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, the Pacific, 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?

We are hiring a goal-oriented Operations Manager for our Palau program. The ideal candidate is conscientious, sets high standards, and possesses an inventive mindset for creative problem-solving. We value a solution-oriented approach, with the ability to swiftly address challenges with effective solutions.

The country programme is well-established and focuses on the release of land contaminated with Unexploded and Abandonded Ordnance (UXO, AXO), across the country. NPA’s activities in Palau support the communities that are still exposed to contamination from UXO. The programme employs a motivated team of 37 staff and has a very good relationship with the national UXO Safety Office and Ministry authorities.

Location:

Koror - with regular travel to all parts of Palau.

We offer:

• A meaningful job and the opportunity to make a difference.
• An opportunity to be part of one of NPA’s well-established country programmes, leading and managing Battle Area Clearance, EOD, munition cutting and demolitions and contribute to developing the field of work regionally,
• A comprehensive salary package, inclusive of specific allowances for the region.
• A robust insurance scheme.
• Five weeks’ annual holiday plus one additional week off for expats.
• Three international flights home per contract year.
• A two-year expatriate contract* with potential for renewal, under the Norwegian Working Environment Act's favorable conditions.

The salary and allowances are subject to income tax according to NPA’s Tax Policy.

Requirements:

• Minimum EOD Level 3+ Qualifications (pertaining to complex bulk demolitions).
• Hands-on experience and knowledge in conducting low order techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of World War 2 munitions (US and Japan).
• At least 10 years’ experience in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Military and/or civilian, of which 2 years’ experience with EOD work in a context with World War 2 contamination.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience leading operations in a humanitarian mine action context (NGO, UN, Military).
• Hands-on experience in conducting EOD tasks and Battle Area Clearance tasks using shallow and deep search detection equipment.
• Underwater clearance experience is an advantage.
• Experience with using remotely controlled machinery for cutting munitions is an advantage.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Coordinate, facilitate and oversee all operational tasking and training for NPA Palau Operational Staff which include: 1 BAC/NTS team (WRA Peleliu), 1 BAC/NTS (DFAT, Koror, Aguar), Central Demolition Site (CDS) team (US DoD, Melekeok)
• Responsible for creating and maintaining an operational workplan in accordance with donor requirements.
• Ensure national staff EOD knowledge and competences are in accordance with IMAS T&EP 09.30/01/2022
• Optimize and improve current methods of disposal at the CDS using non-explosive means
• Responsible for creating a database/guidebook of World War 2 munitions used by US and Japanese forces during the conflicts in Palau.
• Responsible for the review of all operational reports and the compilation of monthly and quarterly operational inputs into donor reports.
• Support the possible future expansion into underwater clearance.