Emergency Response Manager at International Rescue Committee

Position Summary:

IRC is seeking an Emergency Response Manager (ERM) for TeachWell, a private foundation-funded five-year project that started in September 2023 and aims at strengthening children’s integrated skill development through improvement of teacher professional development in refugee counties in Kenya. The ERM will be responsible in leading and supporting in the implementation of the Crisis Modifier (CM) component of the TeachWell project. S/he will work closely with the Education and Emergency Coordinators to ensure appropriate response to education emergencies we may encounter in Turkana and Garissa Counties. S/he will be responsible for monitoring of the identified Crisis triggers and launching a response to those triggers, working with partners on our education emergency response, work in close coordination with the Technical Coordinators, Grants and Partnership teams and Consortium Partners to ensure timely triggering of the crisis modifier. They will coordinate with the Deputy Project Director (DPD), project Technical Lead and the MEAL Advisor to ensure the Crisis Modifier activities are well integrated with the other components of the project.

Job Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership on developing the DRR/ CM strategy for the project and supporting the respective staff.
• Ensures the availability of an up-to-date Crisis Modifier for the TeachWell Project
• Lead the review of the crisis response interventions and plans that feed into the crisis modifier.
• Ensure that IRC and consortium partners have adequate technical support on all issues relevant to the management of the TW crisis modifier.
• Ensure the triggered initiatives are carried out in accordance with the Sphere Minimum Standards and Humanitarian Charter in disaster response, IRC values and the Red Cross Code of Conduct.
• Coordinate TeachWell Participation in multiagency field assessments (seasonal, rapid) in the event of an emergency with field program teams as well as with consortium partners.
• Assist the project team and consortium partners in surveys, assessments, of potential hazards, in implementation and monitoring of the crisis modifier.
• Work closely with the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Nutrition, Health, Education, Economic Recovery and Development (ERD), Women Protection and Empowerment (WPE) & Protection teams on developing tools and guidelines for integrated response interventions for emergencies in education and ensure their application.
• In consultation with the Emergency Coordinator identify the knowledge gaps and support in the capacity building of project staff and consortium partners to foster the crisis mitigation and response.
• Assist consortium partners in preparation and review of emergency response proposals.
• With guidance from the ERD & Emergency Coordinator’s, assist in Cash and voucher Programming initiatives and emergency preparedness micro planning.

Programs Management

Grant, Budget and procurement Monitoring and Management

• Manage donor funded emergency stocks, including responsibility of procurement planning, ensure quality of procured items, management of stock levels and onward donation to consortium partners.
• Manage the crisis modifier budget lines and take lead in conjunction with the DPD to ensure prudent spending and disbursements to partners and IRC direct activities.
• Assist in tracking and review of spending and ensure spending is in line with original plan and aligned with the crisis modifier response plan.
• Assist in preparation of procurement plans for relevant materials and services.
• Assist in dispatch, distribution, tracking and documentation of supplies in different disaster affected areas.
• Assist the DPD to ensure timely corrective action is taken by partners/consortium members when required.

Reports and Proposals

• Assist in the review of relevant forecasts to support appropriate responses.
• Coordinate the preparation of situation briefs and response reports for initiatives triggered under the crisis modifier including review of the Crisis Modifier interventions tracking data sheets.
• Review of proposals and scheduled reports from consortium partners and IRC for direct interventions as per the Crisis Modifier requirements.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• With support from the MEAL Advisor ensures the setup, implementation and monitoring for the Crisis Modifier interventions including client feedback mechanisms.
• Participate and assist in the monitoring of the implementation of initiatives triggered under the crisis modifier.
• Assist in facilitation of donor monitoring visits and project evaluations under the Crisis Modifier
• Participate in post intervention assessments in coordination with the MEAL, DRR, WASH, WPE, ERD, Nutrition, Health, Education and Protection program units.

Representation, Coordination and Working Relationship

• Support in representation with external partners on the role of the TeachWell project in responding to emergencies in education in support of minimizing interruptions to learning.
• Work closely with IRC Kenya technical units to ensure integration and teamwork.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of BSc/BA in social sciences, Education, disaster management, and any related field of studies from a recognized University. A Postgraduate qualification is preferred.
• At least 3 years of work experience in disaster management, humanitarian response, early warning, education in emergencies.
• At least 3 years’ experience in leading and coordinating programs in a similar context.
• Knowledge and understanding of current humanitarian contexts and management of education in emergencies.
• Previous coordination experience on multi sector's intervention.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong communication, networking, and representation skills.
• Self-motivated, transparent, and highly responsible.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as to work autonomously when required.
• Have excellent skills in coordination and collaboration with external collaborators.

Skills Required

• Confirmed management experience.
• Excellent project management skills. Ability to plan, prioritize, organize, and supervise implementation of emergency responses.
• Excellent report and proposal writing skills for emergency contexts.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of current humanitarian contexts and management of emergencies in Kenya.
• Understanding of humanitarian standards including SPHERE, Core Humanitarian Standards, Humanitarian Inclusion Standards, education in emergencies.
• Ability to remain calm in unexpected situations during emergencies.
• Good computer skills - Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and e-mail) and use of SPSS and related software
• Ability to organizing and facilitation of trainings.
• Skills and experience in staff management, budget management and building effective teams.
• Have excellent skills on coordination and integration with government actors and other partners.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to Work in hardship areas and have good stress management skills.

Reports to: TeachWell Deputy Project Director
MIP report to: Emergency Coordinator
Working Environment: Standard office environment, based in Nairobi. 50% travel to project locations.