Technical Field Manager, Laos

MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is an international humanitarian organisation based in Manchester, UK, and working in over 40 countries. We remove landmines and unexploded ordnance to release safe and productive land for communities, and work to reduce the threat of armed violence by supporting governments to safely manage weapons and ammunition. In 1997, MAG was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for our work campaigning for the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

In this role, you will lead and support the safe delivery of humanitarian mine action operations in complex environments, helping to reduce the threat of explosive ordnance to affected communities. You will supervise field teams, ensure adherence to our Standard Operating Procedures, and carry out ongoing risk assessments to maintain the highest safety standards. Working closely with colleagues, you will contribute to planning, surveying, and monitoring activities while strengthening local capacity through training and mentoring national staff. You will also play a key role in problem solving, adapting operations to changing conditions, and supporting the Technical Operations Manager in ensuring effective programme delivery. With MAG, we place strong emphasis on safety, collaboration, and accountability, giving you the chance to apply your technical expertise in a role that makes a direct, meaningful difference. This position offers you the responsibility and challenge of leading in demanding contexts while supporting teams and communities to build safer futures.

Laos has the unenviable title of being the most bombed country in the world per capita. For nearly a decade, Laos was subjected to heavy US bombing as part of the wider war in Indochina. Working across Xieng Khouang and Khammouane provinces since 1994, MAG has directly helped more than 1,145,000 people to live safer lives, free from danger and fear. Our teams have cleared more than 130 square kilometres of land in Laos, removing and destroying more than 340,000 ERW. In addition, MAG has delivered more than 4,500 risk education sessions to around 153,000 people, helping them to stay safe until land is cleared.

You will have a will have a strong track record of working in Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) programmes within conflict-affected settings and be confident operating in remote environments with limited supervision. You will hold an Explosive Ordnance Disposal qualification to IMAS Level 3, meeting the requirements of IMAS 09.30 (01/2022), and demonstrate the ability to apply technical expertise effectively while maintaining safe, compliant operations. Strong organisational, communication and reporting skills are essential, alongside a basic understanding of community liaison and its role in supporting effective HMA delivery.

You will be able to develop and implement clear field operations and administrative work plans and have experience leading, motivating and managing diverse team. You will be committed to building team capability through mentoring and knowledge sharing, and the formal and informal transfer of technical skills to others. You will work collaboratively across diverse cultures while upholding MAG's humanitarian principles. As operations are often conducted in remote locations with limited infrastructure and basic amenities, you will need to be comfortable living and working in challenging environments.

Experience in specialised areas such as cluster munition remnants survey, mechanically assisted land release, or advanced EOD techniques, including the render-safe of aerial bombs, would be advantageous but is not essential. Experience managing large-scale Battle Area Clearance (BAC) operations, as well as monitoring and quality-managing multiple MATs and EOD teams across austere environments and extreme seasonal conditions, would also be beneficial.

Please note that as part of MAG's commitment to safeguarding, this post is subject to background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed. For more information on MAG’s approach to safeguarding and background checks on our website.

MAG is committed to the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion. If you think you would be suited to one of our roles we would welcome your application regardless of your background. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply