General announcement
APOPO is building a talent pool of experienced Mine Detection Dog/Technical-Survey Dog (MDD/TSD) professionals to support its expanding operations – primarily in Ukraine, and potentially in other programs worldwide.
We are inviting expressions of interest from experienced:
- MDD/TSD Team Leaders
- MDD/TSD Trainers
- MDD/TSD Supervisors
- MDD/TSD Handlers
This announcement is intended to create a ready pool of professionals. As funding and operational needs evolve, multiple positions may be filled over the coming months.
Important: This call is strictly for candidates with prior training and operational experience in operating with long leash Mine Detection Dogs (MDD) and/or Technical Survey Dogs (TSD).
About APOPO
APOPO is an innovative international NGO that uses the exceptional scent detection abilities of animals to save lives and restore safe land. Our dogs play a critical role in humanitarian mine action, working alongside skilled national and international teams in challenging environments.
Who we are looking for
We welcome applications from professionals who are motivated to work in a high-impact, operational setting, with strong standards for safety, teamwork, and animal welfare.
Core requirements (all roles)
- Proven training and/or operational experience with MDD and/or TSD
- Experience in field-based operations (post-conflict or high-risk/hardship environments)
- Strong commitment to dog welfare, safety, and ethical practice
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural teams
- Working knowledge of English (required for all roles except Handler)
- Ability to travel internationally, including entry into Ukraine and transit through the EU/Schengen area (visa-free or visa on arrival, depending on nationality)
Role-specific expectations
MDD/TSD Trainers
- Solid background in training long leash MDD and/or TSD.
- Strong understanding of MDD/TSD training stages, learning theory and welfare.
- Experience in preparing MDD/TSD teams for operational deployment and accreditation within a Mine Action Program.
- Ability to work in challenging field environments and multicultural teams
- Excellent spoken and written English
- High level of physical fitness
- Experience mentoring handlers is an asset
MDD/TSD Supervisors
- Demonstrated experience leading MDD/TSD operational teams
- Proven experience in operational planning, coordination, tasking, and reporting
- Strong supervisory and performance management skills
- Strong people management, leadership, and decision-making skills
- Ability to ensure compliance with SOPs, safety standards, and quality requirements
- Experience liaising with operations, logistics, and management staff
- Excellent spoken and written English
- High level of physical fitness
MDD/TSD Team Leaders
- Demonstrated experience leading MDD/TSD operational teams
- Strong people management, leadership, and decision-making skills
- Proven experience in operational planning, coordination, tasking, and reporting
- Ability to ensure compliance with SOPs, safety standards, and quality requirements
- Experience liaising with operations, logistics, and management staff
- Excellent spoken and written English
- High level of physical fitness
MDD/TSD Dog Handlers
- Certified MDD and/or TSD handler qualification
- Proven operational field experience in mine action
- Strong dog handling skills under real-world operational conditions
- Ability to work independently while following operational and safety procedures
- High level of physical fitness and commitment to canine welfare
What we offer
- A meaningful role in humanitarian mine action
- A competitive salary scale and benefits, aligned with role and location
- Accommodation, insurance, leave, and travel benefits (for international roles)
- The opportunity to work with highly skilled teams, human and canine, making a tangible and lasting impact
How to apply
Interested candidates are warmly invited to apply by completing the application form.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected candidates may be contacted as positions become available.
Safeguarding & equal opportunity
APOPO is committed to safeguarding the dignity, safety, and well-being of all people and animals we work with. All staff are expected to uphold APOPO’s safeguarding policies and ethical standards. Background checks form part of the recruitment process.
APOPO is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.