Context

The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing recurrent crises of various kinds (natural disasters, epidemics and armed conflicts) as a result of that, approximately 6.9 million people are currently in a situation of internal displacement more specifically the populations living in the East of the country in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.

NRC is a key responder for the humanitarian crisis in the DRC, with several first-line response initiatives planned for 2024. NRC is part of the SAFER Consortium composed of four other organizations: ACTED, Concern Worldwide, Mercy Corps and Solidarités International. The Consortium is providing Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) first-line response to new displacements in the Eastern Congo, with a strong emphasis on complementary analyses (Market Research, Protection and Do No Harm analyses) to justify the choice of the modality and the amount allocated to the response. The ERM oversees the SAFER PM, who directly manages MPCA programming. NRC wants to scale up its front-line response work, including Education in Emergencies (EiE), WASH/Shelter, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance(ICLA), and Food Security &Livelihoods (FSL). The ERM will drive this ambition in partnership with the Head of Programmes and Country Director. The ERM will also ensure protection mainstreaming, accountability to affected populations and innovation have taken a central place in all rapid / first phase responses.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What you will do:

The purpose of the Emergency Response Manager is to drive the strategy of NRC’s emergency operations and lead the different emergency interventions in DR Congo in close coordination with the Area Managers and the Head of Programs. The role is to coordinate the Emergency Response across several areas and allocate the needed resources. The role also includes taking the lead in the program development of the emergency response, including a) emergency strategy development, including inputs by the core competency technical specialists, b) technical development and guidance, c) planning and implementation of the emergency response/Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), d) quality assurance, and e) close coordination with support departments to ensure efficiency and timeliness. In addition, the Emergency Response Manager is responsible for monitoring, training, and capacity building technical staff related to the emergency response.

It is a managerial position with specialist competences in emergency response, leading the emergency response in the mission. The following is a brief description of the role:

1. Drive the development and implementation of the emergency response strategy, ensuring it is realistic, and practical; and that all relevant departments have input appropriately.
2. Overall oversight and management of emergency response projects covering different areas and interventions. This includes leading prioritization and validation process for interventions and developing detailed activity plans and budgets with Area Managers to ensure proper implementation.
3. Work with Area Managers, Security and Access staff to ensure all emergency responses are undertaken safely and in line with the humanitarian principles.
4. Responsible for liaising and engaging with the SAFER consortium and partner organizations within the Operational Coordination Unit.
5. Accountable for compliance with NRC’s emergency response methodology, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and tools in order to: a) ensure the maximum positive impact on program participants, b) mitigate risks of fraud, SEA and protection/security incidents.
6. In close collaboration with the Head of Programme and MEL Manager, ensure the development of quality control and monitoring/evaluation standards for the emergency response.
7. Ensure SOPs are relevant, efficient, effective, and locally adapted to the identified needs and review, if necessary, in line with the NRC procedures.
8. Provide support with countrywide contingency planning and prepositioning of supplies if needed. Support in developing and following up emergency preparedness planning.
9. Provide emergency response specific support and input to the recruitment process for emergency response project staff.
10. Accountable for all narrative and activity reporting requirements for emergency and rapid response grants.
11. Responsible for representing NRC at the coordination mechanism for emergency response and acting as the NRC focal point for emergency response in the country.
12. Responsible for context analysis in relation to the emergency response and sharing this information to relevant stakeholders, internally and externally.
13. Lead the development of a roster of staff that can be deployed as surge to emergency responses.

QUALIFICATIONS

What you will bring:

• Post-graduate with minimum seven years of experience within technical expertise area in a humanitarian context (WASH, Shelter, Education, Protection, Food Security), including at least five years of emergency response management at a senior level with humanitarian NGOs.
• Proven technical and strategic knowledge on cash programming in emergency setting (including on MPCA, MEB, market assessments, distributions with FSPs …).
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts.
• Humanitarian coordination experience.
• Strong managerial and interpersonal skills.
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities.
• Knowledge about leadership skills.
• Fluency in French, both written and verbal, required.
• Fluency in English is considered a strong asset.

Context/specific skills, knowledge and experience:

• Prior experience in the DRC a major advantage.
• Swahili language skills an advantage.
• Knowledge of protection in emergency settings an advantage.

Behavioural competencies 

• Handling insecure environments
• Strategic thinking
• Empowering and building trust
• Working with people
• Initiate action and change
• Analysing

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility. At NRC we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

What we offer:

1. Contract of 12 months
2. Grade 9 in NRC scale
3. Location: Goma (non-family duty station)
4. An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause
5. A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields