Humanitarian Disarmament & Peacebuilding Project Manager

Introduction:

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profitmaking, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Background

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been working in Sudan since 2004 and was subsequently present in South Sudan when it gained independence in 2011. DRC-DDG South Sudan programme’s current focus is on supporting forcibly displaced and conflict-affected people, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees, to access their rights in a safe and secure environment. Currently DRC-DDG is operational in greater Equatoria, Unity and Upper Nile States.

Overall Purpose of the Role: This role will will be responsible for overall planning and implementation of Mine Action Project funded under UNOPS. DRC’s HDP portfolio in-country was initially established in 2006 with Area Clearance, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Peacebuilding (PB). DRC currently conducts these activities, along with Non-Technical Survey, in Unity, Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria, Upper Nile and Western Bahr el Ghazal States. Reporting to the Head of Programmes, the role of the HDP Project Manager is to provide the overall management, oversight, and leadership to DRC’s Mine Action project in South Sudan.

Responsibilities

Project Implementation

• Responsibility for UNOPS project management in South Sudan, including planning, implementation, financial management, monitoring and reporting.
• Lead key support functions inclusive of budget, forecasting, gap analyses and procurement tracking
• Management of DRC project staff, including people planning, development, and performance appraisals
• Capacity building of key project staff in alignment with the expected standards
• Prepare reports, work plans, regular donor progress and impact reports for the project;
• Ensure the achievement of outputs in line with the approved work plan through the day-to-day planning, management coordination and implementation of activities;
• Work with HoP, technical coordinators and other programme focal points on integrated programming modalities

Financial Management

• Ensure accountability of the timely and efficient utilization of the financial resources
• Liase with the Operation Manager and Administrative Officer to monitor the project financial expenditures and transactions

External Presence and Advocacy

• In coordination with the DRC Head of Programme and Country Director, the HDP Programme Manager will be responsible for donor liaison and for liaison/representation with local authorities and UN coordinating agencies in areas of implementation, as well as at national level
• Engagement in policy forums, including the Cluster System, regarding HMA and PB good practice, includes representation of DRC on issues relating to conflict sensitivity across the humanitarian sector in South Sudan
• Support to and coordination with National Mine Action Authority
• Engagement with national partners on meaningful partnerships through capacity strengthening and technical assistance

Operational Oversight

• Lead overall security oversight of all operational field teams
• Programme lead for ensuring safety and compliance with standards of the project implementation in South Sudan.
• Monitoring of outputs and guidance to Operations Manager regarding work planning and course correction.
• Liaise with UNMAS on technical and strategic support approval, cooperation and support.
• In coordination with the Operations Manager and PB Manager ensure that operational planning for survey, EOD, Battle Area Clearance (BAC), Community Liaison, EORE and PB activities are carried out and maintain a Quality Management (QM) structure that includes monitoring the impact of DRC programming as well as productivity (outputs) and adherence to operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the field. The role will ensure that quality reporting is delivered to the National Mine Action Authority, donors, and DRC’s Headquarters Office in a timely manner.

Experience and technical competencies:

• A minimum of 5 years of working experience providing technical guidance and training within Mine Action, project management experience in mine action operations
• Bachelors or Master’s degree preferably in social science, management, conflict management, engineering or related field or the equivalent in Police/Military or other relevant field from a recognized institution, or relevant working experience (minimum 5 years working in Mine Action
• Previous experience with both F3 handheld and Large Loop Metal detectors.;
• IMAS EOD Level 3+ qualification in planning and conducting bulk demolitions (certificates to be annexed to the CV).
• Minimum 2 years of project management experience at the programme implementation level
• Demonstrated experience training staff in critical analysis and / or project management skills
• Experience designing and delivering training of trainers (ToT) sessions
• Fluency in verbal and written English
• The ability to develop realistic strategic plans that shape programming
• Experience coordinating across departments and sectors at field and country office levels
• Experience designing and / or managing the delivery of MEAL plans
• Successful experience with fundraising
• Experience with the liaison with donors and Government authorities
• Experience in working in complex and politically sensitive contexts
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team player – able to demonstrate a constructive, cooperative and problem-solving approach
• Ability and flexibility to understand the cultural and political environment

Desirable

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Three (3) years (within the past 10 years) of proven direct experience in managing projects involving multiple teams conducting humanitarian mine action activities including conventional mine clearance and BAC operations.
• Documented Explosive Ordnance Disposal skills including but not limited to use of line main and ring main for the disposal of multiple items of ammunition, use of a small-arms ammunition incinerator, identification of all Land Service Ammunition found in South Sudan, capacity to identify whether or not an item is safe to move, use of pyrotechnic torches.
• Previous experience in the use/application of Dual Sensor Detectors.
• Experience working as a field-level project manager is highly desirable.
• Working experience in South Sudan.
• Experience in data analysis and Information Management
• Experience working in challenging and insecure security environments.

Workplace: Juba, South Sudan. With frequent travels to field sites.

Start date: TBC, (This recruitment is for creation of a pool).

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the DRC Expats or National salary structures.

General Regulations

The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework. The employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization. The employee should not engage in any activity that could harm the DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period. The employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization. The employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.

Application Process:

All suitable candidates apply for this position online: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English. DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.

Applications close on the 7th of December 2024 at 11:59pm (GMT-time). Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.