About this role
Job purpose: The MDD Handler is part of NPA’s Operations Team in Central Iraq and the main role is to guide and handle the assigned Mine Detection Dog (MDD) in order to perform safe and efficient Technical Survey (TS) and Clearance operations. In addition, the MDD Handler is responsible for the daily care, welfare, and wellbeing of the assigned dog, ensuring that it remains healthy, fit, and motivated for operational activities. The handler conducts routine training sessions according to guide from MDD TL and NPA MDD SOP to maintain and improve the dog’s detection skills, obedience, and operational readiness. The role also includes participating in regular testing, accreditation, and quality assurance exercises to verify the dog’s performance and compliance with operational standards. The handler continuously monitors the dog’s physical condition and behavior, maintains training and operational records, and promptly reports any health or performance concerns to the supervisor and veterinary support staff. Through proper handling, training, and care, the MDD Handler contributes to maintaining high operational effectiveness and safety standards within the programme.The position is based in Haditha, Anbar, Central Iraq. Responsibilities: General responsibilities:
• Ensure safe and effective operational deployment of MDDs in accordance with approved SOPs and safety requirements. • Maintain the required standards of dog training, welfare, hygiene, and kennel management. • Ensure that all dogs are properly cared for and remain in good health, fitness, and operational readiness. • Conduct internal quality control, testing, and accreditation activities to maintain operational standards as instructed by direct supervisor. • Monitor compliance with SOPs and report any violations, irregularities, or safety concerns related to MDD performance to the MDD Team Leader. • Maintain accurate operational records and reporting related to training, accreditation, and operational activities. • Support planning, coordination, and verification of daily operational tasks. • Ensure availability, maintenance, and accountability of operational equipment, vehicles, and resources assigned to him/her
Specific duties:
• Conduct operational deployment of MDDs in assigned working lanes or boxes in accordance with approved SOPs, working methods, and safety distances. • Conduct daily walking, health monitoring, welfare checks, capability testing, and operational performance assessments of assigned MDDs, promptly reporting any health, behavioral, or operational concerns. • Maintain full control and accountability of assigned MDDs, ensuring operational readiness, maintaining MDD logbooks, monitoring performance, and minimizing downtime. • Implement approved training, maintenance, and development programmes for MDDs in accordance with instructions from the MDD Team Leader or MDD Supervisor, ensuring compliance with accreditation requirements. • Manage kennel routines and conduct daily inspections of kennel facilities to ensure appropriate standards of hygiene, cleanliness, security, animal welfare, and rest periods. • Conduct internal quality control, accreditation activities, and quality assurance checks of cleared working areas when tasked by the MDD Team Leader, Site Supervisor, or QM personnel. • Report SOP violations, operational irregularities, and significant changes affecting safety, quality, efficiency of MDD work, MDD health, behavior, kennel conditions, or operations to the MDD Team Leader. • Verify completion of daily tasks, plan activities for the following day, and provide relevant operational information to the MDD Team Leader. • Ensure all operational equipment, PPE, vehicles, and MDD assets are available, serviceable, properly maintained, correctly stored, and accounted for. • Complete and submit all required operational, training, testing, and administrative records and reports accurately and in a timely manner. • Perform additional operational duties as assigned by the supervisor, including observer, manual deminer, quality control, or other operational support tasks. • Conducting other tasks assigned by his/her superior or NPA management without compromising safety, and quality of work. . Required qualifications: Must have:
• Basic Demining course • MDD Handlers Course • Experience in MDD handler work • Verbal and written proficiency in Arabic Desirable:
• Verbal and written proficiency in English • Valid driving License, experience and proficiency in driving vehicles with manual transmission. Personal Competencies:
• Attention to detail and hygienic standards. • Trustworthy and responsive to realistic requests and constructive feedback. • Able to work within the limits of the role with an acceptable level of independence Additional Considerations: The MDD Handler is to abide by the policies and personal code of conduct set by Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and represent the organisation in a loyal and responsible manner. About the Recruitment Process
We work continuously for more diversity and inclusion throughout Norwegian People's Aid. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
Please note, that only applications submitted through our career site will be considered. Applications and resumes sent via e-mail will not be reviewed.
We kindly ask you to carefully read NPA’s Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy and Anti-Corruption Policy, before you submit your application. If you are the selected candidate for this position, you will be asked to complete and sign a Safeguarding self-declaration as well as our Code of Conduct. All policies related to ethics can be found on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!