The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities that support them, as well as with those who remain within their homes and communities. At-work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. IRC leads the way from harm to home. Began work in Ethiopia, 1999 in response to severe drought that happened in Ethiopia’s Somali region. Currently, providing assistance in ten different regions implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.

Job Overview:

The Senior Rapid Response Mechanism Coordinator (SRRMC) will support coordination efforts between different Rapid Response Mechanisms (RRMs) in Ethiopia: the ECHO ERM, BHA’s RRM led by UNICEF, SWAN, RRF led by IOM and others. The SRRMC will sit with the IRC but will act as a multiagency/multi-mechanisms coordinator jointly working with OCHA in Addis Ababa, for a period of 10months maintaining effective and consistent coordination and dialogue between the different RRMs, sectoral clusters, and associated initiatives (Multi-hazard road map, TWG supported by IMMAP/REACH, CWG etc.)

The SRRMC will serve as the RRM TWG focal point with OCHA, task forces Cluster and Custer Coordinators to ensure all collaborators are fully aware of planning, emergency responses and on-going discussions within the individual clusters. The SRRS will also keep the clusters are well informed of RRM related activities.

The SRRS will report to the Deputy Director Emergency in the IRC Emergency Response structure but will not be the ERM representative in any of the aforementioned forums/platforms.

Major Responsibilities:

The specific objective of the SRRMC position is based on three pillars: Assessments: Maintaining a humanitarian need watch as the basis for the execution of rapid and multi-sector assessments for populations at high risks; Advocacy: Ensuring the effective use of the multi sector assessment information and follow-up humanitarian action via close and constant coordination and advocacy with RRM TWG and other partners by disseminating  alerts/results/recommendations; and, Response: In the absence of ready humanitarian action within the humanitarian community, facilitating emergency responses by the RRMs.  The position’s key responsibilities are:

RRM Strategy Development

• Provide operational and technical leadership to the RRM TWG
• Develop 2023/24, RRMs Coordination strategy complete with alert verification system, thresholds, timeframe, minimum packages and exit roadmap in collaboration with all collaborators.
• With OCHA, establish standard operating procedures for the RRM operating in Ethiopia.
• With OCHA, establish data management systems for the ERM TWG, including a system for recording and classifying emergency requests.
• Establish relevant networks and connections with other national, regional, and local Emergency Response Mechanisms and their implementers/donors.
• Raise incidents to the relevant regional mechanisms or raise alert within the project to trigger emergency funding of emergency response.
• Actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key collaborators, including donors, government actors, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and other relevant actors.

Coordinate with the implementing partners I/NGOs

• Co-lead the OCHA structures of emergency response and ensure regular communications.
• Organize meetings and workshops on how to improve and harmonize the RRMs response and coordination among the different mechanisms.
• Consolidate relevant program reports shared by different RRMs to be shared with key collaborators on a monthly basis.

Collaborate with DDE and ERR coordinator to ensure the quality of humanitarian responses,

• Liaise with RRMs TWG/OCHA and humanitarian community to advocate for assessment results and identified needs to be addressed as per agreed thresholds/approaches.
• Ensure the RRMs approach works within the existing sector approach and framework.
• Ensure there is a good understanding of the RRM among the mechanisms leading organizations and focal points are kept abreast of RRM partner agreements including any potential end user monitoring and technical support;

Qualifications

Educational Requirements:

• An advanced university degree in Social, management, emergency, humanitarian, disaster management or related field from an accredited/recognized institute.

Preferred experience & skills:

• Minimum of 5-8 years’ experience in emergency management and operations, with confirmed experience in emergency response.
• Experience in multi-sector emergency program implementation and emergency system strengthening in conflict settings.
• Previous experience implementing and/or coordinating a RRM is helpful.
• Experience in multi-stakeholder co-ordination/Sector/Cluster Coordination and facilitation is highly desirable.
• Niche training in emergency management; specific training in humanitarian response
• Effective communication, networking, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and in response to constantly evolving needs and contexts.
• Effective at working independently and within teams in difficult circumstances.
• Planning, organizing, and leadership skills.
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office software applications; Excellent presentation skills.

Language Skills:  Proficiency in English and Ethiopian National working languages