Job Description

The role of the Technical Advisor Animal Detection System (ADS) - Mine Detection Dogs (MDD) – (TA-MDD) is to lead the implementation of FSD Mine Action programme’s objectives in Ukraine, Technical Survey (TS) and land release processes through the use of ADS, namely MDD. He/She will be responsible for the management, supervision and development of various operational MDD teams in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Roles and Responsibilities:
 
The roles and objectives of the TA - MDD are:

• Supervise and lead the MDD team, Team Leader, and all relevant MDD personnel in the area of responsibility.
• Work in coordination with other FSD clearance assets and align operational priorities with donor objectives and programme outputs.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant technical and operational developments in ADS/MDD and the wider HMA sector.
• Contribute to strengthening relationships with local and national stakeholders and promote FSD’s core values.
• Assist in developing and updating operational SOPs related to MDD operations in line with IMAS/NMAS and FSD requirements.
• Ensure accreditation and compliance with operational quality assurance/quality control processes.
• Train MDD teams to ensure sustained operational effectiveness and full conformity with monthly MDD testing requirements.
• Develop capacity development plans for national MDD staff.
• Plan, oversee, and conduct MDD training, including imprinting, testing, health, and performance monitoring.
• Maintain a functional reporting system for MDD operations, training, testing, and capacity development.
• Provide regular operational reports and performance data to relevant FSD personnel and external actors as required.
• Ensure accurate documentation and record-keeping in line with FSD reporting systems.

Requisite Qualifications:

• Certified ADS Instructor (MDD Instructor) in accordance with Test and Evaluation Protocol 07.31 (02/2022).

Duration: 

• Limited contract until 31 December 2026 (with possible extension until 31 August 2027)

Competencies

Mandatory Competencies:

• Extensive experience in the operational use of MDDs in humanitarian mine action, with minimum 5 years direct operational experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all technical aspects of MDD operations (training methodology, imprinting, testing, health management, operational deployment).
• Proven experience implementing land release methodologies in mine clearance contexts.
• Experience using a full HMA toolbox approach, including the integration of MDD assets.
• Operational MMD experience.
• Strong understanding of IMAS and land release principles.
• Good knowledge of all techniques and equipment used in demining operations.
• Experience in leadership and team training.
• Valid Category B driving licence.

Preferable Competencies:

• Proven experience and knowledge in information management and data analysis.
• English proficiency.
• Well organized, proactive, flexible and trustworthy.

About us

FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage) is a humanitarian non-governmental organisation, founded in Geneva in 1997, dedicated to protecting civilians from landmines and explosive remnants of war. 

FSD teams locate and destroy explosive ordnance, raise awareness about the dangers of mines and unexploded ammunition, and support victims of accidental explosions. 

Over the years, FSD has expanded its scope to address urgent needs in post-conflict environments, including environmental decontamination, sustainable agriculture, and capacity-building initiatives. 

Headquartered in Geneva (Switzerland), FSD currently employs close to 650 staff across four continents and has operated in over 30 countries. Since its founding, FSD teams have cleared more than 1.5 million explosive devices, preventing deadly accidents, enabling reconstruction, facilitating the return of displaced populations, and supporting agricultural recovery. 

FSD is ISO 9001-certified and holds the ZEWO quality label, ensuring ethical and efficient use of donations.