Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Specialist at Norwegian Red Cross

Reporting to: ICRC Cooperation Coordinator
Contract: 12 months’ contract, with possibility for extension

Description

• The Norwegian Red Cross (NorCross) in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), an independent humanitarian organization whose mandate is to provide protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and internal disturbances, is looking for an Emergency preparedness and response (EPR) specialist. The EPR Specialist will be based in Abuja, Nigeria with frequent travel around the country to prioritized Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS) branches and to ICRC sub-delegations.
• The EPR Specialist, will directly work with Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS) at HQ and Branch level to improve the preparedness and response capacity in the branches already prioritized in the NRCS-ICRC partnership, while reinforcing the coordinating and supporting role of the HQ; will support and advise NRCS management and relevant NRCS departments in the coordination of EPR and disaster management (DM) activities and support from Movement partners; leads on the ICRC’s support to National Society’s EPR objectives countrywide, in close consultation with other Movement partners.
• The EPR specialist will work closely with the ICRC Cooperation Coordinator, deputizing as may be required, and liaise with all relevant ICRC departments operationally engaged with the NRCS on activities which include an EPR components, be it in the area of Health, Economic Security, RFL, dead body management or Wash. S/HE will also work closely with the ICRC Movement Cooperation Specialist – National Society Development based in Abuja, to ensure integration and cohesion among existing, and capacity strengthening initiatives, be it at HQ and Branch level.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
NS Emergency Response and Preparedness Support Lead:

• Working closely with the Movement Cooperation Coordinator and other colleagues in the Cooperation Department. Oversee design and implementation of ICRC’s contribution to overall NRCS EPR initiatives. While priority will lie on coordination with NRCS HQ and the operational priority on ICRC-supported NRCS branches, the delegate will be tasked to design and roll out an Emergency First Aid Team (EFAT) HQ and branch capacity assessment in all NRCS 37 branches, that will serve as a baseline for EFAT interventions and building the NRCS overall emergency response capacity.
• Analyse and summarize information relevant to EPR and related operational partnership between the ICRC and the National Society (NS).
• Work in close coordination with the ICRC Movement Cooperation Coordinator and other Cooperation colleagues, ensuring appropriate synergy with and investment from other relevant ICRC technical units/thematic files, and ensure that all ICRC Coordinators in units engaged in operational partnership with the NRCS are aware of the NRCS EPR initiatives and activities in the country and that they integrate that knowledge into their plans and operational strategies.
• Given the presence of the IFRC Country Cluster Office in Abuja and NRCS/IFRC ambitions in the Disaster Management and First Aid area, work closely with the IFRC on such matters as may be relevant to ensure effective coordination, complementarity, collaboration and cooperation.
• Coordinate and collaborate closely with in-country Partner National Societies (PNS), if any, which may also be providing EPR support to NRCS.

Provide and Coordinate Technical Support:

• Promote the strengthening of related NS capacities, providing appropriate advise/coaching to NS counterparts, enhancing compliance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Fundamental Principles, policies and resolutions.
• Facilitate and mobilise ICRC technical expertise (in coordination with the IFRC) and funding support related to EPR, where appropriate.
• Support/broker, as relevant and in close coordination and complementarity with NRCS’s partners, the development and review of NRCS EPR policies, processes, systems, structures, and human resources as shall be required, but with a specific focus on the Emergency First Aid teams (EFAT) following priority areas at HQ and Branches levels.

EPR Budget Management:

• Coordinate related internal ICRC and NRCS mechanisms in support of the project, ensuring requisite planning, implementation, documentation, appropriate fund management (requests, transfers and accountability), monitoring progress, and production and sharing of requisite financial and narrative reporting, documentation etc.
• As budget holder, lead the ICRC Cooperation Department’s monitoring of ICRC-funded EPR work of the NRCS.
• Maintain a good understanding of related risks affecting the NRCS and the EPR file, sharing with all internal ICRC and NRCS stakeholders as appropriate.
• External Coordination, Cooperation and Representation
• Participate as much as possible in established coordination fora (e.g. Disaster Management Technical Committee), update and mobilize relevant ICRC expertise within the Cooperation Department but also across ICRC’s technical and structural units, as required.
• Working closely with the Movement Cooperation Coordinator, play a lead role on Movement coordination notably to promote complementarity in OD initiatives, in particular those related to EPR and Disaster Management.
• Identify continued and further partnership opportunities with Movement and non-Movement partners, in support of NRCS EPR ambitions.
• Identify, disseminate and promote the application of learning from ICRC NS Development support
• Collate and disseminate lessons from evaluations and reviews relating to ICRC’s support work on NS EPR capacity enhancement.
• Support related learning within the ICRC Delegation.

We seek a person who:

• Is a self-starter makes things happen and is result oriented.
• Co-operates well with others; shares knowledge, experience and information and supports others in the pursuit of team goals.
• Develops people through delegation, empowerment and coaching; promotes career and self-development.
• Is committed to RCRC movement principles and values.

Education

• University degree in a related discipline.
• Master’s degree in Disaster Management or similar post-graduate qualification is a strong asset.

Essential experience:

• Previous international humanitarian and/or development experience in low-income countries (NGO's, IO or charity organization).
• Previous experience(s) within the Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement.
• Extensive work experience in Disaster Management and/or First Responders’ programming with a demonstrable track record.
• Demonstrable experience in project/programme/grant management.

Desired experience:

• Previous experience of supporting National Society EPR processes within the Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement including familiarity with related tools (e.g. SAF).
• Experience of working with volunteer-based organisations and/or systems.
• Previous experience of working in West and Central Africa.

Other skills:

• Excellent command (written and spoken) of English.
• International driving licence (manual gear) is required.

Operational constraints:

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the NorCross/ICRC do not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field.
• Please note that selected applications will be shared with ICRC Geneva.
• We do a thorough background check on relevant candidate.

Why should you apply?

• Meaningful: Youll be a part of the world's largest humanitarian organization, reaching the most vulnerable people in their local community.
• Impact: You will help National Societies in the region to become strong, self-sustained and accountable humanitarian actors.
• Career: You will be connected to an international organization with staff based all over the world
• A great place to work: You will work in a multicultural environment with hard-working, dedicated and fun colleagues with a strong culture of collaboration, continual improvement, and celebration of wins.