Technical Field Manager - Standards and Training, Syria

MAG International; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

MAG (Mines Advisory Group) in Manchester, UK, is seeking an experienced Technical Field Manager to lead our EOD, mine clearance and QA training operations across complex environments. You will supervise locally recruited teams, develop training management packages, and ensure compliance with MAG's SOPs, mission and safety standards.

You will maintain up-to-date explosive ordnance knowledge, conduct regular monitoring visits, and mentor staff in a cross-cultural setting.

Qualifications

• Explosive Ordnance Qualification to IMAS Level 3 or equivalent.
• Experience delivering training to diverse groups.
• Experience managing training and quality assurance teams.
• Ability to work independently for extended periods in stand-alone environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage training and QA operations for EOD and mine clearance.
• Develop training management packages across land release, operational management and EOD competencies.
• Maintain up-to-date technical knowledge and ensure knowledge transfer to staff.
• Conduct regular monitoring visits of operational activities and promote best practice.

Skills

IMAS Level 3 EOD

Training experience

QA management

Independent field work

Job description

The starting salary package for this position is £70,324 GBP / approx. $95,500 USD including all allowances.

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 and BAC clearance and EOD operations. Reporting to the Standards and Training Manager, you will assist the leadership and management of the Standards and Training team. You will develop and deliver training management packages across all areas of land release, operational management, and technical EOD competencies, in compliance with MAG's standard operating procedures, mission, vision, and mandate. You will also assist senior technical management in programme to develop and implement comprehensive Quality Management Systems across all areas of technical operation in order to maintain safety, improve standards, and promote best practice. You will ensure that in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of explosive ordnance is maintained in programme and communicated to all technical staff, and you will also carry out regular monitoring visits of operational activities as directed by senior technical management in programme. 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.

You must be qualified to IMAS EOD 3 (or equivalent), with previous experience of working in mine clearance, conventional minefields and EOD operations in developing countries contaminated by remnants of conflict. You will have excellent people management skills and proven experience in managing training and QA operations, designing training material, and conducting formal and informal training for diverse groups of people. You must be able to demonstrate strong communication skills and examples of where you have used mentoring and coaching skills to conduct training programmes. You should be proactive and self-motivated, with experience working independently for extended periods of time in 'stand-alone' environments with minimal supervision. You must be a technical expert, adept at maintaining technical knowledge, and committed to high quality standards and continually improving effectiveness and efficiency. You should have excellent people skills, with the ability to establish and develop effective working relationships in a cross cultural environment at all levels internally and externally. Fluent written and spoken English language skills are essential, whilst local language skills, such as Arabic or Kurdish would be advantageous.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Explosive Ordnance Qualification to IMAS Level 3 in line with IMAS 09.10/01/2023 (Advanced Explosive Theory, Bulk Demolitions, Air Dropped Weapons, Guided Weapons, Chemical Ordnance (Basic), Armoured Fighting Vehicle Clearance) This can be from a relevant and recognised military, civilian or HMA NGO.
• Experience training a range of students in the above skill sets.
• Experience in managing training and quality assurance teams.
• Experience working independently for extended periods of time in 'stand-alone' environments with minimal supervision.

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: £70,324 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.