International Operations Manager, DCA South Sudan, Juba

DanChurchAid (DCA) is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to manage the operations of the Humanitarian Response and Mine Action (HRMA) Programme in South Sudan.

Who we are
DanChurchAid supports people in the world's poorest countries in their struggle for a dignified life and helps those whose lives are in danger. We intervene with humanitarian aid in disaster-stricken areas, provide long-term support through development aid in poor areas and promote initiatives to create a more equal and sustainable world.

We show leadership and continue a 100-year tradition of hope and action. DanChurchAid is active in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Ukraine with a presence in 19 countries and works to achieve four global goals: Saving lives, Building resilient societies, Combating extreme inequality and Creating engagement. These goals reflect our work across humanitarian efforts, development and human rights.

About the job and program

DCA South Sudan seeks to support community based and integrated deliverables through HRMA activities such as EOD, Survey and Clearance, risk education, livelihood, and conflict prevention and peacebuilding activities. DCA South Sudan has an annual turnover of app. 16 million USD, incl. the MA Programme, with a large and multi-disciplinary team based in South Sudan implementing through a nexus approach of Humanitarian, Development and Peace programming.

The Operations Manager oversees operations of an innovative and diverse programme that works closely with national mine action authorities, local authorities, and communities as well as with UNMAS and other mine action actors.

As Operations Manager you will be in-charge of planning, management, quality assurance and reporting on clearance operations as well as maintaining, building, and strengthening close coordination with other program activities and colleagues. You will be ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in operations as well as maintaining good communication with national authorities and UNMAS as key elements for the position.

The Operations Manager refers daily to the DCA South Sudan Country Director, who has overall oversight of the programme in South Sudan and to the Mine Action Program Advisors who are based in HQ for support on Operation, fundraising and project cycle management.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee mine action operations in alignment with the National Mine Action Strategy and SOPs, ensuring quality assurance, compliance, and timely reporting to national authorities and UNMAS.
• Provide technical oversight of field operations, including training, internal quality assurance, safety and security, and daily operational planning and implementation.
• Supervise technical advisers and operations staff, ensuring efficient planning, management, and implementation of high-quality operations.
• Develop operations plans for ongoing activities and new proposals, and coordinate clearance operations in collaboration with HRMA programme units, including procurement, finance, HR, and admin
• Ensure clear direction, discipline, and effective performance of all operational staff—international, national, and administrative.
• Stay updated on new HMA techniques, manuals, and tools; support MA-related security planning in collaboration with the Safety and Access Manager.
• Contribute to well-written reports and proposals; represent DCA at mine action and donor meetings with the Head of Programme and Country Director.

Your profile

You are good at problem-solving and finding joint solutions within the MA and country programme in a challenging work environment. You are interested in collaborating with relevant staff on ensuring that DCA’s MA programme is integrated into a humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development nexus agenda. We imagine that you have:

• EOD Level 3 or 3+ (NATO/IMAS standard) certification from a recognized institution.
• At least 5 years of senior international experience in Mine Action, with specific expertise in leading mechanical clearance and EOD spot task teams.
• Proven experience in EOD/ERW methodologies, implementation, reporting, and collaboration with national mine action authorities and UNMAS.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with a hands-on, motivating approach that fosters capacity strengthening and teamwork.
• Ability to coordinate, plan, and manage complex operations in challenging environments, including setting up HMA programmes from recruitment to deployment.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and networking skills; fluent in English with good computer proficiency.
• Experience in project cycle management and working in multicultural environments with a respect for diversity.
• Experience in South Sudan is a strong advantage.

Even if you don’t match all the above-mentioned skills, we welcome your application if you think you have transferrable skills.

What we offer
At DCA, we are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment that enables you to thrive while making a meaningful difference.

• A one-year contract with the possibility of extension pending funding availability.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Comprehensive insurance
• 6 weeks annual leave
• Regular R&R and paid roundtrips.
• Accommodation will be provided.

This is a non-family position based in Juba with frequent travels to the field.

How to apply
Submit your CV, cover letter and EOD documentation no later than 4th of June 2025 via our website. For more information, contact:

• Hiring Manager Mark Wilkinson, Chief Technical Advisor, mwil@dca.dk

Recruitment process

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and interviews will be held on an ongoing basis. Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a written test prior to the interview. Initial interviews will take place by Teams.

We encourage you to apply
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, abilities or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. DCA conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you can pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us. Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Code of Conduct, Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.