Regional disaster management coordinator

Purpose of position:

Building on Strategy 2010, the Federation of the Future process establishes a clear focus for the International Federation by setting out the Red Cross/Red Crescent Global Agenda and the Framework for Action. The International Federation secretariat coordinates and supports the collective efforts of the International Federation membership to better address the increasing number of humanitarian challenges in the world.

The 'Asia Pacific Zone Disaster Management Team' comprises the four Regional Disaster Management Coordinators based in Suva, Beijing, New Delhi and Bangkok, supported by an Asia Pacific Zone Disaster Management Coordinator and the Asia Pacific Disaster Management Unit.

In the Pacific region, the focus of Disaster Management secretariat support is on:

- Assisting NS in implementing integrated approaches to disaster management with a focus on building the resilience of vulnerable communities.
- Supporting NS in preparing for and responding to disasters and linking to regional and global disaster response tools.
- Facilitating the involvement of and contribution of NS to global programs with a focus on the Disaster Risk Reduction activities and the Federation's global alliance.
- Supporting regional networks such including the Emergency Management Core Group and the Disaster Management Forum.
- Linking Disaster Management with Health & Care and Organisational Development.

The Regional Disaster Management Coordinator will be responsible for the line management of the Disaster Risk Reduction Delegate. In addition the Regional DMC acts as the budget holder for the regional programme.

Ensure overall guidance and support for the implementation of the Federation's disaster management programs and co-ordination of emergency operations within the region.

The Regional Disaster Management Coordinator, in co-operation with the Disaster Risk Reduction Delegate, is responsible for analyzing hazard risk, developing capacity, scaling up programs and providing updates on advances and key issues within the disaster management environment to support National Societies focus on building the resilience of local communities through a holistic disaster management approach.

Key tasks and responsibilties:
Policy and planning:

- Implement the region-wide, medium-term DM strategic plan (based on disaster risk and the well prepared national society analysis; comprising capacity building, DM information systems, disaster reduction measures, etc).
- Encourage national societies to undertake annual/and longer term planning processes.
- Assist national societies in building their institutional preparedness, linking local, regional and Federation and governmental policies, strategies and procedures.
- Support the Regional Emergency Management Core Group in identifying and addressing key and emerging issues within the regional through collective action and exchange.
- Support national societies to become integrated within governmental frameworks, with clear roles and responsibilities assigned.

Disaster Risk Reduction:

Guiding the Disaster Risk Reduction Delegate:
- Support national societies in scaling up their disaster risk reduction initiatives at the national, branch and local levels and the coordination of initiatives with non-Red Cross organisations
- Increase knowledge of the Federation's Disaster Risk Reduction policies and the Disaster Risk Reduction Global Alliance, through assisting national societies translate these into their individual context
- To expand and consolidate the community based assessment and planning process drawing on Federation tools such as Vulnerability Capacity Assessment and Emergency Assessment guidelines.
- To provide technical advice on issues related to Climate Change and assist NS in the implementation of the Preparedness for Climate Change program.

Disaster Preparedness:

- Provide support to disaster preparedness activities based on hazard risk profiles and national society capacity, i.e. early warning systems, conflict preparedness (in conjunction with ICRC), VCA.
- Assist national societies in the development of their staff (including training/other opportunities to enhance skills, competencies, experience, etc.) through formal and informal training.
- Support national societies in the development of their response preparedness through the development of contingency plans, standard operating procedures, national disaster response teams, regional disaster response team, logistics procedures and pre-positioning of relief supplies.

Emergency response:

- Ensure co-ordination of the International Federation's support to emergency response operations is in line with global policies, codes and standards in cooperation with the Asia Pacific Zone.
- Provide, when necessary, leadership and direction to national societies and International Federation delegations/offices facing complex/sudden-onset disasters, intervening directly and expeditiously if international assistance is requested.
- Support national societies and International Federation delegations/offices understanding and engage with the UN Humanitarian Reform process especially the Cluster approach.

Disaster management information and knowledge sharing:
- Oversee the collation of accurate and timely reports from national societies for the International Federation/donors fully utilising appropriate DM information tools, i.e. DMIS
- Ensure that lessons learnt and good practice from disaster management are compiled and used to improve future planning, programming and implementation, and that they are shared within the region as well as with the Asia Pacific Zone for wider dissemination.
- Increase knowledge of the Federation policies, guidelines and other quality standards tools to assist national societies in the development of their capacity and accountability to beneficiaries.

Coordination:

- Ensure strong links with Movement members (particularly with the ICRC and with PNS operating bilaterally within the region) and key external agencies, i.e. IOs, UN agencies/DM Team, INGOs, etc.
- Represent the International Federation in disaster management at regional and national meetings, etc. including government authorities, international, national organisations, and donors.
- Support national societies in accessing global, regional and national financial resources for DM programming.
- Encourage integration of national society DM programmes with other departments, e.g. health and organisational development.

Management:

- Provide line management for Disaster Risk Reduction Delegate in her/his support to NS DRR programming.
- Act as budget holder for the Unit. Responsible for overall financial management of Unit.
- Liaise with donors at global, regional and national level to ensure a broad portfolio of partners provide long-term support to the regional and national society DM programmes
- Oversee finalisation of reports/documentation (including International Federation Programme Updates, Annual Reports, Annual Appeal, donor reports, etc.)
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.

Required Qualifications
Education:
University degree (or equivalent) in relevant discipline (Disaster Management, etc.)

Relevant professional training courses (Red Cross/Red Crescent related, humanitarian and development sector, management, etc.)
Relevant post-graduate degree (preferred)

Experience:

- Minimum of 5 years work experience in the international sector, focused on humanitarian needs (disaster preparedness, prevention, mitigation, response etc.)
- Minimum of 3 years work experience with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, including time in the field and/or with a National Society
- Management of a team with a minimum of 2 staff members
- Work experience with other international organisations, large NGOs and/or governmental development agencies (preferred).

Skills:

- Ability to lead and manage in a diverse cultural context
- Strong knowledge of information sharing tools, and the ability to implement them
- Highly organised, with ability to create unified team approach
- Budget and financial management
- Demonstrated skill in analytical and strategic thinking
- Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
- Comfortable working with current donors and communicating with potential donors - in particular, with National Societies
- Knowledge of and first-hand experience with the Federation of the Future, including the New Operating Model, the Global Agenda and the Framework for Action (preferred)

Languages:

- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken english

Competencies:

- National Society relations
- Leadership
- Managerial effectiveness
- Communications
- Results focus & accountability