The role of the Senior Technical Advisor is to lead the implementation of FSD Mine Action programme objectives in Ukraine, including Non-Technical Survey (NTS), Technical Survey (TS), Battle Area Clearance (BAC), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE). S/he is playing a pivotal role within the humanitarian demining project, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a demining team. This position ensures that all demining activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with National Standards and FSD Standard Operating Procedures.

The Senior Technical Advisor reports to the Regional Operations Manager and is based in Kharkiv or Kryvi Rih, Ukraine. S/he may be relocated if there is an operational requirement.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position until 31 December 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to funding and operational needs.

Applications will be accepted until 11 June 2026.

Roles and Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Oversee and manage daily demining operations;
• Develop and implement operational plans and schedules in coordination with the Regional Operations Manager
• Ensure all demining activities are conducted in accordance with National Standards and FSD SOPs.
• Review operations reports from his/her national teams and ensure workflow compliance;
• Monitor indicators of progress against project objectives;
• Assist in the development and implement operational plans for the AoR, in line with strategic planning and risk assessment, for BAC, Clearance, EOD and Non-Technical Survey operations;

Safety and Compliance

• Conduct and maintain an overall risk assessment for your Area of Responsibility (AoR) and task-specific risk assessment;
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and FSD Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
• Conduct regular safety briefings and ensure all team members adhere to safety guidelines;
• Report any non-conformities to the Regional Operations Manager and recommend corrective actions;

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Ensure through supervision and technical support that demining teams execute their tasks safely, in compliance with FSD Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) and National Mine Action Standards (NMAS);
• Serve as a technical reference when the complexity of the task exceeds the capabilities of the personnel supervised;
• Identify training needs and coordinate training sessions to enhance the skills and knowledge of the team;
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide feedback to team members;
• Provide leadership and guidance to the demining team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Logistics and Resource Management

• Oversee the logistical needs of the demining team, ensuring that all necessary resources/equipment and supplies are available and in good working condition;
• Establish and supervise the levels of the different equipment, centralising the purchase requisition processes;
• Support the logistics team in the identification and purchase of required materials, following logistical processes and ensure timely procurement and maintenance of equipment;
• Manage the allocation and utilisation of resources to maximize operational efficiency.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitor the progress and performance of demining operations, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as necessary;
• Submit to the Regional Operations Manager a weekly report including recommendations and lessons learnt to facilitate continuous improvement.

Incident Management

• Respond promptly to any incidents or emergencies, ensuring appropriate actions are taken to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of personnel;
• Assist the Operations Manager in any investigations of accidents or incidents.

Coordination and Communication

• Liaise with local authorities, stakeholders, and other relevant organisations to facilitate smooth operations;
• Ensure effective communication between the demining team and the Regional Operations Manager;
• Prepare and submit regular reports on the progress and status of demining operations.

Mandatory Competencies

• EOD IMAS level 3;
• Minimum 5 years of specific experience in humanitarian mine action programmes;
• Excellent knowledge of the land release process;
• Good knowledge of all technics and equipment used in demining operations;
• Experience planning and implementing Humanitarian Mine Action operations;
• Experience in leadership, team building and team training;
• Good writing skills in reporting and proposal development;
• Well organized, proactive, flexible and trustworthy;
• Ability to work away from home in remote areas for extended periods.

Preferable Competencies

• Proven experience and knowledge in information management and data analysis, Base Camp Garmin, GIS;
• Experience of writing and drafting SOPs and technical guidelines;
• High English proficiency.

General

• Work within the framework of FSD's core values, promoting its ethos and mission statement;
• Work towards achieving FSD organisation and programme level objectives;
• Stay informed of FSD global activities;
• Ensure familiarity with and adhere to all FSD policies and procedures;
• Participate in meetings, and seminars as and when requested by the Programme Manager;
• Participate in FSD training activities as and when requested by the Programme Manager;
• Undertake the role in a manner appropriate to respective cultural contexts and within all local legal frameworks;
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post as may be required.