Disaster law programme coordinator

Background

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 189 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 189 member National Societies. The Organisation acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies in order to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. Our work is guided by seven fundamental principles (humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unit and universality) and our humanitarian values (the people, integrity, partnerships, diversity, leadership, innovation) and by Strategy 2020, which voices our collective vision and determination to move forward in tackling the major challenges that confront humanity in the present decade. The Americas Disaster Law Coordinator is part of the Programs and Operations Department and will work in coordination and collaboration with all Federation Secretariat Business Units in the Americas, as well as with Disaster Law Programme staff in Geneva and other Zones. The Americas Disaster Law Coordinator reports to the Head of Programs and Operations Department in Panama for line management and has a technical reporting line to the Global Disaster Law Programme Coordinator in Geneva.

Job Purpose

The Disaster Law Programme Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the work of the Disaster Law Programme in the Americas, at the country level and in appropriate regional fora. It is further responsible for connecting disaster law advocacy with the disaster management, humanitarian diplomacy and related initiatives of the Americas Zone.

The purpose of this position is to coordinate, manage and facilitate the implementation of the Disaster Law Programme in the Americas region in accordance with the Operation Plan.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the disaster law programme in Americas.
• Provide support on disaster law issues to governments, in particular through the initiation, management and timely implementation of high-quality disaster law technical assistance projects.
• Provide technical advice as needed.
• Support National Societies in implementing disaster law projects.
• Undertake capacity building of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and other relevant actors such as states and regional organisation on disaster law, including through organizing and conducting training workshops and the cultivation of a regional peer network.
• Advocate for regional action on disaster law by key regional organizations, including regional organizations, States, UN, IOs, NGOs and academic institutions.
• Represent the IFRC and disseminate disaster law messages and information to key stakeholders such as National Societies, States, UN agencies, NGOs and academic institutions in America.
• Activities include delivering presentations at relevant meetings, and drafting articles and papers;
• In coordination with relevant colleagues, seek programme support from donors and ensure timely and accurate reporting to them as required.
• Manage and monitor available financial resources and provide managerial oversight to programme officer, delegates, interns and consultants as required.
• Provide support on behalf of global Disaster Law activities, including but not limited to:

1. regional preparation on disaster law aspects of statutory meetings;
2. development of new comparative research on legal issues in disaster management, including with regard to disaster risk reduction to shelter;
3. participation in the development of global technical assistance and capacity building products, such as models, guides and manuals;
4. cooperation in the development of communications tools, such as the programme’s newsletters, reports and videos and events;
5. develop the 2014-2015 America Disaster Law Operation Plan and other strategic documents and contribute to the global programme plan.