Job For Senior Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager at the International Rescue Committee, 8th May, 2019

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to people affected by war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home. We are recruiting to fill the position below:     Job Title: Senior Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager Requisition ID: req4908 Location: Nigeria Sector: Emergency Response Employment Category: Fixed Term Employment Type: Full-Time Scope of Work

• IRC Nigeria seeks an experienced, dynamic individual for the role of Emergency Preparedness and Response Senior Manager Coordinate and supporting the country programme in the development and implementation of the Emergency Preparedness Plan and provide key cross-sector, cross-functional support to the Country Emergency Team ‘CET’ when deployed in response to a specific humanitarian response.
• The Emergency Preparedness and Response Senior Manager will be responsible for ensuring quality, coordinated, rapid emergency response, with an emphasis on timeliness and best use of resources; leading and building staff capacity on preparedness initiatives; and supporting the integration of DRR into program development where feasible.
• The Emergency Preparedness and Response Senior Manager’s responsibilities will also include working closely with Base Managers, Senior Programme Coordinators, Programme Sector Coordinators, M and E staff  on coordinated assessment and information gathering on early warning and emergency impacts; representation at various forums; and liaison with diverse stakeholders including IRC technical units, government partners, and international and local NGOs.

• Coach and mentor CET staff and field based  counterparts on emergency preparedness and response and link in to wider organisational talent development mechanisms
• Work closely with M&E unit to ensure data collection and monitoring tools are aligned with and responsive to emergency program M&E frameworks, core indicators, and inclusive of the particular needs of vulnerable groups
• Support  and facilitate the country programme and the SMT  in the annual  process of the emergency preparedness planning cycle leading in the design and development of a country owned EPP
• Provide support to country programme, CET and  field based staff on emergency preparedness issues, including delivery of training and simulations (emergency preparedness / emergency response trainings)
• Work in closely  with HR Coordinator and maintain the CET register, ensure its up to date and recruit replacement staff as and when required
• Closely monitor and stay up to date on context-specific factors informing and/or impacting IRC EPP e.g. early warning data, security and access issues, other actor mapping, and make recommendations to SMT and program teams accordingly.

• Oversee the implementation of first line emergency response projects, ensuring timely procurement, spending, and implementation plans and that overall stated goals and objectives are tracked and met before transition and merger with regular programming or exit
• Closely monitor and manage program spending and serve as budget manager for emergency response grants.
• Ensure compliance with IRC policy, procedures and practices throughout preparedness and emergency response activities, including adherence to Do No Harm principles
• Initiate, and as necessary lead, needs assessments and data collection to feed into project design; Support field teams where needed to develop/refine tools for, and/or conduct and compile information from, rapid assessments.
• Lead and coordinate the design and delivery of IRC emergency interventions in response to e.g. displacement to due to conflict or natural disasters, disease outbreak, and other emergencies as they arise and based on needs
• Ensure an integrated sector approach when implementing a response through engagement and consultation with Programme Sector leads from the inception of the response
• Work closely with Grants and Finance departments in the development of budgets and proposals for emergency preparedness and response interventions, coordinating with other technical leads/specialist on project design and proposal development inputs

• In collaboration with field coordinators and security focal points, closely monitor and communicate with key staff as needed on new or anticipated developments in population movements, security context, accessibility constraints, and natural or environmental phenomena.
• Liaise with and support operational functions in their roles in effectively designing and delivering preparedness and response, particularly on cash, prepositioning, and timely procurement.
• Coordinate with Programme Sector Coordinators and ensure  IRC is adequately represented at relevant national level forums (e.g. cluster, working groups, and other coordination meetings; launches and briefings) providing feedback, analysis and recommendations to the SMT
• Identify opportunities for and take forward concrete actions toward enhancing coordination with other NGOs  during the onset of a rapid onset emergency response
• In coordination with Senior Programme Coordinators, Field Coordinators and Base Managers facilitate donor and HQ visits to the program sites.

• As required, compile or contribute to the writing of assessment and project reports.
• Compile and disseminate any data, reports, briefings, etc. (IRC’s or other agencies’) relevant to IRC preparedness and response activities in a timely fashion.
• Contribute to the design and development of program briefing materials, and provide timely, quality inputs to information requests from IRC regional and HQ management and donors.
• Lead the compiling and writing of periodic situation reports as required.

• Internal: Deputy Directors ( Field Management, Programs , Operations); Country Finance Controller, Finance, Grants; M&E Coordinator; Sector Leads; Supply Chain Coordinator; Field Coordinators; Base Managers, CET members, Regional Emergency Coordinator; key staff in IRC regional/HQ Emergency Unit.
• External: Other humanitarian organizations; relevant Cluster leads; donors, as required.

• Exceptional coordination and inter-personal skills
• Background in situation analysis, needs assessments and project management.
• Demonstrably excellent written and oral communication skills; strong English writing skills required.
• Experience with cash programming is a plus
• Familiarity with major donor rules and regulations (e.g. USAID/OFDA, ECHO, DFID, UNOCHA, SIDA)
• Proficient in MS Office, MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint
• Flexibility to adapt to changing demands and the ability to work under pressure are essential
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field from a recognized university with at least six years of relevant work experience; or, master’s degree in relevant field from a recognized university with at least three years of relevant work experience
• Experience must include work in a similar role within international humanitarian/emergency contexts

• Ability to work under pressure, long work hours, and high workload.
• Ability to independently organize work and prioritize tasks.
• Self-motivated, honest, highly responsible, and punctual.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.