Technical Field Manager

Technical Field Manager, Ukraine

The starting salary package for this position is £77,056.40 GBP including all allowances.

This is a fixed term role for 12 months.

This is an unaccompanied post.

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:

Reporting to the Technical Field Manager – Team Leader ) and under the direction of the Technical Operations Manager (TOM), you will be responsible for implementing and overseeing mine clearance, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and other technical operations in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. You will train, assess, and monitor operational staff to ensure safe working practices, maintain operational standards, and strengthen local humanitarian mine action capacity. You will also support the safe, effective, and efficient delivery of all MAG technical activities within the country of operation. Capacity building and people management is a core area of this role. Roles are in complex contexts, but the life-saving impact the work has on local communities is very real, and rewarding.

About the Ukraine programme:

Since the Russian invasion of 24th February 2022, Ukraine has been subjected to heavy artillery bombardment, missile, and air strikes, as well as the use of landmines and cluster munitions. The scale of the conflict and the use of high impact and indiscriminate weapons requires an urgent and extensive response. MAG responded to the crisis in 2022 and now employs nearly 440 staff in our Ukraine programme, in a range of operational and support/administrative activities, with further scale-up planned during 2026. The programme has a representation office in Kyiv, and operational offices in Mykolaiv (also covering accessible areas of Kherson) and Kharkiv.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

Operations

- Conduct and supervise field operations of MAG HMA operations, including integrated (ADS and or mechanical) mine clearance and EOD 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 mine/explosive ordnance contaminated areas as directed by the TOM and / or TFM TL.
- 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 in the theatre of operations.
- Ensure that all staff under your line management are aware of, understand, and adhere to all programme SOPs, at all times.
- Support the TOM and / or TFM TL to ensure the maintenance, safe and appropriate storage of all necessary technical materials and equipment (including explosives and accessories).
- Advise and assist the TOM and / or TFM TL with the implementation of new systems and procedures in relation to optimizing 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 Programmes Manager.

Capacity Building and Team Management

- Assist the TOM and Standards & Training Manager (STM) with the design, development, delivery and evaluation of appropriate training programmes for deminers and other technical personnel.
- Support the TOM, TFM-TL and STM in the day-to-day training and development of national staff to conduct technical HMA activities (clearance and disposal) according to MAG Standard Operating Procedures.
- Support with the recruitment of national technical staff.
- Motivate and develop the 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 and / or TFM TL is fully briefed on all technical and operational issues and any technical difficulties arising.
- Assist the TOM and / or TFM TL in providing relevant and useful information and case studies to the programmes team.
- Submit accurate operational reports as directed by the TOM and / or TFM TL 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 or TFM TL 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 Humanitarian mine action.
- 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 security situation in work location and areas of operations ensuring that the TOM and / or TFM TL 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

- Demonstrated experience working in HMA operations, including integrated mine clearance (ADS and or mechanical), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and BAC in conflict-affected and post-conflict countries contaminated by explosive remnants of war.
- Proven experience managing field operations, ensuring activities are planned, coordinated, and delivered safely, effectively, and in accordance with operational requirements and standards.
- Experience leading, motivating, and managing diverse teams, fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.
- Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing staff , supporting individual growth and building local operational capacity.
- Experience designing and delivering formal and informal training , facilitating the effective transfer of knowledge, skills, and best practices to others.
- Experience working independently in remote or stand-alone environments , demonstrating self-motivation, sound judgement, and the ability to perform effectively with minimal supervision.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

- Demonstrated technical knowledge of explosive ordnance and clearance techniques, including new developments, at a minimum of Supervisor level in accordance with IMAS 09.10 (01/2023)
- Demonstrated technical knowledge of mines, explosive ordnance, and mine clearance techniques, including knowledge of best practices and emerging developments in the sector.
- Ability to develop, review, implement, and ensure compliance with security and technical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Ability to contribute technical expertise to project proposals, operational plans, reports, and the development of achievable clearance targets as required via the TOM and or TFM-TL.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to coordinate and manage multiple activities and assigned projects effectively.
- Basic understanding of Information Management Systems (including Esri – ArcGIS, IMSMA)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with fluent written and spoken English.
- Strong literacy, numeracy, and IT skills, including the ability to accurately record, analyse, and report operational information.

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 recognized military, civilian or HMA NGO.

Desirable Experience, Skills, Knowledge and Aptitude

- Knowledge of research and development of innovative HMA tools and procedures.
- Knowledge and experience In Weapons and Ammunition management, including ammunition processing.
- Advanced Knowledge of IT tools (Microsoft Office (advanced Excel), Outlook 365, SharePoint, Power BI).
- Knowledge and experience in foreign languages (Ukrainian, etc).

Desirable Qualifications

- 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.
- Ammunition Technical/Ammunition Technical Officer qualification or equivalent. This should be in line with the competencies outlined in Ammunition Technical Guidelines 1.90 up to level 6. This can be from a relevant and recognised military, civilian or HMA NGO.
- Formal Accident & Incident Investigation training. This can be from a relevant and recognised military, civilian or HMA NGO.

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.

Benefits

• Renumeration Package : £77,056.40 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 , Monday 6th 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.