Technical Advisor Mine Detection Dogs

Wars and armed conflicts come to an end; however, the remnants of war continue to impact millions of people for decades to follow. 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 Explosive Ordnance (EO). Currently, NPA has more than 20 Mine Action Programmes ongoing in Africa, Asia, Latin America, South East Europe and the Middle East.

Do you want to join our professional and committed global team in our mission to protect civilians?

Norwegian People’s Aid is looking for a Technical Advisor Mine Detection Dogs (MDD) for our dynamic programme in Ukraine. NPA is in the process of starting-up mine action activities within the country, and the Programme is currently recruiting and training operational and support staff. The position is responsible for the capacity development of the Mine Detection Dog capacity of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. The Technical Advisor will be seconded to the Canine Unit of the Interregional Rapid Response Centre of the State Emergency Service in Romny, Sumy Region, Ukraine.

Location: Sumy Region with frequent travels to Kyiv, Ukraine

We offer

• In this role you will have the ability to make changes for the improvement of the national MDD capacity and its overall impact on the local communities.
• Comprehensive salary package including country specific allowances and insurance scheme.
• Five weeks’ annual holiday plus one additional week off for expats.
• Three international flights home per contract year.
• R&R scheme.

Please note that we offer a two-year contract* with the possibility of renewal. The salary and allowances are subject to income tax according to NPA’s Tax Policy. The working conditions, including annual leave, follow the Norwegian Working Environment Act.

Requirements

• Extensive experience with the use of MDD in humanitarian mine action operations with at least three years of experience.
• Experience with capacity development of NMAA or local implementing partner.
• Experience and knowledge of all dog technical aspects.
• Be familiar with NPA or Scandinavian detection dog training methodology and philosophy.
• Have ADS 5 (instructor) competencies in line with IMAS T&EP 07.31/02/2022.
• Extensive experience in instruction and communication.
• Good numeracy and IT skills.
• Experience in report writing and contribution to project proposal drafting.
• Understanding of and experience in “HMA toolbox” approach is desirable.
• Medical first aid training/qualifications are desirable.
• Category B international driving license is a requirement.
• Excellent written and spoken English is a requirement, knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian language is desirable.

Personal Competencies

• Good cultural, networking, and interpersonal skills.
• Good leadership and communication skills along with the ability to motivate staff in a calm and professional manner with limited supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to plan and coordinate activities often within tight deadlines in a harsh environment.
• Ability and willingness to work and live under stressful and hazardous conditions.

What you will do

• Establish, implement, coordinate and maintain a capacity development strategy and intervention for the SESU’s MDD component in Ukraine.
• Training management plans and training package for the training of SESU dogs and handlers.
• Development of SESU MDD SOPs and procedures and development of an accreditation process for MDDs and handlers.
• Provide regular and tailored advise to SESU trained dogs and handlers in the field.
• Establish, maintain and revise the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for the Mine detection dog teams. Ensure that these SOP’s are followed during operations.
• Ensure that the dogs are given the required vaccinations and medical support/treatment. When needed, request medicines and medical equipment.
• Maintain regular cooperation and communication with NPA GTC on dog technical issues and problems that may arise.
• Be updated on other global dog demining programmes carried out by UN agencies, NPA and other NGO’s/companies (experiences, achievements, test results, resource people, SOP’s etc).
• Provide ad-hoc technical advice and support related to MDD to other Ukrainian Mine Action stakeholders, such us NMAA, Ukraine MAC and others.
• Support NPA Ukraine MDD operations and cover the tasks and responsibility of MDD TFM when necessary.

Instructions for applying

Please apply by the 10th of January 2023 at the latest.

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. When you apply for a job in Norwegian People’s Aid, you will be treated objectively. We focus on diversity and inclusion, and strive to minimize any potential biases throughout our recruitment processes. You will hear from us within two weeks after the application deadline.

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.

*Validity of the offer and contract depends on satisfactory medical certificate, full vaccination, valid travel visa and necessary permits for service and residency in the country of service. The offer and contract also depend on donor funding and might be subject to donor approval.