation up-to-date (certificates, warnings, contracts etc) and teams are fully equipped throughout the work cycle.
Effectively manage the transference of equipment to and from the field in line with SOPs.
Ensure issues with equipment and supplies are communicated back to HQ.
Participate in the planning and revision of Programme Purchase Plans and advise on technical specifications of items.
Other
Manage internal and external visits to the programme.
Oversee/direct/document technical trials relating to HALO operations.
Conduct scheduled and random controls and checks to identify and/or prevent fraud, theft or misuse of HALO/Donor assets.
Respond to accidents, and urgent/emergency situations in accordance with SOPs after work hours.
Carry out any other duties as directed to meet programme standards and operational requirements.
Requirements
Essential
Experienced Manager
Demonstrably capable of running a complex national staff programme of 500-700 personnel
Experience of working in a complex political and governance context
Political and cultural acumen
Ability to communicate and liaise across a wide range of levels
Able to write and present concisely to a multitude of audiences
Current, credible and experienced EOD background
IMAS EOD3+ or equivalent
Desirable
Experience of living and working overseas in a post conflict rural community
Benefits
Competitive Salary
Overseas Living Allowance
7 weeks annual leave rising to 8 weeks
Life Assurance
Emergency medical insurance including repatriation
Accommodation
Food/Food allowance
3 return flights home per annum