Humanitarian Mine Action Operations Manager

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities for a brighter future.

Overall purpose of the role: The Operations Manager (OM) is accountable for all Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) work in Syria, supervising operations to ensure effectiveness, safety, and compliance with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and DRC procedures.

Location: Syria – Al Kisweh (Rural Damascus) with countrywide travel | Contract: Expatriate or national contract, 12 months (extension based on performance and funds) | Salary: E level 2 – Management (in accordance with DRC's salary scale) | Start date: 1 July 2026

Application deadline: 27 May 2026. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English.

Operations Management:

• Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate all aspects of HMA activities
• Ensure the prioritisation of national authorities (and/or UNMAS in their absence)
• Manage, monitor and supervise staff
• Lead the structured mentoring, coaching and professional development of national staff
• Ensure the highest possible standards of safety and security in accordance with IMAS and DRC procedures
• Conduct quality control and assurance through regular site visits
• Monitor HMA productivity and recommend methods for efficiency improvement
• Be responsible for the internal Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA)
• Ensure teams have necessary equipment and supplies
• Promote conflict-sensitive, community-centered operations
• Integrate HMA with protection, livelihoods, WASH, and recovery programs
• Maintain operational SOPs and workplans
• Support establishment of new operational bases
• Foster inclusive team culture and adaptive approaches

External Relations:

• Support Head of HDP in matters related to required permits
• Develop a professional collaborative relationship with Syrian authorities, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners
• Represent DRC in relevant coordination forums and technical working groups
• Develop donor proposals and reports
• Strengthen partnerships with national mine action authorities
• Support community engagement and localization initiatives

Additional Duties:

• Recruit and coach HMA staff
• Share lessons learned across DRC's global HMA programs

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of previous experience in HMA (ideally 5+ years as Operations Manager)
• IMAS EOD 3+ qualifications (required)
• IMAS IEDD level 3 (desirable)
• Proven management experience across multiple settings
• National staff training and mentoring experience
• Experience with complex stakeholder relationships in sensitive environments
• Work in insecure, conflict-affected areas
• Substantial Syria or Middle East experience (desirable)
• Nexus or integrated programming exposure (desirable)

Technical Skills:

• IMSMA (Information Management System for Mine Action) proficiency
• GIS mapping application knowledge
• Mechanical assets operation experience (desirable)
• Supply chain system familiarity

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English (required)
• Strong Arabic communication skills (highly desirable)

Core Competencies:

• Strong leadership, mentoring and interpersonal abilities
• Diplomatic, patient, persistent approach
• Commitment to localization and accountability
• Knowledge of conflict sensitivity and area-based approaches