Head of Research and Development

Summary

Join The HALO Trust as their Head of Research and Development, a senior operational role leading and coordinating R&D activities to enhance the safety and efficiency of HALO's global operations. You will manage a team of specialists, conduct research projects, and represent HALO in international forums. Based remotely in the UK with significant international travel (approximately 20 weeks per year), this permanent, full-time position requires strong leadership, communication, and technical skills in humanitarian mine action. The role involves overseeing R&D projects, managing donor contracts, and ensuring safe and effective R&D practices. The successful candidate will be a key contributor to global leadership on safety, operational, and technical matters.

Requirements

• Proven ability to manage research projects
• A very strong interest in the technical and technological details of mine action as well as the procedural and human aspects which support it
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Very strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and cultures, inside and outside the organisation
• Excellent writing skills which can be adapted to a range of contexts and requirements
• Management experience in a remote and hybrid working environment across multiple time zones
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with a flexible and adaptable approach

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D activities
• Oversee the planning and execution of R&D projects in line with the technology strategy (when available) and in support of programme priorities
• Conduct visits to HALO programmes to assess current clearance tools and methodologies, making recommendations for improvements and development
• Conduct analysis of HALO clearance data and to identify trends and improvement areas
• Ensure that R&D is conducted safely, efficiently, and effectively
• Own and develop documentation and systems for conducting R&D projects including guidelines, document templates, project monitoring tools, use of Confluence
• Drive the adoption of successful technology and techniques across the organisation
• Provide advice and support to programme and HQ staff in relation to R&D, adoption of technology, and procurement of specialist equipment
• Oversee internal communication on HALO’s R&D activities and plans
• Monitor developments in humanitarian demining and broader technology fields to identify opportunities
• Represent HALO in international forums on innovation in mine action through participation in events, writing articles, and engaging with the media (in coordination with the HQ Communications Department)
• Lead on relationships with key external stakeholders relevant to R&D including donors, suppliers, and academics
• Work with the Strategy and Fundraising Departments to identify and secure funding from public and private sources
• Oversee donor contracts related to R&D funding, including proposal submissions, reporting, financial monitoring, and liaising with donors, including for the global US Humanitarian Demining R&D Program contract
• Oversee the recharging of R&D staff time to contracts in line with agreed targets and programme budgets
• Monitor spending of HQ funds in relation to the R&D department
• Provide effective leadership of a dispersed and continuously travelling team while liaising closely with management staff in the Programmes Group
• Manage the members of the R&D team (expected to be seven staff in 2025), handling administrative and managerial duties, setting priorities, workplans, travel schedules, and reviewing plans and reports
• Advise the Director of Capability on the structure of the department and requirements for additional staff or changes of role, and lead on the recruitment of new staff if required
• Support team development through mentoring, delegation, and guidance
• Manage any contractors working directly with the R&D team
• Collaborate with and support other activities within the Capability Directorate or elsewhere as required
• Assist with the development of global standards and policy in relation to safety and operational methods
• Uphold HALO’s core values and standards, promoting its ethos and mission statement
• Ensure familiarity with and adhere to all HALO policies and procedures and keep informed of HALO activities
• Act as Duty Officer as and when required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in technical or related subject
• Five years’ experience in Humanitarian Mine Action operations, including supervision, quality management, procedural development, and equipment trials

Benefits

• Annual Leave: 28 days (3 to be used at Christmas) plus 8 statutory holidays
• Non-contributory life assurance (3 x times salary)
• Private medical health cover
• Pension contributions matched by HALO up to 5%
• Emergency medical insurance when travelling overseas
• Flexible working policy