EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL (EOD) SPECIALIST

Reports to (role)

• Head of Delegation / WeC Coordinator / WeC Regional Adviser

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

The ICRC is regularly faced with challenges related to weapon contamination. Such contamination can be of a conventional or a non-conventional type (CBRN) and include unexploded or abandoned ordnance, landmines, and weaponized or industrial toxic agents. To cover these field needs, the ICRC is recruiting candidates to join the pool of EOD professionals.

The ICRC WeC services (Weapon Contamination) are focused on four strategic areas.

• Assist in managing risks posed by weapon related hazards to own staff and partners as a part of the organizations ‘duty of care’ processes.
• Assist in maintaining the organization’s integrity by securing the continuation of critical operations where weapons or weapons systems pose a risk.
• Assist in protecting the vulnerable in situations of armed conflict (e.g. risk management and various programmatic mine action activities).
• Support the development of the National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in implementing weapon contamination activities.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

• In a country of deployment, as part of the WeC team, develops a thorough understanding of the weapon-contamination situation and provides ICRC management with hazard identification and risk assessments as regards the likely impact of weapon contamination on staff and civilians in affected areas.
• Develops and maintain standing operating procedures and other guidelines for WeC-related activities.
• Takes part in all aspects of WeC operations, including surveys, data gathering and management, planning and prioritization, removal of explosive ordnance and EOD support to partner organizations.
• Ensures that WeC activities facilitate and complement other aspects of ICRC emergency work, such as relief distributions, water provision and dead body management.
• Contributes to ICRC Conduct of Hostilities reports to the authorities by providing post-strike scene analyses of specific locations.
• Provides training, mentoring, guidance and support to national mine action organizations and structures.
• To maximize the impact of the ICRC’s work, develops effective working relationships with relief and development organizations, UN agencies and local government representatives, identifying high-priority areas for cooperation on WeC-related activities.
• Supervises WeC and ICRC support staff relevant to the WeC programme.

People management responsibilities

Yes

Scope & Impact

• Contributes to defining objectives and priorities; draws up strategies and plans of action within the delegation’s geographical remit.
• In addition to meeting WeC general and specific objectives set during the annual planning process (Planning for Results), supports the implementation of ICRC/Movement activities in general.
• In charge of drawing up and implementing the WeC budget.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with delegation management (Head of Delegation/Mission) and staff dealing with WeC issues (WeC Coordinator, WeC Regional Adviser, etc.), and with technical reference persons at headquarters.
• Externally, interacts with local government representatives, the civil authorities (director of operations), military authorities (colonel, liaison officer), and the National Society; develops and maintains working relations with relief and development organizations, UN agencies and local government.

Certifications / Education required

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) with minimum 5 years’ relevant experience and demonstrated capabilities in management, planning, and training/capacity-building; or a first-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years’ military (or relevant police) experience at the officer level, or a minimum of 11 years’ relevant experience as a senior non-commissioned officer.
• Minimum EOD Level 3 qualification (qualification from an internationally recognized military or police training establishment).
• Instructor qualification (desirable from an internationally recognized institution).
• Basic training in CBRN reconnaissance level.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• French, Arabic or Russian is desirable.
• Demonstrated computer literacy is a must.
• A history of publications is desirable.

Professional Experience required

• At least 6 years overall professional experience
• International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) level 2.
• Experienced and successful EOD operator.
• 3 years of proven, successful work experience in a WeC-related field.
• Knowledge in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) operations.

Our operational & field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months
• Due to the fast-changing context, the selected candidate can be assigned to another location.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
• A competitive employment package with attractive social benefits: a salary paid in thirteen months, a competitive pension plan, medical and accident cover, etc.
• Annual paid leave: 20–27.5 days.
• Accommodation provided and paid by ICRC.
• ICRC staff integration course and opportunities for further in-house training and career opportunities with ICRC.
• All assignments are categorized into four levels of hardship, some of which are compensated with financial incentives and extra leave.
• The opportunity to join our talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere.
• Depending on the context, bringing a partner and/or children on assignment after 24 months of employment is possible.
• Maternity and adoption leave are four months, and paternity leave is ten days.

Additional information

• Type of role: mobile
• Working rate: 100%
• Job level: B3 (B3)
• Application deadline: 31/01/2025

Our Values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.
• The ICRC also values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage female EOD Specialists to apply.