Chief of Operations - Land Release Project Manager - Ukraine

DESCRIPTION* Place: Kyiv - Ukraine * Starting date: May 1st 2026 * Duration of contract: 12 months * Application deadline: March 8thHumanity & Inclusion is an independent and impartial aid organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. The organisation works alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, taking action and bearing witness in order to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.Since its creation in 1982, HI has run development programmes in more than 60 countries and responded to numerous emergencies. Today, we have 4000 employees worldwide.For more information about the organisation:JOB CONTEXT:From February 2022, HI has re-opened a Country Programme in Ukraine to respond to the humanitarian needs triggered by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. In 2025, HI pillars of interventions are:* Health: HI aims to improve access to quality physical rehabilitation and mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS) for conflict-affected vulnerable population. * Protection: Given the scale of humanitarian and protection needs, HI intervenes at various levels to ensure that vulnerable conflict-affected populations have access to multi-sectoral services tailored to their needs. In addition, HI aims to foster a disability-inclusive humanitarian response. * Armed Violence Reduction: Ongoing attacks dangerously exacerbated Explosive Ordnance (EO) contamination in Ukraine. In light of this, HI is conducting a multi-pronged approach to EO Risk Education and Conflict Preparedness and Protection (CPP), adaptable to the evolution of the conflict and is looking at extending the AVR scope with NTS (Non-Technical Survey) activities and Victim Assistance. In 2026, HI will move to clearance operations, with accreditation being applied for and an expected start date for clearance teams of August 2026.HI's program in Ukraine today:* Volume: 8M€/year – 100 + staff * Donors: CDCS, GFFO, ADH, SDC * Partners: Local mine action NGOs, relevant ministries, local organizations, hospitals, local authorities, etc.YOUR MISSION:Under the management of the Country Director, the Chief of Operations (CoOps), with the the support from HQ Armed Violence Reduction Land Release Specialist, leads the implementation of HI’s Mine Action operational strategy in Ukraine in the implementing areas of Kharkiv Oblast, with potential extensions to other areas upon funding obtention.As the CoOps, you will plan your activities closely with the Technical Field Managers (TFM) and the Armed Violence Reduction Specialist and Technical Officers within the Ukraine program.You will also work closely with HI’s local partner organization, Technical Advisors, National Demining authorities and other demining organizations in Ukraine, as well as play pro-active and critical role in securing additional mine action funding for HI in Ukraine.You will also assist in the final months of securing clearance accreditation for HI in Ukraine (due date August 2026)Your main responsibilities are the following:1. Oversee EO-related safety and awareness aspects across the Ukraine Program:* Support all relevant HI and partners field activities, including humanitarian access and security (HAS), in the distribution of effective and relevant EO related awareness and safe practices; * Provide direct advice to Humanitarian Access Security Manager (HASM) on EO related security matters and threat assessments; * With direct liaison and support to Local Mine Action Authorities, ensure all activities are safely executed and are within HI’s mandate, insurance requirements and SOPs; * Identify training needs and skill gaps of HI staff in relation to EO awareness; Provide or facilitate EO relevant training where applicable.2. Contribute to AVR and Land Release strategy development:* Assesses needs, feasibility, opportunities, and risks of potential land release activities in Ukraine; * Contributes to the development of HI’s AVR strategy in Ukraine; * Monitors implementation of HI’s land release strategy in Ukraine; * Stays abreast of EO related trends in Ukraine and their impact on conflict-affected populations.3. Provide guidance and technical support to Land Release components of AVR projects:* Develops and updates technical guidelines and SOPs for NTS and clearance activities, under the technical supervision of HI’s EOD Specialists in HQ; * Provides appropriate technical guidance (including tools) on land release; * Develops documents for accreditation (certification) of land release activities; * Contributes to the integration of land release with other AVR and non-AVR activities; * Advises the Technical Unit on technical EO and land release aspects relevant for HI’s EORE and VA interventions, including for the design and update of training packages; * Provides EO expertise to support Global HQ EORE Specialists and National EORE PMs and agents with EORE/CPP messaging and materials; * Provides support for data analysis, together with the MEAL team.4. Develops future NTS and clearance capacities:* Develops the implementation plan for phases of land release interventions (staff recruitment plan, training plan, supply plan, financial plan) with the support and guidance of HR, finance, and logistics department; * Leads the recruitment, inception and management of any future clearance capacities; * Supports AVR Project Manager in the recruitment and onboarding of NTS field staff * Designs training packages on land release (including NTS), and oversees the organisation and delivery of the training; * Contributes to the drafting of new proposals for new opportunities under their technical scope.5. Ensures external coordination and compliance:* Liaises and coordinates relevant stakeholders, mine action authorities and other mine action actors on LR topics, in close collaboration with the Technical Unit and AVR Project Manager; * Supports HI’s representation in the mine action sub-working group, Mine Action Area of Responsibility, Protection Sector meetings and other external forums or events in support to the AVR Specialist; * Ensures that all relevant national, regional, and local permissions are in place for HI’s land release activities; * Oversees accreditation (certification) processes for land release activities, in conjunction with other departments (HR, Finance, Logistics…).6. Works to secure additional mine action funding:* Pro-actively networks and engages with potential donors in country, working to position HI for funding and aiming to secure new mine action projects in Ukraine. * Remains abreast of donor calls for proposals, funding cycles and potential opportunities for mine action funding for HI from international donors. * Directly feed into proposal development, ensuring strong mine action project design for HI in Ukraine.REQUIREMENTS* Certification: * Relevant and certified EOD and IEDD qualification to fulfil organizational need; * IMAS Level 3+ qualification from accredited school or organisation; * Experience * in planning, managing, and supervising/controlling survey, and clearance operations; * in NGOs and humanitarian settings; * Expertise / Soft skills * A thorough understanding of international mine action standards; * Demonstrated capacities to formulate strategic thinking in the humanitarian mine action sector * Experience in engaging high level institutional stakeholders * Proficiency in professional English * You demonstrate ethical values and a constructively critical mindset.·BENEFITSAt HI, the conditions offered are up to your commitment and adapted to the context of your mission.* 12 months International contract starting from May 1st * The international contract provides social cover adapted to your situation: * Unemployment insurance benefits for EU nationals; * Pension scheme; * Medical coverage with 50% of employee contribution; * Repatriation insurance paid by HI; * Salary: Salary based on experience, taking into account HI salary scales * Perdiem: 587 € net/month - paid in the field * Hardship : 500 euros/month * Paid leaves: 25 days per year * R&R: 5 days every 8 weeks * Housing: Shared accommodation taken in charge by HI.HOW TO APPLYWe will be happy to receive your CV and motivation lettre https://apply.workable.com/j/A894871A37Please note that applications will be processed on an ongoing basis, so don’t wait for applying!Only successful candidates will be contacted.