Operations Manager

Norwegian People’s Aid is seeking an Operations Manager for our Mine Action and Disarmament programme in Iraq

Wars and armed conflicts come to an end; however, the remnants of war continue to impact millions of people for decades to follow. NPA Mine Action and Disarmament’s vision is a world where people and communities are safe, resilient and protected before, during and after armed conflict. Together with national authorities and other stakeholders, we are working to resolve problems faced by local communities caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war. Currently, NPA has more than 18 Mine Action Programmes ongoing in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Balkans and the Middle East.

Do you want to join our professional and committed global team in our mission to protect civilians from explosive weapons?
Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) Mine Action and Disarmament has been present in Iraq since 1995 and currently has three operational clearance projects: in Southern Iraq, based in Basra (operations in Basra and Muthanna governorates); in Northern Iraq, based in Mosul (operations in Ninewa governorate); in Central Iraq, based in Ramadi (operations in Anbar). The Programme is managed from its Mine Action and Disarmament country office located in Baghdad. Domestic and international travel is required for the position. NPA Iraq has 32 multi-task teams, eight mechanical teams, nine non-technical survey teams, two explosive ordnance risk education teams, three mine detection dog teams and two external quality control teams.

Duty station: Baghdad

In this position your main responsibilities will be:

• To lead, oversee and safely manage all aspects of mine action operations in NPA Iraq.
• Plan, prioritise and manage all operations within the programme with focus on impact, quality, efficiency and relevance.
• Responsible for optimal use of the demining toolbox and efficient application of the land release concept in NPA Iraq
• Be part of the programme Senior Management Team (SMT).
• Have responsibility for the overall safe execution of all NPA technical activities in Iraq.
• Provide the PM with strategic advice on operations in the country strategic planning and task prioritization.

To be succesfull in this role you must have:

• IMAS EOD L3 or equivalent military qualifications.
• Relevant education or equivalent qualifications (mine action NGO or commercial EOD work, or military professional experience with international deployments).
• Minimum 8 years’ experience of management responsibility in a mine action programme.
• Good knowledge of IMAS and the land release principles in humanitarian mine action.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English.

We consider it an advantage if you also have:

• IMAS EOD L3+ or equivalent military qualifications.
• Experience with capacity development of national mine action authorities and local implementing partners .
• Experience from Iraq.
• Arabic language skills.

In this position, the following personal qualifications are required:
In this position, excellent leadership and communication skills are crucial. Moreover, the right candidate should have strong decision-making skills, be able to work calmly under pressure with limited supervision, and be able to work in harsh conditions. Good analytic-, writing- and reporting skills are also key.

Preferred starting date: As soon as possible

Before you apply:
We kindly ask you to carefully read NPA’s Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, and Anti-Corruption Policy before you submit your application. If you are the selected candidate for this position, you will be asked to complete and sign a Safeguarding self-declaration as well as our Code of Conduct.

In return we offer:
A position in the Norwegian labour movement’s global humanitarian solidarity organisation. NPA strives for diversity and gender equality, and encourages candidates of all nationalities, backgrounds and gender to apply. We aim for an inclusive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported. In addition, we are continuously working towards reducing our environmental impact in all our interventions.

We offer a comprehensive salary package which includes country specific allowances. You will be covered by our comprehensive insurance scheme. We offer five weeks annual holiday plus one additional week off for expats. NPA provides three international flights home per contract year. We offer a two-year contract with the possibility of renewal, and an attractive R&R system.

In general, we emphasize the importance of strong health, and you will need a medical «fit for duty» attestation from an NPA-approved health service to take up the position.

* Please note that salary and allowances are subject to income tax according to NPA’s Tax Policy.
** Terms for annual leave follow the Norwegian Annual Holidays Act
*** Terms apply according to NPA’s internal regulations

For more information about NPA, please see our website or visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

Please note that screening and interviews may take place continuously and before the application deadline.

Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the recruitment process and/or the start-up date might be delayed.