Disaster Management Senior Program Officer

PURPOSE: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies "Strategy 2020" recognizes the changing demography of the world, the increasing impact of climate change, unplanned urbanization, high levels of violence in society, involuntary migration pressures, new and emerging diseases, environmental degradation and the insecurity of access to water, food and natural resources as underlying causes of vulnerability. These trends are likely to result in different patterns of vulnerability as they interact in the future. Furthermore an already emerging pattern of increased small to medium scale disasters will require realignment of preparedness, response and recovery capacities of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.   In order to meet these challenges Strategy 2020 has three strategic aims, to: Aim 1- Save lives, protect livelihoods and prepare for and recover from disasters and crises. Aim 2- Enable safer and healthy living. Aim 3- Promote social inclusion and culture of non-violence. To achieve these ambitious aims the International Federation is seeking to build strong National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and able to meet the increasing humanitarian need by supporting the implementation of the zone's Disaster Management (Disaster Preparedness/Response/Recovery/Risk Reduction including Climate Change and Food Security/livelihood) strategic plan/framework and lead the co-ordination of Federation support to emergency operations within the Zone. The DM Senior program Officer will support DM unit members to achieve that in addition to giving support to the health unit.     DUTIES Applicable to All 1. Work towards the achievement of the Federation's  goals in the country/region of  operation  through effective managerial and lateral relations and teamwork 2.  Ensure understanding of roles, responsibilities, lateral relationships and accountabilities 3.  Perform other work related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the supervisor.   Specific DUTIES Responsibilities AND accountabilities Policy and planning:   support and strengthen the Federation’s work in promoting a holistic and integrated approach to disaster management  in line with the Federation’s  frameworks, strategies and approaches for community safety and resilience, including climate change adaptation/mitigation, and  food security/livelihoods  through the development, , implementation and monitoring of, a Zone wide Disaster Management strategy.   Monitor ongoing, developing and potential future disasters and provide regular feedback on emerging trends to the Zone DM coordinator Supporting the provision of technical support to national societies in the Zone to develop their Disaster Management capacity in line with Federation-wide and, regional policies and strategies.   Working with the DMU members to support national societies’ disaster management activities to become integrated within governmental frameworks.   Joining the representation of the MENA Zone in Disaster Management fora upon the need   Promote integrated planning with the OD, Health and other programmes   Monitor emerging/new partnering and resource opportunities in support of community-based safety and resilience programming.   Support the expanded community-based programming within existing mechanism for scaling-up, particularly Global Alliance for Disaster Risk. Preparedness:   Support relevant Disaster Preparedness programmes at national and regional levels with focus on priority countries based on risk profile, national society capacity, commitment and interest.   Working with DMU members to support processes and trainings for national societies to develop and maintain proper mechanisms, tools, guidelines, case studies systems and structures for managing emergencies (e.g. contingency plans based on VCAs, the national disaster risk analysis, assessment guidelines, reporting mechanisms etc.)   Support NSs to establish Community Based Early Warning Systems (CBEWS), to complement National, Regional and Global EWS.   Disaster Response:   Support the DM coordinator in Disasters and crisis structures’ activation, supporting necessary disaster response upon the need and helping in applying the response tools.   Encourage all emergency reporting requirements are met; this to be done in close cooperation with the in charge reporting person.   Recovery   Support DMU efforts to strengthen National Society capacity in recovery programming with a focus on building appropriate post disaster recovery plans and frameworks, enabling smooth transition from relief to recovery to longer term developmental programming.   Support National Societies to analyze and integrate food security and livelihoods, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation concerns into disaster preparedness, response and recovery programming.      Reporting, lessons learnt and knowledge sharing:   Ensure accurate and timely reports for the Federation and for donors according to approved guidelines. Support DMU members to compile lessons learnt and good practice from disaster management and use that to improve future planning, programming and implementation, that they are shared within the Zone as well as with the relevant departments in Geneva.   Resource mobilization   Support DMU to enhance resource mobilization and fund-raising capacity; in addition to mapping funding opportunities and support developing proposals   Health:   Assist the Health & Social Services Coordinator in the collection & analysis of health related information and relevant data. Assist the National Society health focal points in the implementation of health programme. Coordinate activities and identify areas of collaboration with health focal points at NSs level according to the needs. Assist in organizing relevant training courses and workshops.         Person specification Required Preferred General   In good mental & physical health x   Qualifications Basic Delegates Training Course and/or in-depth knowledge of the Red Cross Movement.   x Professional qualification in humanitarian aid and development or related experiences. University degree. x   Experience Experience of working for the Red Cross/Red Crescent         x   Minimum of 5 years of experience of working for a humanitarian aid organization in a developing country   x Skills Good knowledge of IFRC disaster management skills   x Good project management skills x   Ability to work in a cross-cultural and cross-functional environment x   Strong interpersonal skills and good understanding of the global organization x   Good communications skills x   Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks x   Self-supporting in computers (Windows, spreadsheets, word processing) x   Languages : Advanced level of English x   Skills in training and facilitating learning events x   Core competencies - a high degree of competence in Teamwork; commitment to the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement; integrity & personal conduct; sensitivity to diversity; flexibility & adaptability; initiative & direction; interpersonal skills; resilience; National Society Relations Results Focus & Accountability Communications.   x