About our client & this project:

• Our client supports peacebuilding, humanitarian & development projects globally. Our client mitigates explosive threats in the DRC, including ERW, IEDs & poorly managed weapons / ammunition. The program collaborates with national authorities (FARDC, CCLAM), international partners & local communities to enhance security & stability.

Job specific context:

• The Training Team Leader will lead specialized training for FARDC in EOD, IED awareness, Conventional Munition Disposal (CMD), Post Blast Investigation (PBI) & search & detect. The role includes capacity building, curriculum adaptation, SOP development & IED threat monitoring, under the direct supervision of the Operations / QA Officer (IED Specialist). The position requires proven experience in delivering advanced training in complex & high risk environments, including operational management of EOD / IEDD teams, mentoring during training activities & coordination with national & international stakeholders.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Training leadership & delivery:

• Lead & deliver EOD, IED awareness, CMD, PBI & search & detect training for FARDC units.

• Ensure training compliance with IMAS, IATG & UN standards.

• Adapt training curricula to the local context & evolving IED threats, incorporating lessons learned from recent operational deployments.

Capacity building & mentoring:

• Build the capacity of FARDC in explosive threat mitigation, high risk search & detection.

• Mentor national specialists during the trainings & support Training of Trainers (ToT) programs, leveraging previous experience in training security forces in Africa & the Middle East.

SOP development & adaptation:

• Provide field based technical input & lessons learned to support the review & refinement in the development and revision of SOPs for EOD / IED operations.

• Propose improvements based on field feedback, threat analysis & best practices from similar contexts.

IED threat monitoring & reporting:

• Monitor & analyze IED incidents & trends in the region, providing technical reports on training outcomes, threats & mitigation measures.

• Utilize advanced technologies to enhance training effectiveness.

Coordination & stakeholder engagement:

• Liaise with FARDC, MONUSCO & international partners to align training with operational needs.

• Support the Operations / QA Officer (IED Specialist) in planning, evaluating & managing logistical & administrative aspects of training operations.

Quality assurance & safety:

• Ensure safety protocols are followed during all training activities.

• Conduct after action reviews & debriefings to improve training effectiveness, with a focus on maintaining operational cohesion in challenging environments.

Key functions & expected outputs:

• Training delivery: Trained FARDC units in EOD, IED awareness, CMD, PBI & search & detect.

• Curriculum adaptation: Updated training materials tailored to the DRC context, incorporating recent field insights.

• SOP development: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for EOD / IED operations, reflecting operational best practices.

• IED threat monitoring: Regular threat assessments & reports for our client.

• Capacity building: Enhanced skills of FARDC in explosive threat mitigation, with an emphasis on sustainable mentoring during the trainings.

• Reporting & documentation: Training reports, lessons learned & recommendations for program improvement.

This role reports to the Operations / QA Officer (IED Specialist).

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in military / police sciences, engineering or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience or first level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) with 5+ years of experience or military / police experience (NCO / Officer level) with 11+ years in EOD / IED operations.

Mandatory experience:

• 5+ years in EOD, IEDD, or high risk search / detection (military, police or UN context).

• IMAS EOD Level 3+ & IEDD qualification (UN recognized).

• Experience in training / mentoring in conflict or post conflict settings, with a proven track record in operational management.

• Field experience in Africa (last 48 months preferred), including leadership roles in EOD / IEDD teams (experience in the DR Congo is a plus).

• Previous experience in delivering training to national security forces, particularly in high threat environments.

Desired experience:

• UN system experience (1+ year), particularly in the UN or similar mine action programs.

• Experience in C-IED, CMD, PBI or search & detect training.

• SOP development, curriculum adaptation & quality assurance in EOD / IED operations.

• Operational management of specialized platoons or training centers, including logistical & administrative oversight.

Languages:

• Fluent in French (mandatory).

• Intermediate English (required).

Key competencies:

• Leadership in high risk environments, with a focus on team cohesion & results oriented management.

• Adaptability to changing security contexts, with a proactive approach to problem solving.

• Strong analytical, reporting & communication skills.

• Cultural sensitivity, teamwork & ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

This role will be responsible for supervising one international EOTM trainer & Trainees (as assigned).

Working conditions:

• High risk environment (Beni, DRC).

• Travel required within DRC & potentially to other African countries.

• Compliance with UN security protocols.

Notes:

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Our clients standards apply to all training & operations.