Program Manager - Emergency Command Centre at Emergency Response Africa (ERA)

Description 

• As the Command Centre Program Manager, you will play a critical role in overseeing the operations and coordination of emergency response activities within Ogun State.
• You will lead a team of medical and operations professionals responsible for safety and well-being of citizens by responding to emergency cases, managing crises, and implementing emergency procedures. You will also help to gather evidence to support the optimization and scale of the system to meet the changing needs of the population.
• The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, excellent decision-making abilities, an ability to manage complex operations, strong research skills, and excellent communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Emergency Response Leadership: Lead the organization's emergency response efforts, including coordinating with internal teams, external agencies, and stakeholders to ensure a prompt and effective response to emergencies and disasters.
• Situation Analysis and Reporting: Thoroughly gather evidence on the current state of emergency response operations, impact, challenges, and opportunities. Create a comprehensive situation report and business/impact case for optimization and scaling of the emergency response operations across the state.
• Team Management: Supervise and support a team of emergency management professionals, including paramedics, medical dispatchers, drivers, and community first responders. Provide guidance, training, and resources to enable team members to perform their roles effectively.
• Command Centre Operations: Oversee the operation of the emergency command centre, ensuring 24/7 readiness to monitor, assess, and respond to emergency situations. Coordinate communication, resource allocation, and decision-making processes during emergencies.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Foster strong partnerships and collaboration with internal departments, external agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders involved in emergency response and recovery efforts.
• Training and Exercises: Develop and conduct training programs, drills, and exercises to ensure staff readiness and competency in emergency response procedures. Evaluate performance during exercises and identify areas for improvement.
• Emergency Planning and Preparedness: Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive emergency response plans, procedures, and protocols to address a wide range of potential emergencies, including natural disasters, security threats, and public health crises.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Conduct risk assessments and vulnerability analyses to identify potential threats and hazards. Develop strategies and mitigation measures to reduce risks and enhance organizational resilience.
• Incident Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for managing major incidents and emergencies. Activate and lead incident management teams as needed, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.
• Communication and Public Relations: Develop communication strategies and protocols for internal and external stakeholders during emergencies. Ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information to minimize confusion and facilitate informed decision-making.
• Performance Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the effectiveness of emergency response activities. Monitor performance, analyze data, and implement improvements based on lessons learned.

Qualifications

• MBBS or Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience in healthcare, emergency management, disaster response, or a related field, with at least 5 years of leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of emergency management principles, procedures, and best practices.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff in high-pressure situations.
• Exceptional decision-making, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in technology use and triage protocols.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and respond to emergencies on short notice.

Working Conditions

• This role operates primarily in an office environment but may involve fieldwork and on-call responsibilities. The position requires the ability to work under pressure in high-stress situations.