Emergency Response Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the support they need in times of crisis. NRC's mission is to help those in need by delivering high-quality aid and fostering a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusion among its employees.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Response Manager (ERM) will play a pivotal role in overseeing the country emergency response program, ensuring that all emergency response activities are coordinated effectively and meet the required quality standards. This position involves leading the management and reporting of emergency response initiatives, particularly those funded by ECHO and UN pipelines. The ERM will provide technical supervision to emergency response teams deployed in the field, addressing rapid onset crises stemming from conflict displacement and natural disasters. The role requires the development of emergency preparedness plans and minimum prepared actions (MPAs), as well as the supervision of emergency activities across NRC's operational areas in Sudan. The ERM will also be responsible for pre-planning, assessments, and coordination with various stakeholders, including Area Managers and Programme Specialists, to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to emergency response. Additionally, the ERM will serve as surge capacity, being deployed to critical locations as needed to reinforce emergency programming based on operational requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Emergency Response Manager will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Ensuring adherence to NRC policies, handbooks, procedures, and guidelines;
• Providing overall oversight, strategic development, and operational management of emergency response interventions across the Country Office;
• Developing robust emergency setups based on thorough needs analysis and an integrated program approach;
• Creating emergency response strategies and technical SOPs/guidelines;
• Managing funding proposals, project budgets, and donor reports;
• Coordinating the emergency preparedness and response projects in line with the project management cycle, ensuring effective and efficient project execution;
• Overseeing budget management for FaSER projects, maintaining appropriate burn rates, and addressing any financial discrepancies;
• Providing general program support to key Area Offices during emergency responses, including overseeing cash and other distributions;
• Leading the development of Emergency Response plans to coordinate NRC's overall response to emergencies; 1
• Conducting coordination meetings with Programme, Support, and Area Office colleagues; 1
• Liaising with UN and I/NGO partners, local authorities, and beneficiaries to plan and respond to emergencies; 1
• Representing the RRM Consortium to external stakeholders, including donors and government bodies; 1
• Conducting senior representation at the state level and fostering strong relationships with government counterparts.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Emergency Response Manager position should possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of five years of experience in a humanitarian programming environment, with at least three years in a project management role;
• Proven experience in implementing emergency program cycles in complex, fragile, and volatile contexts;
• Demonstrated expertise in cash-based programming, particularly in cash distribution modalities;
• Strong background in Emergency Response, including Rapid Response Mechanisms (RRM) or Emergency Response Mechanisms (ERM);
• Technical expertise in one of NRC's Core Competencies (Shelter/NFI, WASH, ICLA, Education, Camp Management/Protection from Violence) is an added advantage;
• Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position;
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly strong skills in Excel.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background that supports their ability to perform the duties of the Emergency Response Manager. This typically includes a degree in humanitarian studies, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in emergency management or humanitarian response may be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least five years in a humanitarian programming environment. This includes a minimum of three years in a project management capacity, demonstrating the ability to lead and coordinate emergency response initiatives effectively. Experience in complex and volatile contexts is essential, as is familiarity with cash-based programming and emergency response mechanisms.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. Proficiency in Arabic is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries. Additional language skills relevant to the operational context may also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The Emergency Response Manager position is based in Al-Geniena, Darfur, Sudan, with a contract duration of 12 months, which is renewable based on funding and performance. The role involves significant travel, estimated at 80% of the time. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC's grade 9 on either the national or international salary scale. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative thinking and empowers employees at all levels to take initiative and contribute to the mission.