Operations Coordinator, Mine Action Ukraine in APOPO / APOPO, BO, BF

Location: city Kyiv

Type of employment: Permanent employment

Oriented start date: 06/03/2024

Closing vacancy: 05/31/2024 at 23:59 Ukrainian time

Monthly fee for services: initially 80,000 UAHexcluding taxes

< strong> AboutAPOPO:

APOPO is an award-winning Belgian NGO founded in 1997, which now operates in 11 countries. APOPO's mission is to protect people and the planet with scent-sensing animals. The organization trains and engages rats and dogs in humanitarian missions such as detecting explosives, disease, illegal trafficking, and search and rescue. APOPO currently has over 300 operational animals, the majority of which work in mine action, making it the largest operator in the animal sector.

 AboutAPOPO strong> in Ukraine:

After the Russian invasion on February 24, Ukraine was seriously affected by landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war. The scale of the conflict and the use of powerful and indiscriminate weapons require an urgent and large-scale response. APOPO aims to accelerate the reduction of suspected dangerous zones in Ukraine with the help of its teams of technical inspection dogs. APOPO was registered in Ukraine in 2023 and is currently training the first group of Ukrainian national handlers, which plans to start work in the summer of 2024. The APOPO Kennel Center has been opened in Krasylivka, and the activities will be carried out in partnership with the Mines Advisory Group in the directions determined by the government. The main office of APOPO Ukraine is located in Kyiv.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This vacancy is available only to citizens of Ukraine. Interested candidates can apply by submitting a resume and cover letter in English and Ukrainian to [email protected] by 31 May 2024, but applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis and the position may be offered before this date if a suitable candidate is available.

 Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond for each If you do not hear from us within 3 weeks of applying, your application has not been successful.

 Please note that this position is subject to a reputation check. before the job offer is confirmed. If you feel that you are a good fit for this position but lack one or more qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

APOPO Ukraine 

Position Title:  Operations Coordinator, Mine Action Ukraine

Duty Station: Kyiv

Type of Appointment: Employment

Estimated Start Date: 3 June 2024

Closing Date: 31 May 2024 23:59 Ukraine Time

Starting Salary:8 0,000 UAH Gross >About APOPO:

APOPO is an award-winning Belgian NGO established in 1997 and currently operating in 11 countries. APOPO's mission is to protect the people and the planet using scent detection animals. The organization trains and deploys rats and dogs in humanitarian missions such as the detection of explosives, diseases, illegal trafficking and search & rescue. APOPO currently has over 300 operational animals, most of which are working in Mine Action, which makes it the largest animal detection operator in the sector.

 About APOPO in Ukraine:

Since the Russian invasion of 24th February, Ukraine has been severely affected by landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war. The scale of the conflict and the use of high impact and indiscriminate weapons requires an urgent and extensive response. APOPO aims to accelerate the reduction of suspected hazardous areas in Ukraine using its Technical Survey Dog Teams. APOPO registered in Ukraine in 2023 and is currently training the first group of Ukrainian national handlers, aiming to become operational in the summer of 2024. APOPO's dog training center is established in Krasylivka, and the operations will be conducted in partnership with Mines Advisory Group, in areas prioritized by the government. The main offices of APOPO Ukraine are in Kyiv.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The role of Operations Coordinator APOPO will operate with TSD teams in Ukraine, initially in collaboration with MAG. The operations will be conducted in various Oblasts and the APOPO teams will be integrated within MAG operational tasks. The Operations Coordinator in Ukraine is responsible for leading and coordinating mine action activities in areas affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance. This role involves operational oversight, planning and coordination, working with partners and ensuring compliance with organizational and national standardsrds:

• Develop operational plans together with the TSD teams and MAG, in alignment with organizational goals and priorities. 
• Coordinate and assess needs, prioritize tasks, and allocate resources effectively. 
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful implementation of mine action activities.
• Provide leadership and direction to the TSD teams, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and operational standards. 
• Conduct regular site visits and inspections to monitor the progress and quality of the operations. 
• Implement quality assurance measures to verify the effectiveness and completeness of the activities.
• Coordinate logistical support for the TSD teams, including transportation, accommodation, and procurement of equipment and supplies. 
• Manage inventory and maintenance of equipment to ensure availability and functionality during operations. 
• Optimize resource allocation to maximize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the operations.
• Collaborate with MAG, government agencies, and local communities to coordinate the activities of the teams. 
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among stakeholders to enhance cooperation and mutual support. 
• Represent the organization in meetings, workshops, and coordination forums related to mine action in Ukraine.
• Maintain accurate records of survey and clearance activities, including daily progress reports, incident logs, and inventory records. 
• Prepare comprehensive reports for donors, government authorities, and other stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. 
• Ensure timely submission of all required documentation and compliance with reporting requirements.
• Prepare and submit timely and accurate reports on MDD activities, including progress, challenges, and achievements. 
• Maintain comprehensive documentation on MDD team performance, training records, and operational data

The Operations Coordinator shall report to the Program Manager in Ukraine, providing regular updates on activities, achievements, and challenges encountered in the execution of their duties.

 ABOUT YOU:

We are seeking a candidate with:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as international relations, development studies, engineering, or a related discipline. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mine action, humanitarian demining, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), or a related field, with at least 2 years in a leadership or coordination role. 
• In-depth knowledge of mine action principles, international standards, and best practices, including familiarity with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS). 
• Strong project management skills, including experience in strategic planning, budget management, and logistics coordination. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders at all levels. 
• Fluency in English and Ukrainian required. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a challenging and dynamic environment. 
• Certification in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), or related fields is highly desirable. 
• Willingness to travel frequently and work in remote or conflict-affected areas as needed.

 How to apply:

This opportunity is available to Ukrainian nationals only. Interested candidates are invited to submit applications by sending a CV and Cover Letter in English to the email [email protected] by 31 May 2024. Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis and position could be assigned prior to closing date if we find a suitable candidate.

 Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we are not able to respond to every application. If you have not heard back from us within 3 weeks of applying, it will mean that your application has not been successful. 

Please note that this post is subject to background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed.