Central African Republic: Advisor Repsonse Preparedness

We help to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience by responding to disasters and crises. And by supporting Disaster Risk Reduction for communities and building the response capacity of Red Cross societies in disaster prone countries. In the Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC), we achieve this through sending specialist staff, knowledge, relief supplies and by financial support to sister Red Cross organizations.

Together, we act before, during and after disasters to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. We do this irrespective of nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion. Our seven principles guide our humanitarian work: humanity, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

The Disaster Response Unit (DRU) of the International Department coordinates NLRC’s activities for the provision of direct, efficient and effective support to victims of conflicts, crisis and (natural) disasters. Through the international network of the IFRC, ICRC and bilateral NLRC presence in various countries, we work on immediate disaster response & relief, early recovery and preparedness for response.

Within the context of the latter, we are looking for a Technical Advisor Response Preparedness to strengthen our team.

Position title: Advisor Response Preparedness (RP)

Duty station: Africa and Middle East

Time period: January 2016 – December 2016 with possible extension

Starting Date: 1 January 2016

Status: Single posting.

****Purpose of the position****

To support a select number of sister Red Cross National Societies (NS) to build their capacity in effective emergency response through long distance support and visits of a technical and strategic nature to support the implementation of improved field activities.

****Tasks and responsibilities****

Provide technical advice to the Disaster Management (DM) staff of 5 National Societies on improved disaster response capacity. And ensure, promote and facilitate interlinkage and knowledge exchange between all partners in the program. The Technical Advisor RP connects the needs of NS’ with the available tools and expertise on RP and keeps partners informed on all RP activities and tools developed within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.

Main tasks:

• Facilitate RP support, available at the IFRC Secretariat and NLRC HQ, to the 5 NS’ or directly provide technical assistance.
• Encourage the NS’ to request for technical support, trainings and use of M&E tools and stimulate peer learning across the 5 NS’. Ensure the use of guidelines, tools and knowledge on Cash Transfer Programming (CTP), Emergency Needs Assessment, secondary data analysis, information management, WASH innovations, Forecast based Financing (FbF) and other core RP activities by NS’ and ensure the translation thereof into field activities.
• Visit each of the NS’ 2 times per year as agreed upon with- and needed by the NS’. Offer or facilitate technical support through face to face meetings, trainings, simulations, learning by doing exercises and remote coaching.
• Ensure innovative components (FbF, CTP, etc.) are fully embedded in RP activities (such as contingency planning).
• Coordinate technical support on needs identified by expertise inside or outside the program partners
• Advocate for- and monitor involvement of NS’ leaders, relevant departments and external stakeholders in the implementation of and awareness on RP.
• Contribute to the development and roll-out of IFRC wide global Cash based programming and information management standards, tools, and procedures in the 5 NS’.
• Document examples of good practice and roll-out of innovative developments regarding RP.

****Profile candidate****

• University degree in Disaster Management/Disaster Response or equivalent experience and knowledge.
• At least three years (field)experience in disaster management or response in humanitarian operations of which at least two in an implementing role in humanitarian emergency response operations that include CTP and ENA in at least one context. Experience living and working in the (multicultural) field and in insecure settings strongly desired.
• Proven experience and skills in capacity building with NS’ or partner organizations.
• Proven experience in on the job training and coaching and in transferring knowledge in an advisory role or trainings.
• Knowledge of response preparedness and recovery and commitment to a holistic approach to disaster management.
• Preferably, experience working in or knowledge of the RCRC Movement.
• Experience in monitoring & evaluation in a humanitarian (field) context is an asset.
• Preferably acquaintance with IFRC Disaster Management tools (FACT, RDRT, ERU, VCA and others) or equivalent DR tools.
• Technical training in design, implementation and monitoring relief operations that include cash transfer programming, information management, and disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

Knowledge and skills

• Excellent interpersonal, diplomacy, communication and negotiating skills.
• Comfortable with computer programs (Windows, Excel, Word, e-mail) and internet.
• Proven skills in strategic and operational planning, budgeting and reporting.
• Keen interest in keeping track of new developments on data management in humanitarian programs.
• Fluent in French and English.
• Good command of Arabic is an asset.

****We offer****

• A full time appointment (based on 40-hour work week) for 1 year, with the possibility of extension.
• Well balanced conditions of employment depending on relevant professional work experience
• A flexible and people-oriented working environment in an international organization.

• Please apply by submitting your CV and motivation letter in English before 23 October 2015 using our online application tool http://werkenbij.rodekruis.nl/en/Vacancy/Apply/53596.
• For additional information on the RP program, please contact ms. Joke Reijven, jreijven@redcross.nl
• Please note that an assessment may be part of the selection process.
• First selection interviews will be held in week 46 & 47.
• Note! This position is dependent on funding, which will be confirmed by the end of this year.