Job specification: The postholder plays a critical role in the readiness of Canines. He/She is the lead in overseeing canine operations, and ensuring K9 readiness, compliance with MOI K9 Training & Evaluation Directorate and aviation security standards, and effective deployment of K9 teams to check points for screening and patrols where required. The post holder works directly for the Head of the K9 Unit in managing the daily operations, canine logistics, and closely with the K9 Training Team in ensuring that all handlers and K9s are fully trained, certified and operationally effective. He/She works with the Unit Veterinarian in overseeing canine welfare, daily nutrition and daily kenneling activities. Finally, to support the Head of K9 Unit in liaising with regulatory authorities and ensuring compliance with the MOI Directorate of Training & Evaluation with Veterinary and Technical compliance standards required for certification, through drills, exercises and evaluations. Key Areas of Responsibility: a) Operational Oversight : • Supervise daily activities of K9 handlers and dogs across EDD and NDD teams. • Plan and coordinate deployment schedules for detection operations across all checkpoints. • Coordinate with airport security, and where necessary customs, and law enforcement for joint operations. • Ensure compliance with safety protocols and operational standards. • Ensure optimal rotation and rest schedules for dogs and handlers. b) Training & Development Support : • Coordinate schedules with the K9 Training staff for regular training sessions for EDD and NDD teams, including simulated threat scenarios. • Work with the K9 Training Staff to evaluate performance and readiness of K9 teams. • Implement continuous improvement strategies for detection accuracy. • Work with the Head of K9 Unit and the K9 Training staff to implement corrective training plans and maintain certification standards. c) Translation & Liaison Duties : • Translate operational briefings, SOPs, incident reports, and communications between multilingual teams. • Act as liaison and facilitate communication between international management/supervisors, local handlers, and airport authorities. • Ensure accurate real-time interpretation during joint operations, inspections, audits and emergency responses. d) Canine Welfare & Logistics : • Ensure proper nutrition, rest, and psychological well-being of dogs. • Monitor health, nutrition, and veterinary care schedules of all canine assets. • Coordinate with procurement for replenishment and upgrades. e) Administrative & Reporting : • Prepare mission reports, incident logs, and performance reviews. • Assist Head of K9 Unit in budget planning and procurement for K9 operations. f) Compliance & Policy Enforcement & Documentation : • Enforce SOPs are related to canine deployment, search protocols, and handler conduct. • Ensure adherence to international standards for detection dog use. • Monitor legal and ethical guidelines in narcotics and explosives detection. • Ensure adherence to Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority, MOI and international K9 deployment standards. • Maintain detailed logs of canine activity, detection results, and incident reports. • Assist Head of K9 Unit in preparation of monthly performance summaries and submit them to SEC Headquarters. g) Emergency Response & Incident Management : • Lead K9 response during bomb threats, suspicious packages, or narcotics interceptions. • Liaise with emergency services and provide translated briefings during crises. • Document and debrief all incidents for legal and operational review.

Education • Certifications in explosive detection, narcotics detection (essential). • Certifications in K9 Supervisory & Training (essential). • Canine handling & detection techniques (essential). • Managing Safely (IOSH) or equivalent (desirable). Experience • Applicant should preferably have proven supervisory experience in law enforcement or military K9 Units. • Minimum of 5-7 years in a K9 operations (EDD & NDD) role with domestic and international experience, preferably in airport or border security. • Experience of liaising with K9 Regulatory & Training authorities. • Experience of operating in post conflict, multicultural & low infrastructure environments. Computer Skills • Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office suit (user´s perspective) and able to manage other specific project/management software, provided the adequate training. Language Skills • Solid knowledge and command of written and spoken English (essential) and Arabic (essential). Training Requirements • Experience in delivery of K9 Training for EDD and/or NDD.