Emergency Manager at International Rescue Committee

Main Responsibilities

• The Emergency Manager will provide oversight in the delivery of DRR and EMERGENCY RESPONSE projects, identify strategic partners and develop an appropriate implementation strategy that ensures access to both safe water and hygiene/sanitation services. She/he will ensure that an engagement approach to working with communities and the local authorities, other partners is employed, and all activities are carried out in a way that upholds IRC core values, is sensitive to community needs and promotes the full and equal participation of women, men, children, youth, people with disabilities and special interest groups. Primary responsibilities include:

Project planning and design

• Spearhead rapid/field needs assessment including Baseline surveys in emergency response activities and determining most technically appropriate water supply and sanitation options.
• Lead in the design and development of relevant specifications and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Emergency response initiatives.
• Develop and implement an appropriate and effective strategy in consultation with other emergency response staff and field managers.
• Support in the identification of and planning for disaster and project risks.
• Ensure that all projects are aligned to the country strategy and priority areas.

Project implementation

• Manage the emergency response projects to meet the project objectives within the approved budgets and time limit.
• Continuously monitor and supervise emergency response  activities, overseeing the technical design, execution, and evaluation of progress.
• Review and approval of tender documents including technical specifications, bill of quantities, drawings, and terms of reference.
• Ensure integration of DRR, beneficiary participation and accountability mechanisms in all aspects of the project.
• Ensure effective and efficient management of project contracts for third party entities including consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
• Build and maintain a good working relationship with contractors, partners, stakeholders and clients.

Project monitoring and evaluation

• In consultation with MEAL develop a robust monitoring and evaluation framework within the required standards.
• Supervise emergency response activities in strict adherence to agreed SOPs, IRC Kenya policies, Kenya government regulations and standards, the donor’s guideline, and the humanitarian standards.
• Ensure timely delivery of projects activities including payments to suppliers, consultants, and contractors.
• Ensure that up to date project documents are in place including approved work plans, log frame, risk matrix, detailed project implementation plan and financial forecasts.
• Ensure water safety and disaster risk management plans for the water supply projects are in place.

Fundraising and networking

• Develop new proposals, linked to the country SAP, in consultation with the relevant managers.
• Participate in relevant networks to ensure IRC is appropriately represented regarding humanitarian interventions, including relevant UN cluster meetings and line ministries.

Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of emergency response interventions including progress reports,    
• monthly, quarterly, semi- annual and end of projects reports in accordance with donors’ and
• IRC Kenya requirements.
• Provide regular updates on emergency response activities and program progress against work plan as may be required.
• Maintain an up-to-date activity and indicator tracking tool (soft copies and hard copies) of all emergency response  activities.
• Ensure proper documentation of lessons learnt and best management practices.
• Actively participate in inter-sectoral activities.
• Support department in other tasks, roles and, responsibilities as may be assigned to by the supervisor.

Staff Management

• Ensure that emergency response staff adhere to the IRC core values, code of conduct, policies, and established ways of working.
• Provide mentorship and technical supervision for emergency response staff including day-to-day management, development and training, appraisals, etc.
• Facilitate regular meetings to assist in sharing information between project staff, to ensure all staff members are aware of project objectives, progress, current work plans and to provide the opportunity for feedback.
• Assess the training needs of emergency response staff and ensure that appropriate training is provided/conducted

Required Qualifications:

• Degree in environmental health science, community development, social development, nursing, public health, or related field. A minimum of Three years’ experience working/programming in emergency response, humanitarian work or development.

Required Experience & Competencies:

• Minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in WASH, Public health, community development, emergency response
• Strong understanding on humanitarian standards, disease outbreaks and response.
• Experience in community engagement approaches, participatory approaches, and community negotiation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with a team.
• Ability to conduct community humanitarian needs assessment, program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of emergency response activities.
• Good understanding of the humanitarian standards.
• Good computer application skills (MS-Office).

End Date: September 3rd, 2026