MDD Team Leader in APOPO / APOPO, BO, BF

Mine Action Capacity Building Project Ukraine  

Position Title: MDD Team Leader

Type of Appointment: Employment

Starting Salary: 88 000.00 UAH Gross

About APOPO:

APOPO is an award-winning Belgian NGO established in 1997 and currently operating in 11 countries. APOPO’s mission is to protect the people and the planet using scent detection animals. The organization trains and deploys rats and dogs in humanitarian missions such as the detection of explosives, diseases, illegal trafficking and search & rescue. APOPO currently has over 300 operational animals, most of which are working in Mine Action, which makes it the largest animal detection operator in the sector. 

About APOPO in Ukraine:

Since the Russian invasion of 24th February, Ukraine has been severely affected by landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war. The scale of the conflict and the use of high impact and indiscriminate weapons requires an urgent and extensive response. APOPO aims to accelerate the reduction of suspected hazardous areas in Ukraine using its Technical Survey Dog Teams. APOPO is preparing to launch a major Capacity Building Mine Action project in Ukraine. To support this fast-moving and high-impact program, we are searching MDD Team Leader.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The primary objective of the MDD TL is to lead and manage a Mine Detection Dog team and handlers effectively in training, survey and clearance operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• · Lead and supervise a team of Mine Detection Dogs and handlers during field operations, manage and coordinate the deployment of MDD handlers in alignment with task objectives and timelines.
• · Collaborate with managers and supervisors in the project to ensure effective integration of MDD operations with overall mine clearance efforts.
• · Conduct pre-operation briefings and debriefings to ensure all team members understand their roles and responsibilities.
• · Plan and organise daily deployment schedules for MDD handlers based on operational priorities and requirements.
• · Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols.
• · Conduct regular training and proficiency assessments for MDD handlers to maintain the effectiveness of the team.
• · Monitor the health and well-being of the Dogs and ensure they receive proper care and rest.
• · Maintain accurate records of operational activities, including detection results and areas surveyed.
• · Operate the Garmin Astro system, collect the tracks and handover to the IM Officer.
• · Report any incidents, accidents, or deviations from procedures promptly.
• · Provide technical guidance and support to MDD handlers as needed.
• · Ensure the proper maintenance and calibration of MDD track & trace equipment to maximise efficiency and maintain the working equipment of the team.
• · Adhere to APOPO’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
• · Promote APOPO’s mission, values, and reputation in all activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• · Certification in MDD operations from a recognised institution is strongly preferred.
• · Valid first aid and field safety training.
• · Minimum 3–5 years of MDD operations experience in humanitarian or conflict-affected areas.
• · Experience in leading MDD teams.
• · Experience working with UN, NGOs, or donor-funded demining programs is an asset.
• · Proficient in mine detection, dog handling, and operational planning.
• · Familiarity with IMAS, Ukrainian Mine Action Standards, and operational SOPs.
• · Ability to assess dog performance and ensure quality control of detection operations.
• · Competence in field reporting and documentation.
• · Strong leadership, mentoring, and team coordination skills.
• · Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and risk management in high-risk environments.
• · Resilience, adaptability, and ability to work under stress.
• · Communication skills in English and Ukrainian.

How to apply:

This opportunity is available to Ukrainian nationals only. Interested candidates are invited to submit applications by sending a CV and Cover Letter in English to the email [email protected] by 19 February 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position could be assigned prior to closing date if we find a suitable candidate.

Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we are not able to respond to every application. If you have not heard back from us within 3 weeks of applying, it will mean that your application has not been successful. 

Проєкт з розвитку потенціалу протимінної діяльності в Україні

Назва посади:  Керівник групи мінно-пошукових собак

Місцезнаходження: Київ

Вид працевлаштування: Працевлаштування

Заробітна плата:   88 000,00  грн до відрахування податків

Про APOPO:

APOPO — бельгійська удостоєна нагород неурядова організація, заснована в 1997 році, яка зараз працює в 11 країнах. Місія APOPO — захистити людей і планету за допомогою тварин, що розпізнають запахи. Організація навчає та залучає щурів і собак до гуманітарних місій, таких як виявлення вибухівок, хвороб, незаконної торгівлі, пошуку та порятунку. APOPO наразі має понад 300 оперативних тварин, більшість з яких працюють у протимінній діяльності, що робить її найбільшим оператором у секторі, в якому залучаються тварини.

Про APOPO вUkraine:

After the Russian invasion on February 24, Ukraine was seriously affected by land mines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war. The scale of the conflict and the use of powerful and indiscriminate weapons require an urgent and large-scale response. APOPO aims to accelerate the reduction of suspected dangerous zones in Ukraine with the help of its teams of technical inspection dogs. To support this rapidly growing and highly effective program, we are seeking a Technical Intelligence Canine Team Leader.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The primary objective of the MDD Team Leader is to effectively lead and manage a team of Mine Detection Dogs and Technical Intelligence Canines during training, area surveys and demining operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• · Manage and supervise a team of mine detection dogs and technical intelligence canines during field operations; plan, coordinate and monitor the involvement of technical intelligence canines in accordance with the tasks and work schedules.
• · Collaborate with project managers and supervisors to ensure the effective integration of MDD operations into the overall humanitarian demining processes.
• · Conduct pre-operation briefings and debriefings (briefings and debriefings) in order to ensure that all team members clearly understand their roles and responsibilities.
• · Plan and organize daily canine handler engagement schedules based on operational priorities and requirements.
• · Ensure standard operating procedures (SOP) and safety protocols are followed.
• · Conduct regular training and evaluation of canine handlers to maintain team effectiveness.
• · Monitor the health and welfare of dogs, ensure proper care and adequate rest.
• · Keep accurate records of operational activities, including detection results and areas surveyed.
• · Work with the Garmin Astro system, collect tracks and transmit them to the Information Management Officer (IM Officer).
• · Immediately report any incidents, accidents or deviations from procedures.
• · Provide technical advice and support to technical intelligence canines for needs.
• · Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of MDD tracking equipment in order to improve efficiency and maintain the team's equipment in good working order.
• · Adhere to the APOPO Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
• · Contribute to the promotion of APOPO's mission, values and reputation in all activities.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CANDIDATE:

• · Certification in mine detection operations from a recognized institution is a significant advantage.
• · Valid first aid and field safety certifications.
• · Minimum 3-5 years of experience working with mine detection dogs in humanitarian or conflict settings.
• · Experience leading mine detection teams dogs.
• · Experience of workingexperience with UN projects, international non-governmental organizations or donor demining programs is an advantage.
• · High level of professional competence in the field of mine detection, work with dogs and operational planning.
• · Knowledge of IMAS, National Mine Action Standards of Ukraine and operational standard operating procedures.
• · Ability to evaluate the performance of dogs and ensure quality control of detection operations min.
• · Field reporting and documentation skills.
• · Strong leadership qualities, mentoring and team coordination skills.
• · Excellent problem solving, decision-making and risk management skills in high-risk environments.
• · Stress resistance, adaptability and ability to work in stressful environments.
• · Proficiency in Ukrainian and English working level.

How to apply:

This vacancy is available only to citizens of Ukraine. Interested candidates may apply by submitting a resume and cover letter in English to yuliia.nahorna@apopo.org by February 19, 2026.Applications will be considered by and the position may be offered before this date if a suitable candidate is available.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, we cannot respond to every one. If you do not hear back from us within 3 weeks of submitting your application, it means that your application has not been successful.