Disaster law programme coordinator for Africa

Background:

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 187 member National Societies. The IFRC acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies in order to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. Our work is guided by seven fundamental principles (humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality) and by Strategy 2020, which voices our collective vision and determination to move forward in tackling the major challenges that confront humanity in the present decade.

Purpose of position:

The Disaster Law Programme Coordinator for Africa is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the work of the DLP in Africa, at the country level and in appropriate regional fora. It is further responsible for connecting disaster law advocacy with the disaster management, humanitarian diplomacy and related initiatives of the Africa Zone.

Description of Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Overall responsibilities:

• Ensure the implementation of the Disaster Law Operational Plan for 2013-14 in Africa

• Provide input from Africa to global disaster law initiatives

• Manage the DLP staff, interns and consultants in Africa

Specific duties:

• Provide support on disaster law issues to governments, in particular through the initiation, management and timely implementation of high-quality disaster law technical assistance projects.

• Undertake capacity building of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and other relevant actors on disaster law, including through organizing and conducting training workshops and the cultivation of a regional peer network.

• Advocate for regional action on disaster law issues by key regional organizations, including the African Union and relevant Regional Economic Cooperation bodies.

• Disseminate disaster law messages and information to key stakeholders such as National Societies, States, UN agencies, NGOs and academic institutions in Africa. Activities include delivering presentations at relevant meetings, and drafting articles and papers.

• In coordination with relevant colleagues, seek programme support from donors and ensure timely and accurate reporting to them as required.

•  Provide managerial oversight to programme interns and consultants as required.

• Provide support on behalf Africa to Global IDRL Programme activities, including but not limited to:
  
  - regional preparations on disaster law aspects of statutory meetings
  - development of new comparative research on legal issues in disaster management, including with regard to disaster risk reduction and shelter,
  - participation in the development of global technical assistance and capacity building products, such as models, guides and manuals
  - cooperation in the development of communications tools, such as the programme's newsletters, reports and videos, and events,
  - participation in the development of the 2014-15 Operational Plan and other strategic documents.

Duties applicable to all staff:

• Actively work towards the achievement of the Secretariat's goals.

• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross Red Crescent principles.

• Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Position Requirements

Education:
Masters degree or equivalent in law, international relations or humanitarian affairs

Experience:

• At least seven years of legal work experience

• Experience in project management/planning

• Experience in disaster management/humanitarian response

• Experience in legal/academic writing and drafting

• Experience within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

• Experience with technical assistance in the development of legislation, including in developing countries

• Experience with high-level inter-governmental conferences and diplomatic advocacy

Knowledge and Skills:

• Good knowledge of international and national law and policy-making processes

• General understanding of disaster preparedness and management concepts

• General understanding of the global humanitarian system

• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written

Languages:
Fluent spoken and written English and French