Emergency Response Manager - National

DRC Sudan

DRC has been present in Sudan since 2004, delivering life-saving programming in protection, emergency response, shelter, food security and livelihoods, disaster risk reduction, camp management, and humanitarian mine action. DRC has implemented projects in Central Darfur, South Darfur, South Kordofan, Gedaref, Kassala, and Khartoum states. Sudan hosts one of the largest displaced populations in Africa, with over 3.7 million internally displaced people and over 1.1 million refugees from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Chad, Yemen and Syria. Against a background of political crisis, Sudan faces economic and social turmoil, with sharp increases in food and energy costs, further exacerbated by disease outbreaks and ongoing conflict.

About the job

The overall purpose of the role:

The Emergency Response Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Danish Refugee Council's (DRC) emergency programming portfolio within the designated geographical area of responsibility. The primary responsibilities of this role encompass multi-sector, life-saving interventions during acute crises, covering all stages of the project cycle management, from program design to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The role focuses on the following key areas:

• Oversee and manage DRC's emergency programs within the area program of Gadaref state through the utilization of Emergency Mobile Response Teams (EMRTs).
• Direct supervision and management of staff involved in emergency response efforts.
• Coordinate and oversee life-saving interventions across various sectors, including cash assistance, and protection.
• Manage the entire project cycle, encompassing program design, implementation, budget management, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with DRC's procedures, guidelines, and strategies within the designated area of responsibility.
• Contribute to the development of area-specific strategies, translating them into actionable plans and day-to-day tasks.
• Foster effective collaboration and coordination with local partners, as the work is primarily conducted alongside these entities, requiring experience in working with local partners.

Responsibilities and Tasks

The job holder's tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program management:

• Lead the organization and implementation of emergency activities, including site assessments, cash, and voucher programming, in accordance with DRC guidelines, program objectives, and accountability principles to deliver life-saving first-line emergency assistance to affected populations.
• Lead all emergency site needs assessments, surveys, market assessments, monitoring activities, and other data collection exercises to guide programming decisions.
• Develop and submit regular emergency progress reports for the assigned area of responsibility.
• Develop monthly/ad-hoc work plans reflecting project objectives and indicators.
• Promote awareness of best practices, including human rights and humanitarian principles, among DRC staff and partners.
• Monitor the humanitarian context, support ongoing projects, and explore new opportunities for intervention.

Monitoring, reporting, and program development

• Manage and maintain program indicators, monitoring, and evaluation processes to accurately report project achievements against the targets.
• Lead field assessments, surveys, and data collection efforts to inform program design and decision-making.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to internal and external stakeholders, including donors, adhering to reporting requirements and deadlines.
• Collaborate closely with the Area Program Manager and Emergency Response Coordinator in the development of proposals, budgets, and program planning activities.
• Work in coordination with the MEAL Manager to create and implement program monitoring tools, such as Indicators Performance Tracking Tables (IPTTs), Post-Distribution Monitoring tools, and other relevant monitoring instruments.
• Conduct quality control and site monitoring activities to ensure program quality and adherence to standards.
• Monitor financial spending and budget utilization, maintaining accurate and up-to-date project Budget Follow-Up (BFU) records.
• Update project documentation and maintain online platforms (e.g., SharePoint) for archiving and sharing program-related information.
• Coordinate emergency response efforts with other sectors and stakeholders, fostering effective collaboration and information sharing.
• Promote an integrated, area-based approach to the humanitarian response, considering the broader context and needs of the affected population.

Staff Management

• Supervise and manage the Emergency Response Team, including the Emergency Response Team Leader, providing management support, guidance, and mentoring for Emergency Response Officers and Assistants in close coordination with the Team Leader.
• Conduct staff training and facilitate capacity development initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of the Emergency Response Team.
• Ensure that staff performance appraisals are documented, and performance improvement plans are developed and implemented as necessary.
• Foster a positive team culture, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth within the Emergency Response Team.
• Identify capacity gaps and training needs within the team, and develop targeted training programs or seek external training opportunities to address these gaps.
• Provide regular feedback, coaching, and support to team members, ensuring their professional development and effective performance.
• Promote adherence to DRC's policies, procedures, and best practices within the Emergency Response Team, ensuring compliance and accountability.

Communication and visibility

• Implement program activities in line with donor and project-specific visibility and communication requirements, ensuring proper acknowledgment and recognition of funding sources and adherence to branding guidelines.
• Identify any issues or situations that may require advocacy efforts, and promptly report them to the Advocacy Coordinator and Area Manager for further action and coordination.
• Collaborate with the Advocacy Coordinator to capture and share success stories, lessons learned, and highlights from the emergency response efforts, contributing to DRC's visibility and external communication efforts.

Support and Representation:

• Foster positive relationships and effective coordination with local government authorities and partner organizations, ensuring successful program implementation and collaboration.
• Prepare and promptly share distribution and project work plans with relevant teams, including Finance, Supply Chain, and Safety, to ensure coordinated and effective implementation.
• Promote DRC's values, principles, and commitment to humanitarian assistance throughout the emergency response activities.

Logistics/Finance

• Monitor financial commitments and expenditures against approved budgets, providing timely feedback and updates on budget follow-up (BFU), initiate budget re-allocations processes (rebookings) to the Area Manager and Finance team.
• Plan and manage logistics and staff movements between operational areas, ensuring efficient and safe deployment of personnel and resources.
• Facilitate the procurement of necessary resources for emergency programs, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to DRC guidelines and procedures.
• Initiate procurement processes for required goods and services, and closely follow up with the Supply Chain team to ensure timely execution and delivery.
• Collaborate with the Finance and Supply Chain teams to streamline processes, resolve any issues and ensure compliance with DRC's financial and procurement policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualification, Skills and Experience Required:

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• Post-graduate with 5+ years of humanitarian experience in technical areas like Economic Recovery, CCCM, and Protection.
• Prior work experience in complex and volatile contexts, with Sudan experience considered a plus.
• Minimum 2 years of emergency response management within humanitarian NGOs.
• Demonstrated expertise in cash programming in emergency settings, including MPCA, MEB, market assessments, and cash distribution.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with tools like ODK, Kobo, and data analysis.
• Strong managerial and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with Sudanese and refugee communities is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Arabic (written and spoken).
• Advanced computer skills for report writing.

Education background: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• A postgraduate degree in a field related to emergency response, DRR, or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of humanitarian cash transfer programming.

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Fluent in English (both oral and written)
• Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is mandatory.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate:

DRC’ five core competencies:  

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.  
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.  
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.  
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.  
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Technical competencies:

• Cash-Based Interventions
• Assessments and data collection
• WASH
• Protection
• Community mobilization

We offer

Contract length: 9 months

Level:  Manager

Salary range: 2,425 - 2,730 USD

Location: Gadaref (Roving to other DRC project areas)

Expected Start date: As soon as possible

Note: Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply:

Application process:

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note.

Applications Closing Date: 9/5/2024

Need further information?

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org