Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager (EPRM)

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Position Title: Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager (EPRM)
Location: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, focusing on disaster response, economic development, and community resilience. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member feels a sense of belonging and can contribute to the mission of creating a better world. In Nepal, Mercy Corps has been active since 2005, implementing various projects aimed at enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, nutrition, financial services, youth engagement, and disaster risk reduction, reaching over 900,000 individuals across 23 districts.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager (EPRM) will play a crucial role in leading and managing the strategic direction of disaster preparedness and response initiatives in Nepal. This position is pivotal for the anticipated $12 million, five-year USAID/BHA-funded Early Recovery, Risk Reduction, and Resilience (ER4) Activity. The EPRM will be responsible for enhancing local-level preparedness and resilience to recurrent disasters, providing leadership in technical multi-sectoral analysis, and ensuring effective response design during disasters. The role requires collaboration with government entities, local organizations, and humanitarian coordination groups to ensure a coordinated and effective response to disasters, ultimately aiming to support vulnerable communities in mitigating, withstanding, and recovering from disasters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The EPRM will be tasked with developing and implementing strategies for community-level disaster planning and response. This includes leading the technical strategy for disaster planning, integrating cross-cutting approaches such as climate adaptation and gender inclusivity, and evaluating the effectiveness of disaster preparedness initiatives. The EPRM will also oversee the recruitment and management of technical staff, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Additionally, the EPRM will represent Mercy Corps in humanitarian coordination groups, provide advisory support to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, and monitor partner activities to ensure compliance with grant agreements and regulations. The role involves significant travel across Nepal to program locations, requiring strong leadership and communication skills to foster partnerships and drive collective impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in disaster risk management, humanitarian assistance, resilience, natural sciences, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with two years of relevant experience in the humanitarian sector may be considered. A strong understanding of Nepal’s disaster risk governance structure and experience in influencing humanitarian actors for effective disaster management is essential. Proven leadership skills in implementing disaster risk management programs and experience collaborating with local civil society organizations and government entities are also required. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to adaptive management and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as disaster risk management, humanitarian assistance, or natural sciences is required. A Bachelor’s degree with additional applicable experience may substitute for a Master’s degree. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in disaster management principles and practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in the humanitarian sector, particularly in managing multi-sectoral responses to disasters. Experience in Nepal or similar contexts is highly preferred. The role requires a demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in Nepali and/or other languages spoken in western Nepal is preferred but not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kathmandu, Nepal, with significant travel required to various program locations across the country. Mercy Corps is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. The organization emphasizes the importance of accountability to program participants and stakeholders, ensuring that all team members engage with communities as equal partners in project design and evaluation. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to Mercy Corps' Code of Conduct and participate in ongoing learning and professional development activities.