Occupational Health and Safety Officer in APOPO / APOPO, BO, BF

Position Title: Health and Safety Officer

Duty Station: Kyiv

Type of Appointment: Part of Full Time Employment

Estimated Start Date: February-March 2026

Salary: 35,750 - 71,500 UAH Gross

About APOPO:

APOPO is an award-winning Belgian NGO established in 1997 and currently operating in 10 countries. APOPO’s mission is to protect the people and the planet using scent-detection animals. The organisation 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 through the use of its Technical Survey Dog Teams. APOPO registered in Ukraine in 2023 and the program started in January 2024. APOPO’s dog training centre is established in Krasylivka, and the operations are conducted in partnership with the Mines Advisory Group and the Ukrainian Deminers Association, in areas prioritized by the government. The main offices of APOPO Ukraine are in Kyiv.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Health & Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety, fire safety, and environmental protection standards at APOPO Ukraine mineaction programme. This includes developing and implementing OHS policies and training programs, monitoring workplace conditions, and overseeing the use of personal protective equipment. The Health & Safety Officer will investigate incidents and occupational illnesses, identify risks, and ensure that preventive and corrective measures are applied. In close collaboration with managers and staff, the role provides guidance and support to maintain a safe and healthy working environment. The Health & Safety Officer is also responsible for organizing mandatory medical examinations, preparing reports, and ensuring that APOPO meets all national legislation and internal requirements related to occupational safety and health.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Health & Safety Oversight

• Monitor compliance by all departments with national legislation, SOPs and organizational standards on occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene, fire safety, and environmental protection.
• Conduct regular inspections of workplace safety, hygiene, and sanitation.
• Develop comprehensive plans and measures to ensure compliance with established health, safety, and hygiene standards.
• Ensure that all APOPO field activities fully comply with relevant national safeguarding legislation.

Training & Awareness

• Develop occupational health and safety instructions and training programs.
• Organize and conduct inductions, safety briefings, and training sessions for employees.
• Arrange testing of staff knowledge and ensure proper documentation.
• Provide methodological support to managers and staff on OHS measures and regulations.

Incident Management

• Participate in the investigation of occupational injuries, incidents, and work-related or non-work-related illnesses.
• Identify root causes, recommend corrective actions, and evaluate the effectiveness of preventive measures.
• Contribute to decisions regarding compensation for employees affected by occupational injuries or illnesses.

Medical Examinations & Compliance

• Organize and monitor mandatory periodic medical examinations for employees working in heavy, hazardous, or high-risk environments.
• Ensure compliance with legal and organizational requirements related to occupational health.

Equipment & PPE Management

• Oversee the proper provision, storage, cleaning, repair, and use of protective clothing, footwear, PPE, and safety devices.
• Ensure the availability and maintenance of protective equipment across the organization.

Reporting & Documentation

• Draft and prepare orders, instructions, and directives related to OHS.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports on occupational health and safety according to required formats and deadlines.
• Ensure that each team maintains a daily safety acknowledge log.

ABOUT YOU:

We are seeking a candidate with:

• Master’s degree in Labor Protection, Civil Security, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in Health & Safety positions.
• Work experience in the mine clearance sector will be an advantage.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Ukrainian Occupational Health and Safety legislation and standards.
• Valid certificate of verification of knowledge on labor protection issues.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and face-to-face.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good literacy, numeracy, and IT skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work calmly under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and expertise.
• Fluency in Ukrainian and English.

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] 

CVs in Ukrainian will NOT be reviewed.

Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis and 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.

Please note that this post is subject to background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed.