The vision of Norwegian People's Aid is Solidarity in Action. We are a politically independent membership-based organisation working in Norway and in more than 30 countries around the world. Founded in 1939 as the labour movement’s humanitarian solidarity organisation, NPA aims to improve people’s living conditions and to create societies that are more just and more democratic. NPA’s international work covers three core areas: Mine Action and Disarmament, Democratisation and Just distribution of power and resources and Humanitarian Action and Crises response.

Norwegian People’s Aid is seeking a Country Operations Manager for humanitarian mine action operations in Iraq 

Wars and armed conflicts come to an end; however, the remnants of war continue to terrorize millions of people for decades to follow. NPA'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 other explosive remnants of war. Currently NPA has 19 Mine Action and Disarmament 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 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, Missan 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. 

NPA Iraq has (or is in the process of establishing) 10 Non-technical survey (NTS) teams, two EORE teams, 30 manual Multi-tasking teams (MTT), six mechanical teams, three mine detection dog teams, and two seconded Quality Management teams responding to the CMR, improvised landmine/IED and other contamination throughout Iraq. 

Do you have HMA experience and qualifications and want to join our professional and committed global team? 

In this position your main responsibilities will be: 

The Country Operations Manager has the overall responsibility for all operational aspects of the programme, including operational planning and analysis, deployment of operational assets (MDD, Mechanical and Manual) for efficient land release, non-technical survey, quality management, information management, impact assessment and explosive ordnance risk education. Direct supervision and control, through Senior Technical Field Managers, of all operations and technical activities. 

To be successful in this role you must have: 

• Relevant education or equivalent qualifications (result focused mine action NGO or commercial EOD work, relief and development programmes or military qualifications including knowledge of IEDD) 
• Proven ability to develop and manage survey and clearance operations, including motivating and leading a team. 
• Track record of establishing and maintaining effective professional relations with relevant stakeholders, in particular national and international clearance operators.  
• Experience in operational planning and proven analytical skills  
• Proven experience in drafting technical notes, SOP and training packages. 
• Hands on mine action experience with non-technical survey, technical survey, manual demining, EOD, IEDD, BAC, mechanical and/or MDD.  
• Good understanding of management of mine action operations and their support, including logistics, finance and human resource procedures.  
• Thorough knowledge of Humanitarian Disarmament policy, IMAS, NMAS, SOPs and the Land Release principles (and/or IATG when relevant) 
• Experience with HMA Toolbox and Land Release 
• Good understanding of the Land Release process, especially through NTS 
• Experience working with and in a multi-national context 
• Written and verbal proficiency in English 
• Driving license 

 We consider it an advantage if you also have:  

• Relevant courses/certificates in operational planning 
• IMAS EOD level 3 or equivalent experience 
• Experience from Iraq 
• Arabic language skills 

For all positions we are looking for people with the experience and ability to work independently, be proactive and make decisions as required. Good communication skills, cultural understanding, diplomacy and interpersonal skills is a prerequisite for being successful. 

Preferred starting date: 03 May 2021. If the successful candidate has a valid visa to Iraq, earlier start date may be offered, upon agreement. 

The position will be based in Baghdad and requires extensive travels between field bases and in the areas of operations.

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 insurance scheme. We offer five weeks annual holiday** plus one additional week off for expats and additional R&R package. NPA provides three international flights home per contract year***. We offer a one-year contract with the possibility of renewal.

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. 

All NPA's recruitments are subject to donor approval and continued funding.

* 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: Due to the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the recruitment process and/or the start-date might be delayed. 

Please apply online as instructed on this website. Due to capacity reasons we are only able to process applications sent through our recruitment portal.

Contact person

Jonathon Guthrie

Programme Manager Iraq

jonathong@npaid.org