Manager, Disasters, Climate and Crises (DCC)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network, consisting of 191 member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Established to provide humanitarian assistance and support during crises, the IFRC operates globally with a mission to deliver timely, coordinated, and locally led humanitarian action. The organization emphasizes the importance of community resilience in areas such as climate and environment, health and wellbeing, and migration and displacement. The IFRC is guided by its core principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. The organization has its headquarters in Geneva and regional offices in Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa, along with various representation offices and delegations worldwide. The IFRC is committed to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. The organization is focused on implementing its Strategy 2030, which includes five strategic priorities and three enablers, ensuring that its operations are effective and impactful across the globe.

Job Overview:
The Manager, Disasters, Climate and Crises (DCC) is responsible for providing strategic leadership and managing the Africa Regional DCC Department. This role encompasses three core pillars: Coordination of Operations, Coordination of Programmes, and Technical Services. The Manager will shape and drive the strategic vision for disaster, climate, and crisis-related work across the Africa Region, collaborating closely with Geneva, IFRC Country and Cluster Delegations, and National Societies. The position ensures that operations and programmes are coherent, high-quality, locally anchored, and aligned with Strategy 2030, the Renewal, and the Africa Unified Plan. The Manager will oversee the design and governance of continental and multi-country programmes, ensuring they are managed with high standards of accountability and performance. The role also emphasizes the importance of preparedness, readiness, and surge systems for National Societies, ensuring they are positioned as first responders in emergencies. The Manager will promote shared leadership, localization, simplification, evidence-based decision-making, and a relentless focus on impact at the country level, positioning IFRC Africa as a leading humanitarian and resilience actor on the continent.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Manager, DCC will lead and manage the DCC Department across its three core pillars: Coordination of Operations, Coordination of Programmes, and Technical Services. Responsibilities include providing strategic direction, performance management, and coherence across these pillars, ensuring operational excellence and programmatic scale-up. The Manager will serve as the senior manager on disaster, climate, and crisis strategy, liaising with Geneva, Country/Cluster Delegations, and external partners. The role involves contributing to the strategic vision and planning for IFRC Africa, promoting the development of policies and positions regarding strategic priorities, and ensuring that programmes are designed for scale with appropriate governance models. The Manager will lead technical teams to provide support and guidance for strategic plans, oversee emergency operations coordination, and ensure that community resilience is strengthened through integrated plans. Additionally, the Manager will be responsible for identifying and monitoring risks, championing shared leadership, and ensuring that membership coordination principles are embedded in operations and programmes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Disaster Management, Humanitarian Affairs, International Relations, Public Policy, Climate/Environment, Development Studies, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with extensive relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree. Successful completion of the Basic IMPACT Course or equivalent training is required, along with a qualification or certification in Project Management being preferred. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in programmes and operations relevant to IFRC, including project planning, budgeting, management, reporting, and evaluation. Strong leadership, strategic analysis, decision-making skills, and the ability to work in multicultural settings are essential. Candidates must also demonstrate professional credibility, analytical skills, and the ability to motivate and manage a team effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Disaster Management, Humanitarian Affairs, International Relations, Public Policy, Climate/Environment, or Development Studies. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with extensive relevant experience can be considered. Additionally, successful completion of the Basic IMPACT Course or equivalent training is mandatory, while a qualification or certification in Project Management is preferred.

Experience:
Candidates should have 10 to 12 years of experience working in humanitarian response, disaster management, climate resilience, or related fields. Significant experience in designing, leading, and managing large-scale humanitarian programmes and operations is required, along with at least 7 years in senior management roles, including managing multi-disciplinary teams. Experience in building the capacity of Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies, NGOs, and civil society organizations on health interventions, disaster management, and resilience building is preferred. Strong experience working in multicultural, international contexts and managing partnerships with donors and government counterparts is essential. Experience with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory. Candidates should also have a good command of another IFRC official language, such as French, Spanish, or Arabic, which is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is part of the IFRC's Regional Office for Africa. The role is expected to be full-time, and the organization is committed to recruiting individuals who align with its mission and values. The IFRC offers a competitive compensation package and benefits, including opportunities for professional development and training. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.