General
As APOPO is scaling its operations in Ukraine, we are actively seeking expressions of interest from qualified and experienced personnel to serve as Team Leaders of Technical Survey/Mine Detection Dogs in the programme.
We are currently hiring for one position, but we are also building a candidate pool for similar roles in the near future as the programme expands. Qualified candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply and be considered for current and upcoming opportunities.
About the position
Our Team Leaders are actively managing and leading national handlers and their dogs through operations and training. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the dogs and the staff in operations and training and must be willing to lead the team from the front. Our TSD teams normally contain 4 handlers and 8 dogs.
About you
We are seeking a candidate with:
- A combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively in high-risk environments.
- A recognized MDD or TSD Handler and MDD or TSD Team Leader Qualification that includes a basic deminer certificate.
- Excellent people management skills with a proven track record of leading, motivating, and managing a diverse team of people.
- Fluent spoken and written English language skills are essential.
- Ability to enter Schengen area and Ukraine with a visa on arrival.
The key job requirements include
Expert Knowledge of Mine Detection Dogs
- Technical proficiency: A deep understanding of how MDDs are trained to detect mines, including knowledge of different mine types, explosives, and detection techniques.
- Mine detection principles: Proficiency in recognizing and training MDDs to detect various explosives and landmines, including the ability to assess environmental conditions that may affect the dog’s ability to detect mines.
Canine Training Expertise
- Behavioral training: Understanding canine behavior and how to train dogs effectively. This includes operant conditioning, positive reinforcement techniques, and creating individualized training plans for each dog based on their temperament and learning style.
- Training for deployment: The ability to ensure that dogs are trained in real-world, high-stress conditions, and ready for deployment in environments such as fields or forests with potential hazards.
Leadership and Team Management
- Team coordination: The ability to effectively manage and coordinate the trainer team, assigning tasks based on the team members’ skills and experience. A good leader should ensure that all team members are working cohesively towards the same goal.
- Motivational skills: Keep high morale in the team, foster a positive and productive environment, and maintain a focus on safety and success in operations.
- Decision-making: Ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure, especially when working in dangerous areas. This includes risk management, prioritizing safety, and adjusting plans as necessary in real-time.
Risk Management
- Understanding of risk: Familiarity with safety protocols to minimize risk to the dogs, handlers, and others working in the field. This includes a strong understanding of the operational environment and potential hazards.
- Emergency response: The ability to respond appropriately to emergencies (e.g., injuries to dogs or humans, or discovery of an unexploded device).
Safety and Occupational Welfare
- Dogs Health & Welfare: Ability to maintain the organizational standard of animal Health & Welfare throughout the training and operations periods.
Communication Skills
- Clear communication: The leader should be able to communicate effectively with team members, programme management staff, partner organizations, external agencies (e.g., local authorities, NGOs, or military) to ensure smooth operations.
- Instructional skills: Ability to explain complex concepts to less experienced handlers or team members, and to give clear instructions to guide the training and operational processes.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability
- Flexible thinking: Ability to adapt training plans or operational procedures if something isn’t working as expected. This could involve troubleshooting a dog’s behavioral issues or adapting to challenging terrains and weather conditions.
- Creative solutions: Problem-solving skills to deal with issues that may arise in training, such as a dog’s reluctance to work in specific environments or optimizing the workflow during operations.
Cultural Sensitivity and Ethical Standards
- Cultural awareness: In many mine-detection missions, teams operate in different countries with diverse cultures. A good team leader should be able to navigate these cultural differences respectfully and be able to foster positive relationships with local communities.
- Ethical standards: Strong ethical standards when it comes to animal welfare, ensuring that dogs are treated humanely, and their well-being is prioritized at all times.
Physical Fitness and Endurance
- Physical stamina: The ability to lead by example, remaining physically fit to keep up with the demands of the role, particularly in field operations that may require physical endurance and the ability to manage high-stress situations.
- Dog handling: Physical and emotional strength to handle dogs under potentially stressful conditions, including comforting them when necessary and managing their stress levels.
Record-Keeping and Reporting
- Documentation: Keeping thorough records of the dogs’ training progress, operational outcomes, and safety reports. This includes reporting incidents or irregularities and tracking the performance of dogs.
- Performance evaluation: Regular assessment and feedback on the team’s performance and the dogs’ detection capabilities, identifying areas for improvement.
Continuous Learning and Professional Development
- Staying current: A commitment to continual professional development, staying up to date with the latest advancements in detection technology, canine training techniques, and industry best practices.
- Training the handlers: The ability to teach and mentor other handlers in developing their own skills, fostering a learning environment within the team.
About the programme
APOPO’s Mine Action Programme in Ukraine was established in early 2024. The programme currently has 4 Operational Technical Survey Dog Teams (32 dogs) and is expanding its capacity with additional teams into 2025. As an established and certified HMA Operator, APOPO is currently operating in partnership with Mines Advisory Group, aiming to deploy its TSD-MDD Teams in Mykolaiv and Kharkiv Oblasts in 2025. The Programme Offices and the Central Dog Training Facility are located in the vicinity of Kyiv where the teams conduct their maintenance training and being sent to operate in the Southern and Eastern Oblasts.
Estimations around contaminated land in Ukraine are astronomical. When referring to the extent of the contamination, officials refer to Suspected or Confirmed Hazardous Areas, areas which were marked because of direct or non-direct evidence of landmines. History from other conflicts and mine clearance efforts points to a much smaller percentage of areas having landmines. Because Ukraine desperately need land back to resume agricultural and other economic activities, there is an urgent need to define the actual boundaries. Our TSD teams are deployed for TS in Suspected Hazardous Areas (SHA) to frame the contamination and accelerate area reduction, utilizing the GPS track & trace system to manage the survey progress. In parallel, the TSD teams are used as MDDs to confirm presence/absence of mines and ERW behind machines.
Contract Information
For international staff: APOPO offers a competitive international package, including:
- Competitive salary with a living allowance that increases with service.
- Accommodation: APOPO will provide accommodation in-country.
- Leave: You are entitled to six weeks out of the programme per year.
- Travel: Two international travels home per year.
- Personal accident and medical expenses travel insurance according to APOPO policies.
For Ukrainian nationals: employment will follow Ukrainian labor law.
All staff are contracted on a yearly basis, and contracts are renewed based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding. The full terms and conditions of the role will be provided once the candidate reaches the interview stage.
How to apply
Send your CV, a 1-page motivation letter, copies of relevant degrees and certificates, and contact information for at least two references. The deadline for this application is Sunday, 2/2/2025 23:59 CET.
Please note that, due to the volume of applications we receive, only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.
To submit, click the button below.
APOPO is committed to safeguarding the well-being of all individuals we work with, particularly vulnerable groups. All staff must uphold APOPO’s safeguarding policies, promote a safe and respectful environment, and fulfill safeguarding responsibilities relevant to their roles. Background checks, including reference and qualification verifications, are part of the recruitment process.
APOPO is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our workforce and encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply, regardless of gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Due to operational requirements and work permit limitations, preference will be given to candidates who can enter the Schengen area and Ukraine with a visa on arrival.
Learn more about APOPO at www.apopo.org
