APOPO is a Belgian NGO that trains rats to save lives. Based at the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania since 2000, the project trains (1) landmine detection rats, a method that has already been accredited and implemented in Mozambique; (2) tuberculosis detection rats, an application which has identified thousands of TB patients in Tanzania.
APOPO’s successful Mine Action research and operations warrant the expansion of the technology. To facilitate this expansion, APOPO seeks a Head of Operations.
Detailed information about APOPO is available at: www.apopo.org.
ROLE TITLE: Head of Operations, Mine Action & Human Security
ROLE PURPOSE
To be responsible for the development of APOPO’s Mine Action department in line with the strategic goals of the organization;
To initiate, expand, oversee and provide support to APOPO’s Mine Action operations, including planning, partnership development and fundraising;
Explore opportunities and partnerships in the field of Human Security, beyond the strict definition of Mine Action.
EDUCATION
Master equivalent
Mine Action education
EXPERIENCE
5-10 years of international mine action experience
Thorough understanding of all facets of mine action
Experience in research management
Experience in operational management
Experience in proposal development and publishing
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND CORRESPONDING DELIVERABLES
1) Develop APOPO’s Mine Action strategy in accordance to the strategic goals
Develop yearly, medium and long term strategies for APOPOs mine action program me;
Develop APOPOs model as a service provision provider focussing on its core capacity of training and deployment of Mine Detection Rats;
Develop service delivery and implementation methods using MDR’s for full clearance, technical surveys and in different operational settings;
Represent and market APOPO in the wider Mine Action industry by developing partnerships and attending and presenting APOPO on international Mine Action fora;
2) Ensure that the overall quality of APOPOs mine action operations is state of the art and in accordance with IMAS and other international standards.
Review and revise SOPs and other operational documents as appropriate;
Monitor ongoing field activities;
Identify HR capacity gaps and organize training for senior operational staff on aspects of mine action, including principles of land release and efficient methods of conducting survey and clearance;
Change or correct procedures that fail to comply with IMAS and internal SOPs;
Ensure operational synergy between APOPOs mine action programmes;
Negotiate and document the agreements with implementing partners on appropriate procedures for effective implementation of MDR’s and QC procedures;
3) Provide operational support to Mine Action Programs
Visit APOPOs operational mine action programmes as required to ensure efficient implementation and quality control of the programs, and report any discrepancies or necessary operational adjustments to the CEO and program directors;
Advice on methods and concepts of training and deployment of rats for enhanced quality and efficiency in the field;
Advice and provide logistic support with regards to purchase of main operational assets and equipment;
4) Initiate and support new mine action programmes
Explore opportunities in new countries and prepare evaluation reports for the quarterly board meetings;
Conduct fact finding missions in support of the above, liase with National Mine Action Authorities and other relevant stakeholders;
Define the requirement for APOPOs support in target countries;
Identify suitable partnerships and develop MOU’s with the respective partners;
Design suitable operational concepts;
Be in charge of the recruitment of the operational manager(s);
Conduct field visits in order to assure succesfull up of operations;
5) Raise funds
Explore new potential funding sources;
Raise funds for old and new mine action programmes and other APOPO activities;
Attend relevant conferences and meetings where potential donors may be present;
Establish and maintain contact with donors;
Explore potential partnerships with research organizations and other partners;
Be in charge of the quality of the main project proposals and progress reports to Mine Action donors and of Mine Action publications;
6) Explore alternative applications in the field of human security where APOPOs Detection Rats Technology could be utilized
Identify applications where Mine Detection Rats could make system enhancements;
Explore potential partnerships with research organizations and other institutions;
Write relevant project documents and publications to support this process;
7) Be an active member of the management team
Provide bi-monthly updates for the management report;
Participate in the management meetings on request
Report any new and relevant scientific strategic and operational developments, competitive technologies or opportunities to the management meeting
Report on general mine action trends and opportunities
Report concerns about APOPOs field operations and opportunities for improvement
Provide input to the communications team in support of the website or general communications
Interested candidates please email CV and cover letter to: apopo@apopo.org
No comments: