Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Manager at Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Purpose

Under the overall supervision of the Area Manager and technical guidance from HMA Coordinator, the responsibility of the Humanitarian Mine Action Manager is to provide oversight and ensure planning, implementation and reporting of DRC humanitarian mine action (HMA) activities in Borno state. The activities include: 

• Humanitarian mine action project design and monitoring.
• Training education and awareness of Explosive ordnance and safe behavior resulting in reduced risk-taking behavior within the conflict-affected communities and the identification of hazardous areas through non-technical survey that will enable safe return of communities and/or land freed for productive use.
• Explosive ordnance risk education and non-technical survey teams’ management and supervision.

Key Responsibilities

Project strategic planning and design:

• With the support of the Area Manager and of the HMA Coordinator, contribute to the elaboration of area-based strategic documents on HMA, and revise the HMA plans as required by the operational context.
• Design and implement an appropriate and effective HMA strategy in consultation with HMA Coordinator, other HMA staff and area manager.
• In consultation with HMA Coordinator, lead in the design and development of relevant specifications for HMA initiatives.

Implementation:

• Identify the critical needs for risk education according to geographic areas and target groups.
• Initiate, plan and coordinate EORE and NTS activities in targeted communities.
• Analyze data on contamination collected by the survey teams and provide analytic reports on the level of contamination.
• Conduct frequent field visits and quality assurance of the NTS an EORE activities to enable the identification of training gaps.
• Keep the NTS SOP’s and others related updated.
• Ensure that HMA activities meet stated objectives and indicators within agreed timeframes.
• Systematically and closely monitor the delivery and expenditure rates of ongoing protection programmes, promptly identifying and correcting under-delivery issues and deviations from workplans.
• Oversee program performance, budget control, expenditures, procurement, and overall project cycle management as per contractual obligations, timelines, and donor compliance in coordination with Area Manager
• Support planning and provide technical expertise on HMA project activities, making sure that activities are properly integrated and coordinated with the other components of the project.
• Regularly update the DRC’s Project Monitoring Tool (PMT) including activity implementation plan, forecast spending plan, monitoring protection sector budget expenditure and take timely action to meet the project objectives within the approved budgets and time frame.
• Ensure that HMA activities are designed and implemented according to agreed DRC standards as may be highlighted by recognized standards and policies.
• Support, facilitate or undertake communication and liaison activities to actively consult and involve beneficiaries, key informants, actors, partners, and stakeholders in all stages of project design and implementation.
• Maintain constructive relationships with key stakeholders and represent DRC in different working groups and NGO coordination meetings in country as assigned by Area Manager.
• Development of HMA monthly and weekly workplans for the staff 
• Ensure beneficiary participation and accountability mechanisms in all aspects of the project.
• Perform other related duties as may be assigned by the line manager.

Coordination:

• Liaise with local authorities, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure the smooth running of the NTS, EORE and EOD activities.
• Establish and maintain constructive working relations with other NGOs, UN agencies, Government departments in diverse forums.
• Represent DRC and participate in mine action working group’s meetings.
• Maintain good relationships and communication with other mine action organizations in the area and ensure good coordination and
• synergy.
• Adapt the integrated DRC / HDP emergency response approaches.

Reporting:

• Prepare weekly/monthly/quarterly work plans and reports.
• Produce HMA reports of high quality to donors as per the required guideline and ensure timely submission.
• Ensure that all reports from the field are properly completed and submitted in a timely manner.
• Ensure timely reporting to the Area Manager, United Nation Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and donor.
• Keep monthly records of NTS/ EORE teams’ progress and activities.
• Undertake any other tasks as required by Head of office.

Staff Management:

• Provide mentorship and technical supervision for HMA staff including day-to-day management, development and training, appraisals, etc.
• Review job descriptions and participate in the recruitment process of HMA staff.
• Facilitate regular meetings to assist information sharing between project staff, to ensure all staff members are aware of project objectives, progress, current work plans and to provide the opportunity for feedback.
• Assess the training needs of HMA staff and ensure that appropriate training is provided/conducted.

Fundraising:

• Contribute to DRC Borno fundraising by actively engaging in developing and drafting new proposals for HMA sector in consultation with the relevant managers and HMA Coordinator.

The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

Experience and technical competencies:

Essential:

• Strong on liaison and networking with stakeholders, both on a national and local level.
•  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.
• At least 3 years of proven recent experience in HMA project management. 
• At least 2 years' experience with people management.
• Excellent training and facilitation skills
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Excellent communicational skills
• Excellent ability to work in team
• Proven experience and  skills in project planning and design, drafting proposals and donor reports, calculation and technical writing.
• Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience in project development and project cycle management.
• Experience working with national partners, local/government authorities, and UN organizations.
• Possess strong analytical, communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills;
• Effective multitasking skills with ability to coordinate and handle pressure/stress well.
• Flexible, able to live and work in a stressful and insecure environment.
• Excellent computer skills in MS Word & Excel

Desirable:

• Preferably either police or military experience.
• Minimum EOD Level 3 qualified.
• Proven experience working on HMA training project.

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience or
• A First Level University Degree (bachelor degree or equivalent) with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience; or
• Military Experience (or relevant Police Experience) with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience is required.

Languages:

• Full professional proficiency in English
• Knowledge of Hausa, Kanuri, Burra and other languages native to Northeast Nigeria is an asset but not a requirement.

Required Skills & Qualities

Core Competencies of DRC:

• Striving for excellence
• Collaboration
• Taking the lead
• Communication
• Demonstrating Integrity
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required
• Multi-tasking and Organizational skills is a must
• Adaptable and Flexible
• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace
• Team-oriented & good sense of humor