Head of the Asia Pacific disaster management unit

Objectives of the programme

The Head of the Asia Pacific Disaster Management Unit (APDMU) is responsible for overseeing all Federation secretariat disaster management tasks within the zone in line with established International Federation policies and practices. This includes taking the lead in ensuring an integrated approach to all aspects of the Federation's disaster management (DM) work with National Societies, from basic capacity and resilience building at the community level, through disaster risk reduction and response preparedness, to recovery programming including climate change adaptation.

The APDMU is also responsible for providing international coordination and technical support to National Societies during times of disasters. When there is a request for international assistance, the APDMU leads, coordinates and supports the management of Federation assistance in support of an affected National Society in Asia Pacific, including the follow up for all emergency appeals that may be launched in response to a disaster.

In carrying out these tasks, the Head of the APDMU reports to the Deputy Head of the Asia Pacific Zone Office and works closely with other relevant units in the Zone Office and with Federation regional and country teams. S/he also ensures a consistent and timely flow of information to the Disaster Response and Early Recovery (DRER) Division in Geneva.

Description of duties

Disaster management function

- Lead strategic planning of Federation support to National Societies' DM activities in line with established Federation international and regional strategies.
- Provide leadership and technical support to Federation DM programmes in regional and country offices across the full range of DM functions, including risk reduction, climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness activities at the community and national levels, as well as contingency planning, shelter and recovery programming.
- Ensure that Federation DM activities are integrated as far as possible into other sectoral areas of support to National Societies' programmes, and include gender and other principles and values elements.
- Ensure Federation representation in DM related forums organized by international and regional organizations within the Asia Pacific region, in close collaboration with other relevant Units in the zone and regional/country offices.
- Develop and maintain good working relations with participating National Societies, ICRC delegations and relevant international and regional organizations and donor governments represented in the zone.
- Support the Zone PMER/RM Unit and field teams to raise funds to support DM programmes contained in emergency or annual appeals.
- Ensure effective working relations with DRER and other relevant departments in Geneva.
- Manage the APDMU staff according to Federation principles and standards, conducting timely performance appraisals and promoting staff development and good teamwork.
- International coordination of disaster operations function
- Manage the planning, international coordination and implementation of the Federation secretariat's support to National Societies' disaster operations in Asia Pacific in accordance with approved International Federation policies and procedures.
- Manage the Emergency Appeal and DREF request processes at the Zone level.
- Activate the Zone request for the deployment of international disaster response tools and other human resources in coordination with the field.
- Lead and coordinate the Zone level response to support the field during emergency operations.
- Maintain oversight of ongoing disasters and provide weekly feedback on emerging trends / ongoing operations to the USG Disaster Management in Geneva.
- Together with the Zone PMER/RM Unit and field teams, establish a schedule of operations updates to ensure a regular and timely flow of information to all stakeholders.
- Initiate reviews and evaluations of operations, and identify areas requiring improvements

Duties applicable to all staff

- Actively work towards the achievement of the Secretariat's goals.
- Abide by and work in accordance with Federation principles.
- Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Person Specification

Education

Degree and/or post graduate qualification in a DM management area, or a similar professional related field

Experience

- 10 years of relevant working experience in complex humanitarian operations, of which 5 years in the field and 5 years in management position(s)
- Good understanding of the global humanitarian environment, strong analytical skills and proven capacity to convert policy into practice
- Red Cross/Red Crescent knowledge and experience

Skills

- In-depth knowledge of complex DM operations management
- Ability to deliver strategies in a challenging environment
- Good knowledge of disaster preparedness and disaster recovery programming
- Demonstrated staff management and development skills
- Strong project management and budgeting skills
- Ability to work in cross-cultural and cross-functional environments
- Strong communications skills and public diplomacy
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks
- Valid international driving license

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English

Competencies

- National Society Relations
- Results Focus & Accountability
- Teamwork
- Communications
- Professional Mastery
- Leadership
- Managerial Effectiveness
- Innovation