Armed Violence Reduction Chief of Operations (AVR CoO) | Tigray

General Information

Humanity & Inclusion is an independent and impartial international aid organization working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict, and disaster. Working alongside persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, our actions and testimony are focused on responding to their essential needs, improving their living conditions, and promoting respect for their dignity and their fundamental rights. Humanity & Inclusion is a not-for-profit organization with no religious or political affiliation. It operates as a federation made up of a network of associations that provide it with human and financial resources, manage its projects, and implement its actions and social mission.

 

GENERAL MISSION

The Chief of Operations (CoO) provides strategic, technical, and managerial leadership for Humanity & Inclusion’s Armed Violence Reduction (AVR) Programme in Ethiopia. This includes overall responsibility for the planning, implementation, quality assurance, and adaptive management of all pillars of the AVR portfolio: Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), Land Release (Non-Technical Survey, Technical Survey, Clearance, and EOD), and Victim Assistance (VA). The CoO ensures the program delivers impact, innovation, accountability, and localization, while aligning with HI’s global strategies, donor commitments, and the operational context in Ethiopia.

• Base: Mekelle, Tigray
• Line Manager: Country Director.
• Technical Line: HQ AVR Division / Global AVR Technical Lead.
• Responsible for: Technical Field Managers (TFMs), VA Project Manager, Operations and Liaison Advisor, IM Manager, AVR Specialist, MEAL Officer.

 

MISSIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES (but not limited to):

Mission 1: Strategic Leadership of the AVR Programme

• Develop and lead the strategic direction and operational implementation of HI Ethiopia’s comprehensive AVR program.
• Ensure full operational integration and complementarity between EORE, Land Release, and Victim Assistance.
• Guide strategic planning, annual planning cycles, donor proposal development, and investment priorities.
• Position HI as a recognized technical leader in humanitarian mine action and victim assistance in Ethiopia.

Mission 2: Programme Oversight (Land Release, EORE, and VA)

• Supervise and guide operational planning, tasking, and deployment of Multitask Teams (MTTs) and Victim Assistance teams.
• Ensure all Land Release operations (NTS, TS, Clearance/EOD) are conducted in strict adherence to International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), emerging National Mine Action Standards (NMAS), and HI’s operational SOPs.
• Ensure EORE activities are integrated effectively within MTT and community outreach operations, focusing on vulnerable groups.
• Provide technical oversight and ensure integration of the Victim Assistance portfolio with a strong focus on disability inclusion and broader AVR programming.

Mission 3: Quality Assurance and System Strengthening

• Lead the development and operationalization of SOPs, land classification protocols, EORE methodologies, VA integrations, and related tools.
• Oversee and ensure the implementation of robust QA/QC frameworks and internal control systems.
• Supervise the establishment of dynamic Information Management systems to support hazard mapping, operational tracking, and accountability.
• Champion the introduction and integration of innovative solutions, including AI-driven operational planning, automation of reporting, and data analytics for enhanced decision-making.

Mission 4: Donor Compliance & Grants Management

• Support the Country Director in overseeing multi-donor portfolios (e.g., GFFO, CDCS, ECHO, bilateral donors).
• Ensure strict budgetary discipline, target achievement, and harmonization across all projects and grants.
• Lead the preparation of technical content for donor reports, realignments, and proposal narratives.
• Oversee effective procurement and logistics planning for the AVR programme.

Mission 5: Representation, Coordination & Advocacy

• Represent HI in mine action forums, AoR meetings, bilateral discussions with EMAO, the UN system, the Ministry of Defense, and donor coordination mechanisms.
• Actively engage in national discussions on mine action policy, standards development, and coordination frameworks.
• Advocate for inclusive mine action policies, focusing on the rights of EO victims and disability mainstreaming in humanitarian and development activities.
• Facilitate liaison with humanitarian clusters, protection actors, and local service providers for referral pathways and integrated responses.

Mission 6: Capacity Building and Localization

• Implement HI’s strategy for localization in mine action, focusing on structured mentoring, leadership development, and integration of national staff into supervisory and management roles.
• Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive training plans for national staff on EOD, EORE, VA, and operational task management.
• Support the integration of Community First Aid Response (CFAR) mechanisms and community focal points into EORE and Victim Assistance systems.
• Provide technical support and advice to national authorities on the development and strengthening of the national HMA sector, through designing and implementing capacity building/train-and-equip initiatives, policy making, such as NMAS drafting, and contributions to the national HMA strategy.

Mission 7: Safety, Risk Management, and Medical Preparedness

• Ensure embedded CASEVAC/MEDEVAC readiness and compliance with HI’s Duty of Care principles for all field operations.
• Oversee and approve risk assessments, movement plans, and incident response protocols.
• Coordinate closely with the HMA Medical Coordinator and Logistics teams to ensure readiness and availability of medical and evacuation equipment and procedures.

PROFILE REQUIRED:

Education & Certifications:

• Advanced EOD/IEDD qualifications certified by a recognized military agency or equivalent IMAS EOD Level 3+ certification (essential).
• Master’s Degree or higher in humanitarian affairs, security studies, engineering, or a related field (essential); or senior military education complemented by a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in Humanitarian Mine Action and Armed Violence Reduction sectors, including advanced expertise in EOD, IEDD, Bulk Demolitions, NTS, EORE, and Victim Assistance.
• Proven experience managing large-scale, integrated, and multi-donor portfolios in conflict-affected and fragile contexts.
• Extensive operational field experience in conflict or post-conflict environments, with a preference for East Africa or similar regions.
• Demonstrated and substantial experience as a training developer and instructor, including curriculum design and technical facilitation.
• Strong background in institutional capacity building, mentoring, and localization of technical mine action roles.
• Certified IMSMA Administrator with demonstrated experience in Information Management (IM) and GIS systems.
• Proven qualifications and applied experience in Quality Management and Results-Based Management frameworks.
• Skilled and experienced in Humanitarian Negotiations within politically sensitive and high-risk settings.

Skills:

• Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and cross-cultural team-building skills.
• Strong capabilities in operational oversight, donor relations, and adaptive management.
• Advanced proficiency in mine action SOP development, information systems, and integration of AI/technology-based tools for operational optimization.
• Fluency in English, both written and oral (essential).