Technical Field Manager, Syria

Technical Field Manager, Syria

The starting salary package for this position is £76,524 GBP including all allowances.

We are recruiting for four permanent vacancies for this position.

About MAG:

MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is an international humanitarian organisation based in Manchester, UK, and working in 32 countries. We remove landmines and unexploded ordnance to release safe and productive land for communities, and work to reduce the threat of armed violence by supporting governments to safely manage weapons and ammunition. In 1997, MAG was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for our work campaigning for the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

About the role:

Our Technical Field Managers are the core of our work and actively manage and lead our teams of locally recruited staff to safely implement our life saving IED, mine ,  BAC clearance and EOD operations. Reporting to the Technical Operations Manager, you will conduct day to day assessment and monitoring of all staff carrying out technical operations, ensuring safe practice and building local capacity for humanitarian mine action activities. You will support the Technical Operations Manager in ensuring overall safe execution of all MAG technical activities across the country of operation. You will ensure effective communication and reporting, including representation of MAG to donors, implementing partners, local communities, and other agencies. Roles are in remote areas, working in challenging contexts away from home comforts, but the life-saving impact the work has on local communities is very real.

About the Syria programme:

MAG has been responding to the Syria crisis since 2013, working to support development by finding and destroying the explosive remnants of war so that communities can raise their families and pursue their livelihoods in a safe and secure environment, free from fear of death or injury.  In addition to our current programme in the North East, we are expanding our life-saving initiatives further throughout Syria. You will join our growing team to support across all of Syria, based on where and how opportunities arise in the future.

Responsibilities:

Operations

·          Conduct and supervise field delivery of MAG technical HMA operations.

·          Co-ordinate with Community Liaison Advisors in the day-to-day planning and implementation of operations.

·          Ensure full knowledge of and ensure implementation of all Standard Operating Procedures, drills and other work practices.

·          Continually conduct risk assessment operations to ensure that the safety of operations is optimal.

·          Conduct monitoring and evaluation of all operational tasks to ensure effectiveness.

·          Conduct reconnaissance and survey of explosive ordnance (EO) contaminated areas as directed by the TOM.

·          Ensure that all staff under your line management are aware of, understand, and adhere to all programme SOPs, at all times.

·          Ensure an in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of all Explosive Ordnance in the theatre of operations.

·          Ensure an in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of all relevant technical equipment and procedures in the theatre of operations.

·          Ensure provision, supply, maintenance, safe and appropriate storage of all necessary vehicles, technical materials and equipment (including explosives and accessories) under line management.

·          Advise and assist the TOM with the implementation of new systems and procedures in relation to optimising safety, efficiency and effectiveness.

·          Conduct assessments and other technical missions on behalf of MAG in country and worldwide as required by the CD and Regional Director.

·          Deputise for the TOM when required including assuming operational management responsibility.

Capacity building and HR

·          Assist the TOM and Standards & Training Manager (STM) with the design, development, delivery and evaluation of appropriate training programmes for technical personnel.

·          Support the TOM and STM in the day-to-day training and development of national staff to conduct technical HMA activities according to MAG Standard Operating Procedures.

·          Assist the CD/TOM with the recruitment of national technical staff.

·          Motivate and develop the technical team to perform to a high standard.

·          Build and maintain good working relationships with all national staff to optimise capacity building objectives.

Communication and Reporting

·          Ensure that the TOM is fully briefed on all technical and operational issues and any technical difficulties arising.

·          Assist the TOM in providing relevant and useful information and case studies to the CD.

·          Submit accurate operational reports as directed by the TOM and produce other technical reports and documents as and when required.

·          Ensure good understanding of all aspects of the programme/project. Ensure staff are made aware of wider programme issues, developments and achievements within MAG.

·          Ensure that accurate and thorough reports following investigation into all incidents/accidents are completed and provided to TOM with details of appropriate action taken, in accordance with MAG policies and procedures.

·          Contribute to internal discussion and planning designed to improve MAG’s performance, results and impact in HMA.

·          Liaise with and represent MAG to donors, implementing partners, local officials and other agencies to further MAG’s aims and ensure operational efficiency, as directed by the TOM.

·          Health, Safety and Security

·          Monitor the security situation in work location and areas of operations ensuring that the TOM is kept informed of security risks and developments.

·          Ensure MAG health and safety requirements are complied with in your area of operations and field accommodations (if applicable), including, ensuring duty of care to staff.

We’re looking for someone with:

Essential Experience

·          Experience of working in HMA operations in developing countries that are contaminated by remnants of conflict

·          Experience of managing technical field operations

·          Experience of leading, motivating and managing a diverse team of people

·          Experience of mentoring and coaching others

·          Experience of managing and conducting formal or informal training and the transfer of appropriate skills to others

·          Experience of working independently for extended periods of time in ‘stand-alone’ environments with minimal supervision.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

·          Technical knowledge of Explosive Ordnance and clearance techniques, including new developments. At a minimum this is to be at the level of supervisor in line with IMAS 09.10/01/2023.

·          Ability to implement and comply with security and technical Standard Operating Procedures.

·          Basic understanding of community liaison and information management and its use in HMA.

·          Excellent organisational skills with the ability to plan and coordinate activities and projects.

·          Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

·          Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills (Microsoft Office, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint).

Essential Qualifications

·          Explosive Ordnance Qualification to IMAS Level 3 meeting the requirements as established in IMAS 09.30/01/2022 This can be from a relevant and recognised military, civilian or HMA NGO.

·          Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) up to Level 3+ in line with IMAS 09.31/01/2019. This can be from a relevant and recognised military, civilian or HMA NGO.

Desirable Experience, Skills, Knowledge and Aptitude

·          Understanding of manging Information Management Systems (including Esri – ArcGIS, IMSMA)

·          Experience in managing teams conducting mechanically assisted land release.

·          Experience in managing teams conducting debris management and rubble clearance.

·          Experience in managing teams conducting EOD and clearance in an urban environment.

·          Knowledge of research and development of innovative HMA tools and procedures.

·          Experience in manging Bulk Demolitions and advanced EOD techniques including render safe of Aerial Bombs, Guided Weapons and Chemical Ordnance.

Please note that as part of MAG's commitment to safeguarding, this post is subject to background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed. For more information on MAG’s approach to safeguarding and background checks on our website.

MAG is committed to the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion. If you think you would be suited to one of our roles we would welcome your application regardless of your background. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Renumeration Package: £76,524 per annum including basic salary and all allowances and this increases with service.
• Accommodation: MAG will provide accommodation in-country.
• Leave: We recognise our staff work hard and need the appropriate time out to stay motivated. You'll have a minimum of eight weeks out of the programme per year.
• Flights: MAG provides four international flights home per year.
• Insurance: Internationally contracted, programme based staff are automatically covered by MAG's comprehensive insurance package including: Personal accident and medical expenses insurance; Death by natural causes insurance and access to 24-hour medical assistance.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply by submitting an application detailing your suitability for the role through the link below before the closing date of Midday, Sunday 18th October 2026.

MAG will support the successful applicant with any visa or work permit required, including application, administration and costs, however applicants will need to be able to obtain these within a reasonable time period to be considered for the role, due to programme needs.