Emergency Manager

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Purpose/Objective

The Emergency Manager will be responsible in leading and supporting in the implementation of the Crisis response within the country program. S/he will work closely with the emergency Coordinator to ensure appropriate response to emergencies we may encounter, monitoring the identified Crisis triggers and launching a response to those triggers, working with partners, work in close coordination with the sector leads, Grants and Partnership teams and Consortium Partners.

Main Responsibilities

The Emergency Manager will provide oversight in the delivery of DRR and EMERGENCY RESPONSE projects, identify strategic partners and develop an appropriate implementation strategy that ensures access to both safe water and hygiene/sanitation services. She/he will ensure that an engagement approach to working with communities and the local authorities, other partners is employed, and all activities are carried out in a way that upholds IRC core values, is sensitive to community needs and promotes the full and equal participation of women, men, children, youth, people with disabilities and special interest groups. Primary responsibilities include:

Project planning and design

• Spearhead rapid/field needs assessment including Baseline surveys in emergency response activities and determining most technically appropriate water supply and sanitation options.

• Lead in the design and development of relevant specifications and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Emergency response initiatives.

• Develop and implement an appropriate and effective strategy in consultation with other emergency response staff and field managers.

• Support in the identification of and planning for disaster and project risks.

• Ensure that all projects are aligned to the country strategy and priority areas.

Project implementation

• Manage the emergency response projects to meet the project objectives within the approved budgets and time limit.

• Continuously monitor and supervise emergency response  activities, overseeing the technical design, execution, and evaluation of progress.

• Review and approval of tender documents including technical specifications, bill of quantities, drawings, and terms of reference.

• Ensure integration of DRR, beneficiary participation and accountability mechanisms in all aspects of the project.

• Ensure effective and efficient management of project contracts for third party entities including consultants, contractors, and suppliers.

• Build and maintain a good working relationship with contractors, partners, stakeholders and clients.

Project monitoring and evaluation

• In consultation with MEAL develop a robust monitoring and evaluation framework within the required standards.

• Supervise emergency response activities in strict adherence to agreed SOPs, IRC Kenya policies, Kenya government regulations and standards, the donor’s guideline, and the humanitarian standards.

• Ensure timely delivery of projects activities including payments to suppliers, consultants, and contractors.

• Ensure that up to date project documents are in place including approved work plans, log frame, risk matrix, detailed project implementation plan and financial forecasts.

• Ensure water safety and disaster risk management plans for the water supply projects are in place.

Fundraising and networking

• Develop new proposals, linked to the country SAP, in consultation with the relevant managers.

• Participate in relevant networks to ensure IRC is appropriately represented regarding humanitarian interventions, including relevant UN cluster meetings and line ministries.

Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of emergency response interventions including progress reports,    

• monthly, quarterly, semi- annual and end of projects reports in accordance with donors’ and

• IRC Kenya requirements.

• Provide regular updates on emergency response activities and program progress against work plan as may be required.

• Maintain an up-to-date activity and indicator tracking tool (soft copies and hard copies) of all emergency response  activities.

• Ensure proper documentation of lessons learnt and best management practices.

• Actively participate in inter-sectoral activities.

• Support department in other tasks, roles and, responsibilities as may be assigned to by the supervisor.

Staff Management

• Ensure that emergency response staff adhere to the IRC core values, code of conduct, policies, and established ways of working.

• Provide mentorship and technical supervision for emergency response staff including day-to-day management, development and training, appraisals, etc.

• Facilitate regular meetings to assist in sharing information between project staff, to ensure all staff members are aware of project objectives, progress, current work plans and to provide the opportunity for feedback.

• Assess the training needs of emergency response staff and ensure that appropriate training is provided/conducted

Required Qualifications:

• Degree in environmental health science, community development, social development, nursing, public health, or related field. A minimum of Three years’ experience working/programming in emergency response, humanitarian work or development.

Required Experience & Competencies:

• Minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in WASH, Public health, community development, emergency response

• Strong understanding on humanitarian standards, disease outbreaks and response.

• Experience in community engagement approaches, participatory approaches, and community negotiation

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with a team.

• Ability to conduct community humanitarian needs assessment, program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of emergency response activities.

• Good understanding of the humanitarian standards.

• Good computer application skills (MS-Office).

Important Notice: Recruitment for these position is subject to the approval of the proposal and the availability of funding.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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