Senior Officer, Health Emergency Appeal

Job Posting Organization:
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is a humanitarian organization that coordinates international relief efforts and supports national societies in their humanitarian missions. Established in 1919, IFRC operates in over 190 countries, with a mission to alleviate human suffering and promote human dignity. The organization focuses on disaster response, health services, and community resilience, working closely with local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to provide effective support and resources. IFRC adheres to strict ethical standards and has a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct, ensuring the integrity and safety of its operations and personnel.

Job Overview:
The Senior Officer for Health Emergency Appeal will play a crucial role in managing health programming in response to emergencies, particularly following the recent earthquake in Colombia. This position involves identifying health needs, managing health data, overseeing budgets, and ensuring effective collaboration with national societies and external partners. The officer will be responsible for setting the technical direction of health operations, ensuring quality assurance in health programming, and producing regular reports to inform stakeholders. The role requires frequent travel to affected areas to assess needs and implement health interventions, making it essential for the officer to adapt to evolving situations and incorporate community feedback into health strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and manage health response activities based on the evolving health situation post-earthquake, including scaling operations as necessary.
• Coordinate with various stakeholders to ensure effective health response and intelligence gathering.
• Develop objectives and technical approaches for health interventions in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners.
• Oversee the management of health and care components of the IFRC Appeal, ensuring alignment with national strategic priorities.
• Identify health gaps and support the implementation of community-based health interventions.
• Manage the health budget, procurement of medical supplies, and ensure timely reporting to stakeholders.
• Establish quality assurance standards for health programming and conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of health services.
• Identify and mitigate risks to personnel and operations, ensuring safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols are followed.
• Facilitate coordination among national societies and external partners to enhance health programming effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree in health or a related field is required; a Master's degree in public health or epidemiology is preferred.
• Proven experience in health systems management and programming, particularly in emergency contexts.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, project management, and capacity building.
• Familiarity with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential for effective collaboration and reporting.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a degree in health or a related discipline. A Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, or a similar field is preferred. Additional certifications or training in emergency health response or related areas would be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in managing health systems and programs, particularly in emergency settings. Experience in training and mentoring staff, as well as strategic planning and implementation in health programming, is essential. Familiarity with public health in emergencies or armed conflict situations is highly desirable, along with experience in project planning, monitoring, and reporting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written Spanish is mandatory. A good command of English is preferred, as it will facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bogotá, Colombia, with frequent travel to earthquake-affected areas. The role is full-time and may involve working in challenging environments. The IFRC offers competitive compensation and benefits, including opportunities for professional development and training.