Drilling HSE Adviser
Job Description
KAR OG KH Block DMCC is seeking a qualified and experienced Drilling HSE Adviser to join our team in Erbil.
Job Summary:
The Drilling HSE Adviser ensures that KAR HSE policies are clearly understood and consistently applied across all drilling operation sites. The role is responsible for implementing HSE policies, processes, and systems to ensure that drilling, completion, well testing, and well intervention activities meet company governance requirements and the expectations of the Drilling Director and Regional HSE Management.
Key Responsibilities:
HSE & Compliance Management
- Implement drilling, completion, well testing, construction, and civil QA/HSE programs and procedures.
- Ensure full compliance with company policies, local regulations, and regional HSE requirements.
- Promote a strong safety culture through visible leadership (e.g., management by walking around).
- Lead and facilitate incident notification, investigation, and reporting processes.
- Conduct and lead incident investigations involving personnel and assets.
Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor effectiveness and maturity of HSE programs and report performance outcomes.
- Define and implement key HSE performance indicators for field operations.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across well delivery activities.
- Track, analyze, and close out audit findings, non-conformances, and corrective actions.
- Maintain registers for downgraded or non-compliant situations.
Field Supervision & Contractor Management
- Supervise and mentor wellsite HSE personnel and contractors to meet KAR standards.
- Monitor and evaluate third-party contractor HSE performance.
- Coordinate with HSE discipline experts (Safety, Health, Environment, Security).
- Participate in site planning and operational coordination meetings.
- Oversee high-risk operations including lifting, handling, confined space entry (CSE), and hot work.
Risk Management & Audits
- Participate in hazard identification, risk assessments, and safety studies.
- Plan and support audits and inspections of rigs, camps, and operational sites.
- Ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Review and approve emergency response plans (ERP), blowout contingency plans (BOCP), and oil spill plans.
Training & Capability Development
- Coordinate and deliver HSE, QA, and emergency response training programs.
- Review and maintain training materials, matrices, and competency records.
- Coach and mentor internal staff and third-party personnel.
- Oversee development of Wellsite QA/HSE advisors.
Operational HSE Support
- Conduct safety meetings, safety alerts, and toolbox talks.
- Perform regular STOP/PTW audits and hazard hunts.
- Support well testing operations, particularly in remote locations.
- Review method statements, risk assessments, and procedures for construction and drilling activities.
- Ensure compliance with lifting standards (e.g., LOLER) and recognized procedures.
Coordination & Administration
- Support administration of well control and oil spill response contracts.
- Coordinate HSE activities at top hole sites and remote operational areas.
- Assist wellsite supervisors in ensuring awareness of contingency and emergency plans.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Supervise supply base and field-based HSE personnel.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and performance oversight to HSE teams.
Requirements
Qualifications and Skills:
- Appropriate qualification – Minimum NEBOSH Certificate or recognized professional qualification.
- Must have a minimum of 7 to 10 years’ experience with an operator in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and safety management, or equivalent combination of education and/or relevant military experience.
- Working experience with an international drilling contractor preferred.
- Minimum 8 years working experience with exploration operations in remote locations in Kurdistan/Iraq.
- Professional Health & Safety accreditation.
- Proven mentoring of 3rd party personnel.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Professional Health & Safety accreditation required.
- Valid medical certificate and driver’s license.
Note: This position is predominantly field based outside of the office environment. Travel to remote work locations is required. Ability to navigate effectively on drilling rigs and associated camp support areas is necessary.