Consultant for Incident and Crisis Management Procedures

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to address the needs of communities in crisis, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, partnering with local organizations to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities. The organization is committed to adapting its strategies to the unique challenges faced in various environments, including those that are particularly difficult due to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security incidents and crises. As part of its mission, Mercy Corps continuously reviews and updates its operational procedures to ensure they align with best practices and the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Incident and Crisis Management Procedures is crucial for Mercy Corps as it embarks on a comprehensive review and update of its existing crisis management protocols. The consultant will play a pivotal role in ensuring that these procedures are not only current but also tailored to the specific needs of the organization following significant structural changes. The consultant will work closely with project leads from the Global Security and Emergency Response Teams to conduct a thorough review of existing processes, engage with key stakeholders, and draft updated procedures that reflect modern best practices. The ultimate goal is to create flexible and effective incident management procedures that can be applied at various levels within the organization, ensuring preparedness and responsiveness in the face of crises.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting a detailed review of existing incident management procedures and documentation, analyzing previous incidents and crisis after-action reviews, facilitating stakeholder engagement sessions to gather feedback, drafting new guidelines for incident management structures, and creating supporting documents such as templates and tools. The consultant will also assess the alignment of these procedures with relevant ISO standards and ensure that the drafted documents reference existing procedures from related business functions such as Media, Legal, and Safeguarding. The consultant's deliverables will include updated incident reporting procedures, decision frameworks for categorizing incidents, and comprehensive crisis management procedures suitable for various operational levels.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in international security and crisis management, with at least 5 years dedicated to supporting humanitarian or development agencies. Proven experience in consulting for international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) is essential, along with a strategic understanding of the operational environments in which Mercy Corps functions. Familiarity with industry best practices and standards in crisis management and business continuity is required, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with various business functions to ensure comprehensive and relevant outcomes. The consultant must also demonstrate discretion in handling sensitive information and possess strong problem-solving skills.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, ideally including a degree in international relations, security studies, crisis management, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in these areas will be considered an asset, as they indicate a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in crisis management within humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have extensive experience, specifically 10+ years in the field of international security and crisis management. This experience should include a minimum of 5 years working directly with humanitarian or development agencies, showcasing a strong track record of supporting organizations in crisis situations and developing effective management procedures.

Languages:
While specific language requirements are not detailed, proficiency in English is mandatory given the international scope of the organization. Additional languages relevant to the regions in which Mercy Corps operates would be considered advantageous, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignment is set to commence in January 2026 and is expected to conclude by June 2026, with a total of 30 consultancy days allocated for the project. The consultant will report directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Global Security and will collaborate closely with representatives from various business functions involved in incident and crisis management. This position is likely to be full-time during the consultancy period, and the organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, adhering to equal employment opportunity principles.