Non-Technical Surveys (NTS) are essential for determining how to allocate limited resources in the land release process.Therefore, it is not only important that these Surveys be of a high quality,but also that more effort be placed into training and equipping NTS teams, coaching their command-structures and verifying and analyzing survey information. Strong communication between the teams conducting the surveys and the staff responsible for analysis and information management is also essential.
This training course will be held at the demining center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The demining center which is especially suited to the practical exercises for NTS and scenario–based training is located in Kamjanez-Podolsky, Oblast Chmelnyzkyj in Ukraine. By enhancing the role of NTS, operational outcomes will improve, along with increased precision in determining how to distribute scarce resources to contaminated areas.
Successful applicants will receive pre-course reading to assist with preparations and are advised that there will be a baseline test and a final test on the last day. The practical scenario exercises will also be evaluated by observers and feedback provided to participants. Upon successful completion participants will be awarded a certificate, participants who exceed expectations will be awarded a certificate of distinction.
The objectives for the training course will be to provide participants with:
•Up-to-date NTS methodologies, techniques and technologies;
• A real-life environment with practical exercises, scenarios and role playing to put the methods and techniques to test;
• A platform to raise questions and exchange views and good practices on NTS.
The course entails both theoretical and practical elements, with a focus on evidence–based approaches to NTS in various contexts and environments. This includes surveys for landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war. During the training, participants will acquire both the hard and soft skills required for effective NTS and test new methodologies and technologies.
This training course is aimed at field–personnel and NTS team leaders deployed in Ukraine to expand their knowledge, to learn more about survey and to explore best practices.
The number of participants is limited to 21 from or deployed in Ukraine (DoD, SESU,Special Transportation Service of Ukraine, HALO Trust, DDG). Preference will be given to individuals charged with the management and conduct of field–based surveys, or involved in training personnel for NTS. The GICHD will seek to ensure gender and diversity-balanced participation.
The participant shall be endorsed by his/her organization, self-nominations are not accepted. The course will be conducted in Ukrainian.
You will be informed about the decision regarding your application three weeks before the start of the course. Further information concerning facilities, clothing and equipment will be sent to successful candidates after the selection process.
GICHD.org / AP Mine Ban Convention / Mine Action Standards / IMSMA wiki / Collaborative ORDnance data repository / Convention on Cluster Munitions / Gender and Mine Action Programme