Aruba (The Netherlands): Roving Response Preparedness Project Manager

We help to strengthen resilience of vulnerable people exposed to hazards and crisis situations and we respond to disasters and conflicts to save lives and alleviate suffering. In the Netherlands with more than thirty thousand volunteers and internationally through technical assistance, supplies and money. Together we act before, during and after disasters to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.

We do this without regards to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion. Our seven principles guide our humanitarian work: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

The International Assistance department is responsible for all Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) international support for victims of disasters and conflicts and for vulnerable people exposed to hazards.

The International Assistance department has opened a vacancy for a roving Response Preparedness delegate.

Position title: Roving Response Preparedness Project Manager Caribbean

Duty station: Aruba or Curacao, with frequent travel to other islands

Time period: 12 months initially

Starting Date: January, 2019

Status: Single posting

Purpose of the position

The main purpose of the position is to manage and oversee the implementation of the Response Preparedness (RP) project in the Dutch Caribbean, which entails providing organizational support to the 6 Dutch Caribbean branches in improving preparedness and emergency response capacities, setting up regional response mechanisms, and improve the link between branch level, regional level, and NLRC HQ level for disaster preparedness and response in the region.

Background

The Netherlands Red Cross has branches on 6 Caribbean islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius). These branches are part of the NLRC and are active in disaster management and the implementation of social projects with a focus on the most vulnerable people in the local communities. On Sint Maarten a large scale hurricane recovery programme is being implemented. The recovery programme is setup on three main pillars, focusing on 1) shelter & sheltering, 2) economic security, 3) disaster preparedness and risk reduction. Part of the third pillar is to improve disaster preparedness and response capacities for all the Dutch Caribbean branches. This is already a core activity for all branches, but requires strengthening and better regional and international links.

As a core activity of the branches, this specific project is one of the main activities designed to include lessons learned from the St Maarten response and improve long term capacities on organizational perspective. As such, sustainability and tailoring approaches on each island is an important aspect in developing the full project proposal and strategy.

Position in the organization

The Response Preparedness delegate reports to the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator of the NLRC Caribbean desk, under responsibility of the Program Manager for the Sint Maarten desk. Locally the delegate links closely with the branch managers and the Board of each branch. The position requires supporting and linking with all the Dutch Caribbean branches and relevant regional partners.

Summary statement and key responsibilities

• Coordinate and liaise with all six Dutch Caribbean branches, other regional National Societies and IFRC on disaster management.

• Assist in development of local and regional contingency planning and identification of related activities to prepare each branch for a range of natural and man-made hazards.

• Assist in the development of regional and local RFL (Restoring Family Links) capacity in close coordination with NLRC HQ.

• Link local mandates, vision and strategy of the Caribbean branches with mandates, vision and strategy of NLRC HQ and IFRC.

• Introduce IFRC branch development (BOCA) and IFRC response preparedness monitoring tools (DRCE, WPNS, or PER)

• Build Response Preparedness capacity of volunteers and staff within each branch by providing/organizing relevant trainings

• Formalise regional stock management on all six islands, but also with IFRC Panama and PIRAC Guadeloupe.

• Coordinate with NLRC Restoring Family Links unit, Dutch government on registration and evacuation policies, roles and mandates

• Provide regular intermediate reports and inputs towards all branches and to HQ on project updates, including formalized quarterly reporting.

• Adhere to the guiding principles of the Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement, Code of Conduct, Anti-Harassment policies

Requirements/Qualifications

Key qualifications

• Bachelor degree in relevant field, such as disaster management

• Extensive experience (>5 yrs) of working for a humanitarian aid organization (preferably in Disaster Management programming);

• At least 2 years’ experience internationally in managing field operations and team management in emergency or non-emergency setting;

• At least 2 years’ experience in project management, design, monitoring and evaluation;

• Knowledge of disaster response preparedness/Disaster Management

• Experience in (financial) planning and budgeting, programme management and reporting;

• Knowledge of the Red Cross Movement tools;

• Experience in working in political sensitive environments

• Experience in working with volunteers

• Strong communication and training / coaching skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience and proven competence in preparing financial reports and explanatory notes on deviations

• Excellent practical computer skills (including excellent command of Excel spreadsheets and accounting software, as well as strong competence in Windows, Word processing, internet and email)

• Fluency in English required. Dutch or Dutch-Caribbean Nationality is an advantage

• Affinity with the Caribbean Region is required

Key competencies

• Able to work in a team
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and personal conduct
• Flexible and adaptable to changing working conditions
• Self-motivated, with good judgment and initiative
• Ability to manage broad responsibilities with attention to detail
• Good interpersonal skills
• Stress resistant
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Hands on mentality

We offer

• A full time appointment (based on 40-hour work week) for 1 year, with the possibility of extension.

• A flexible and human centred working environment in an international environment with a variety of local and regional organizations.

• Well balanced employment conditions with space for initiative and development.

Please send your resume in English and a letter of motivation with reference to Rob Vugs before November 6, 2018 by using the following link: https://werkenbij.rodekruis.nl/nl/Vacancy/Postulate/113715

Interviews will start immediately after the 6^th of November with the aim to start deployment as of January 1, 2019.

For more information about the position, please contact Marion van der Reijden at mreijden@redcross.nl

An initial assessment of candidates short-listed is part of the selection procedure.

For more information of the work of the Netherlands Red Cross please go to www.rodekruis.nl. and www.rodekruis.tv. NLRC on Facebook: Facebook.com/rodekruis and Twitter: Twitter.com/rodekruis

Acquisition for this vacancy will not be appreciated