Program Manager II - Emergency Operations, Nairobi

Program Manager II - Emergency Operations, Nairobi
Program Manager II - Emergency Operations
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Closing date: 12 Dec 2010
Location: Kenya - Nairobi

Job Background/Summary:
**Please note: this position's primary location can also be Baltimore, Maryland, depending on the applicant**
One of CRS' strategic objectives, as defined by its Emergency Strategy, is to become a more innovative and effective emergency prevention, preparedness and response organization. One of the key elements of the agency's new emergency strategy is to build a more dynamic and accountable rapid response capacity. To provide technical support to country programs and regions to achieve this result is a primary function of the Emergency Response Team (ERT). The ERT provides support in program sectors such as shelter, protection and water and sanitation and in operational support areas such as finance, supply chain management, security, communications, and management of emergency response programs. In coordination with the Regional Technical Advisors for Emergencies (RTA Emergencies) and other members of E-Ops, the ERT is also responsible for enhancing CRS staff capacity to design and manage effective emergency programs. ERT members assist CRS country programs with strengthening the humanitarian response capacity of local partners, particularly Caritas partners. This multidisciplinary team provides leadership and responsive support for systemic improvements in CRS emergency programming.

Primary Function:
The PMII-Emergency Operations can be deployed at short notice (within 48 hours) to fill critical emergency response roles in the event of a humanitarian crisis. The exact responsibilities in emergency responses will vary depending on the local context, ranging from providing direct management of relief support operations, setting up field operations/offices, setting up and managing relief delivery systems, designing field security plans, providing technical assistance and advise on best practices and standards and mentoring of CRS Partners and Country Programs staff.
During non-emergency response periods the PMII-Emergency Operations will be expected to carry out capacity building activities to strengthen the emergency response capacity of CRS Partners and Country Programs. The ability to train, mentor and accompany local staff and partners is an integral part of the job. The PMII-Emergency Operations will also be required to support the development of commodity tracking systems, from procurement to warehousing to distribution sites. This individual will also help to manage prepositioned stock, including dealing with the UNHRD and the SCC prepositioning systems, and developing and keeping up to date vendor framework agreements.

Responsibilities:
1. As a member of CRS' ERT will be required to travel at least 50% of time specifically in often at very short notice (within 48 hours) and for an average of two to six weeks (with a maximum of two consecutive months under exceptional circumstances).
2. As a leader or team member, provide immediate in-country guidance and support emergency supply chain management, including procurement, warehousing, and transportation during an emergency response. Also provide support in other Operations functions such as security, staffing, finance, IT/communications and administration, as needed.
3. Work collaboratively with country program staff and provide on-the-job training to country program and partner staff during an emergency response.
4. Work in collaboration with Emergency Operations staff and HQ departments, specifically the Management, Policy and Information (MPI) team of the Overseas Support Department (OSD), and the Purchasing department to keep up-to-date on the latest policies and procedures and to define and disseminate best practices and standards for supply chain management and field operations in general in emergencies.
5. Work in moving forward CRS' emergency propositioning strategy including supporting global, regional and localized prepositioning.
6. Increase coordination by establishing an internal information-sharing link with relevant HQ departments in which supply chain management and field operation information from emergency field programs can be shared with HQ departments and vice versa. This includes relevant communities of practice.
7. Finalize the development and dissemination of CRS-specific emergency field operations guidelines in the form of manuals and tools for field staff for CRS emergency preparedness and response programs. Supervise the provision of technical assistance, as appropriate.
8. Design and develop training modules in humanitarian relief logistics and field operations for CRS and partner emergency program staff in collaboration with relevant HQ departments and ERT Technical Advisors. Training should ensure staff ability to establish quality emergency response programs that include cross-cutting themes (such as partnership and peace building), meet donor requirements and achieve excellent general program management standards. Supervise training or identify training needs and requirements for emergency program staff.
9. Liaise with other organizations regarding state-of-the-art best practices in logistics of humanitarian supplies, fleet and supply chain management, and emergency field operations in general.
10. Represent the ERT and CRS in various forums including: International Agency Working Group (IAWG); Logistics Cluster; United Nations Joint Logistics Cluster (UNJLC); Humanitarian Response Network (HRN); Fleet Forum; Supply Chain Consortium (SCC); World Food Program (WFP); Human Response Depot (HRD); etc.
11. Act as CRS point person for agency participation in the development of the Human Response Network (HRN). Participate with the SCC to define pre-positioning strategies using HRD and other resources. Coordinate strategies to improve CRS' emergency response capacities and capabilities.
12. Represent CRS at emergency response conferences, as appropriate. Network with donors, UN agencies, and other Non-Government Organizations (NGO).

Emergency Competencies:
Each CRS staff member working in emergencies is expected to use the following competencies to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
    * Communicates strategically under pressure.
    * Manages stress and complexity.
    * Actively promotes safety and security.
    * Manages and implements high-quality emergency programs.

Personal/Professional Skills:
1. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, good judgment and ability to work in teams
2. Able to navigate in stressful and demanding environments
3. Flexibility and adaptability
4. Commitment to Agency's mission
Supervisory Responsibility: Situational during emergency responses.

Key Working Relationships:
Internal: All members of E-Ops/ERT; DRD MQs; MPI team (specifically Sr. Commodity Advisor); and Risk Management staff.

External: HRN, SCC, HRD, Logistics Cluster, and UNJLC

Qualifications:
1. Masters degree in relief/development or related field preferred or Bachelors degree with equivalent experience.
2. 3-5 of experience in management/implementation of humanitarian relief operations, especially in the area of supply chain management and operational support.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in supply chain management in emergency programs.
4. Familiarity with current standards and guidelines for humanitarian emergency response, in particular Sphere
5. Demonstrated qualities of oral and written communication skills,.
6. Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training.
7. Experience in the management of human and other resources.
8. Familiarity with humanitarian codes, principles and practice.
9. Ability to maintain performance expectations and strong working relationships in diverse cultural contexts, as well as in psychologically & physically stressful environments.
10. Proficient in security protocols & management of emergency programs in insecure environments.
11. Fluency in English; professional proficiency in French, Spanish, Arabic or Portuguese preferred.
12. Ability to travel at least 50% of time and on short notice
Physical Requirements/Environment: Willingness to travel and work in often physically demanding environments.

Disclaimer Clause: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with the position.

To apply, please visit www.crs.org/about/careers
EOE/M/F/D/V

How to apply
To apply, please visit www.crs.org/about/careers
Closing Date: Sunday, 12 December 2010

Reference Code: RW_8A7RZZ-69