Afghanistan: DDG AFGHANISTAN PROGRAMME MANAGER

The Danish Demining Group (DDG) is looking for a highly experienced and qualified Mine Action Programme Manager to oversee the DDG mine action Programme in Afghanistan, with a focus on building national capacity as well as on growing the resources and scope of the programme.

Please note: A technical background in EOD (IMAS Level 3 minimum) is a requirement, as is experience in working with humanitarian mine action operations. If you do not possess these skills, please do not apply for this position.

The Danish Demining Group:

The Danish Demining Group (DDG) has operated in Afghanistan since 1998, focusing on mine action programming including risk education, survey, clearance, and national capacity building. DDG is the mine action unit within the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), which opened an office in Afghanistan in 2011, and delivers programming related to the protection of displaced persons and refugee returnees, emergency assistance, livelihoods programming, and capacity building of government and civil society.

In 2016, DDG and DRC merged all support functions in order to improve efficiency, and complementary mine action and humanitarian assistance programming is now implemented in order to add value to both DDG and DRC’s projects, and to ensure a holistic approach at the community level.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

The DDG Programme Manager will have the overall responsibility of the DDG portfolio in Afghanistan, and will report directly to the DDG/DRC Country Director as part of the Senior Management Team. DDG’s Programme consists of integrated operations including MRE, survey, and clearance activities, which are implemented from DDG Afghanistan’s Head Office in Kabul city.

This role requires a strong background in mine action operations and programming. The Programme Manager will also be responsible for liaison with international donors, as well as with the national authorities in charge of mine action in Afghanistan (including both the Directorate for Mine Action, DMAC, and the United Nations Mine Action Centre, UNMACA). The role also requires close cooperation and collaboration with DRC on joint/complementary programming, and an understanding of mine action’s wider role in contributing to humanitarian assistance and development.

Specific duties will include:

· Programme Management, including human resources, finance, logistics, and donor reporting requirements, for all ongoing DDG projects in Afghanistan, including planning, implementing and monitoring of mine action activities and regular operational follow up.

· Supervising Senior DDG management staff in their duties, and oversight of DDG’s workforce of approximately 400 personnel;

· Working closely with the DDG/DRC Country Director to capitalize on resource mobilization and potential project initiatives, and to liaise with current/potential donors at the embassies in Kabul.

· Support in the development of annual work plans and operational processes.

· Managing the roll-out of future mine action activities throughout DDG offices nationwide, including the recruitment and technical supervision of local project staff.

· Ensure effective and responsive action in regard to proposal and report writing.

· Conduct meetings on behalf of DDG and DRC when required.

· Support the Country Director on monitoring and evaluation when required.

· High-level liaison work with stakeholders, including government authorities and the UN when required.

· Management of the DDG offices in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif (and any other project locations).

· Ensuring safety and security of all DDG staff, in cooperation with the Safety and Security Team.

· Manage and monitor the DDG budgets closely and report to the Country Director, Head of Finance and Administration (HoFA) and DDG Headquarters of any discrepancies or issues.

· Strategic planning and development of future DDG projects.

· Support training and capacity building for DDG and other NGO staff.

· Assist the Country Director on any other reasonable requests.

The DDG Programme Manager reports to the DDG/DRC Country Director in Afghanistan, and is supported by a dedicated DDG Programme and Operations Coordinator from HQ in regards to mine action issues. The DDG Programme Manager is based in Kabul city at DDG/DRC’s Main Office, but is expected to conduct regular visits to Programme and field offices, security permitting. The DDG Afghanistan Programme Manager will work closely with their counterpart in the DRC in order to realize complementary programming between DDG and DRC.

Required Qualifications:

· Five to ten years of experience with the management of Mine Action Programmes and the implementation of Mine Action operations, preferably in challenging security environments.

· A minimum of IMAS Explosive Ordnance Disposal Level 3 Qualification.

· Experience working with or coordinating with other humanitarian actors.

· Successful experience with fundraising and managing large grants.

· Experience in liaison with donors and other external stakeholders, e.g. through meetings at embassies or with national and local authorities.

· Excellent in verbal and written communication skills in English (in particular regarding writing reports and proposals).

· Proven ability to mentor and coach others, and to build national capacity.

· Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy.

· The capacity and willingness to be flexible and accommodating in difficult and insecure circumstances.

· Relevant degree from an internationally recognized university, or sufficient proven professional experience related to the mine action sector (including experience serving in the military).

Personal competencies:

All employees should master DRC’s core competencies:

· Communicating

· Taking the lead

· Collaborating

· Striving for excellence

· Demonstrating integrity

We offer:

A challenging and rewarding job in one of the best NGOs in the world. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Demining Group/Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to www.drc.dk under Vacancies for more information. The successful applicant’s salary level will be decided based on their background and experience. DDG/DRC has a generous benefits package, including R&R, pension, and duty station allowances.

Contract length: 2 years

Designation of Duty Station: Kabul, Afghanistan.

Start date: As soon as possible