Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations. DRC has operated in Ukraine since 2014 and employs over 600 staff there, working in Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action).
DRC is looking for a Humanitarian Mine Action Team Member (Mechanical Operator) in Kharkiv. The postholder will support DRC's Humanitarian Mine Action operations by safely operating and conducting daily checks and maintenance of the GCS 200 mechanical clearance machine during mechanical demining operations, in accordance with the manufacturer's operation handbook, the DRC HDP Ukraine GCS 200 SOP, safety procedures and minefield/hazardous area rules. The role reports to the Humanitarian Mine Action Technical Field Manager.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Conduct scheduled daily maintenance on the GCS 200 machine and check for abnormalities.
- Check the overall functionality of the machine in the designated test area before starting daily operations.
- Assist the GCS 200 Mechanic during breakdowns, scheduled service or maintenance.
- Keep daily log sheets/logbooks up to date inside the workshop container/mobile workshop.
- Advise the Mechanical Technical Advisor on machine capabilities in relation to terrain and environmental challenges (soil condition, vegetation, gradient).
- Adhere to minefield and hazardous area rules and regulations.
- Operate the GCS 200 machine safely and report any abnormalities in its performance immediately to the MMC Team Lead and MDT Mechanic.
- Maintain radio contact with the MMC Team Lead.
- Comply with DRC SOPs, safety procedures, internal regulations and the DRC Code of Conduct.
Requirements:
- At least 3 years of practical experience as a machine operator/mechanic for mechanical demining machines, earth-moving machinery or heavy-duty vehicles (bulldozers, front-end loaders, excavators, backhoes, Bobcats or similar).
- Verified training certificates of previous work experience and knowledge.
- Willingness and ability to complete a minimum of 21 days of DRC HDP training on operation and maintenance of the GCS 200 machine.
- Valid driving licence, minimum category B.
- Good speaking, reading and writing skills in Ukrainian.
Desirable: high school education or equivalent; heavy-duty mechanic skills; experience on a Humanitarian Mine Action programme; beginner English.
Terms: Band J (national contract), duty station Kharkiv, start as soon as possible, 3-month probation period with possible extension based on performance and funding. Salary starts from EUR 1,080 gross per month depending on experience and qualifications, per DRC Terms of Employment for National Staff. This position is open to national applicants.
Closing date for applications: 06 November 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the DRC application portal. All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered. Interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis.
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