Country: Western Sahara
Closing date: 15 Oct 2016
Background:
Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has been involved in humanitarian mine action since 1992 and is one of the leading humanitarian demining organisations worldwide. NPA works closely with national authorities and other stakeholders on resolving the challenges faced by the local communities caused by landmines and other explosive remnants of war. In 2016, NPA will have over 25 Mine Action Programmes in the Balkans, Southern Africa, The Horn of Africa, Central Asia, South East Asia, and The Middle East.
Norwegian People’s Aid has been operational with a Humanitarian Disarmament programme in the liberated areas of Western Sahara since August 2015. NPA teams are currently deployed in the district of Bir Lehlou. The contamination there results from conflicts between the Moroccan Royal Army and the Polisario Front.
Duties and responsibilities:
General responsibilities of the technical advisor will include:
- Contribute to the overall strategic planning of the programme, and play a lead role on the definition of a Mine Risk Education technical strategy for Western Sahara
- Provide regular technical guidance and support, including management, tasking and supervision, to local staff on all aspects related with MRE
- Contribute to the recruitment, inception and training of MRE related staff, including development of training packages, material and public media campaigns
- Lead the development and update of NPA technical guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on risk education and urgent marking activities
- Lead the technical design and data analysis of risk education needs assessments, effect/impact studies, and other research efforts
- Conduct regular follow-up and evaluation talks of the project with senior programme staff
- Contribute to NPA’s external representation with mine action actors and donors
- Provide input to all MRE related reporting needs
- Coordinate closely with all relevant stakeholders, local and national authorities
- Put in place and maintain calibrated quality management of all aspects of the project and its activities
Specific duties of the technical advisor will include:
- Define and implement an operational concept for an effective and efficient Mine Risk Educational capacity by assessing needs, opportunities, risks and geographical target areas
- Consolidate and develop NPA’s relationship with local and national authorities, development agencies and other operators on Mine Risk Education
- Any other task or duty as assigned by the NPA Programme Manager
Required qualifications:
The position requires management education and/or experience as well as good operational understanding. Good communications and diplomacy skills are required as is a proven track record of constructive stakeholder dialogue. Relevant experience would encompass the following:
- Relevant education or equivalent qualifications (result focused mine action NGO or commercial EOD work, relief and development programmes or military qualifications, related specifically to MRE)
- Previous experience in the design and implementation of risk awareness activities, non-technical surveys and/or urgent marking activities is mandatory
- Previous experience in the crisis and/or in the Maghreb is a strong asset
- Previous experience in representation/coordination with local partners, National Mine Action Authorities, INGOs and clusters is an asset
- Strong communication skills, including good command of English is a requirement; while good command of Arabic is a strong asset
- Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills
- Ability to work under high pressure and without constant supervision
- High level of motivation and proactivity
- Strong writing and reporting skills
- Experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and creation of maps is a strong asset.
- Good knowledge in computer handling and data acquisition
- Driving licence.
Personal competencies:
- Good communication skills are required along with the ability to motivate staff.
- Good cultural-, networking- and interpersonal skills
- Ability to adapt to harsh environment and work calmly under pressure and with limited supervision.
- Ability to meet tight deadlines.
- Good health.
How to apply:
For more information and how to apply please visit NPA's website.