Emergency Response Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with over 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced people. NRC advocates for the rights of displaced populations and offers assistance within various sectors including shelter, education, protection, emergency response, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, information, counselling, and legal assistance (ICLA), and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are empowered to share ideas and take responsibility, fostering a culture of professional growth and innovation.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Response Manager (ERM) will oversee the overall country emergency response programme, contributing to coordination, quality response, management, and reporting of activities under NRC’s ECHO-funded Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) at the country level. The ERM will support and provide technical supervision of emergency response teams in the field to respond to rapid onset crises related to conflict displacement and natural disasters. This role involves coordinating all emergency preparedness plans, minimum prepared actions (MPAs), and supervising emergency activities across NRC’s geographical spread in Sudan. The ERM will also act as the focal point for a forthcoming ECHO-funded RRM consortium, primarily supporting representation, providing technical backstop, facilitating harmonisation of approaches and methodologies across all consortium partners, and supporting with start-ups.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ERM will ensure adherence to NRC policies, handbooks, procedures, and SOPs/guidelines. They will have overall oversight, strategic development, and operational management of emergency response interventions across the Country Office. The ERM will develop robust emergency set-ups based on appropriate needs analysis with an integrated programme approach, and create emergency response strategies and technical SOPs/guidelines. Specific responsibilities include providing and collating regular data on context analysis, early warning/risk monitoring, trigger indicators, and minimum preparedness actions. The ERM will ensure the availability of up-to-date needs assessments and verification of available data to inform assessment and response design. They will be responsible for maintaining an up-to-date emergency preparedness plan, reviewing minimum preparedness actions regularly, and tracking the completion of MPAs. The ERM will also manage the overall coordination of emergency preparedness and response projects, ensuring effective budget management and adherence to NRC systems and procedures in logistics, finance, and human resource management. Additionally, the ERM will liaise and coordinate with UN and I/NGO partners, local authorities, and beneficiaries, representing the RRM Consortium to external stakeholders and networking with relevant actors to achieve consortium objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires at least four years in a humanitarian programming environment, including three years’ experience in a senior-level project management position. Candidates should have previous working experience in implementing emergency programme cycles in complex, fragile, and volatile contexts. Knowledge and skills in cash-based programming and market analysis are essential, along with emergency response expertise, including Rapid Response Mechanisms (RRM) or Emergency Response Mechanisms (ERM). Technical expertise in one of NRC’s Core Competencies (cash, Shelter/NFI, WASH, LFS, Camp Management) is an added advantage. Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities are also required, along with fluency in English, both written and verbal, and computer literacy in Microsoft Office, particularly strong skills in Excel.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background is not detailed in the job description, it is typically expected that candidates possess a relevant degree in fields such as humanitarian studies, international relations, social sciences, or a related discipline that aligns with the responsibilities of managing emergency response programmes.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of experience in a humanitarian programming environment, with at least three years in a senior-level project management role. Experience in emergency programme cycles, particularly in complex and volatile contexts, is crucial. Additionally, familiarity with consortium management and start-ups, as well as experience in needs assessment, project monitoring and evaluation, and programme development, are highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Geneina, Sudan, with a salary grade of 9 on NRC’s international salary scale. The contract duration is for one year, with the possibility of extension. The role involves significant travel, estimated at 70%. NRC is committed to equal opportunities and diversity, ensuring a welcoming and supportive work environment for all employees.