Climate Program Manager, American Red Cross

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during, and after disasters, health emergencies, and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters is organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy, and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster, and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

The American Red Cross (AmCross) prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Overseas, our International Services Department (ISD) helps deliver critical assistance to some of the most vulnerable communities in the world, in partnership with the global Red Cross Red Crescent Network.

Climate change and disasters are intrinsically linked. AmCross is committed to addressing the impacts of Climate Change on the most vulnerable. To this end, AmCross has made a multi-year commitment to support Climate Change Adaptation at home and abroad and is seeking a Climate Program Manager to support in the Climate Partnership Plan established in Honduras. The Climate Initiative Manager will work with the National Society and other in-country partners to address rising disaster risks and to meet the disaster related challenges amplified by climate change.

Job Purpose

As a member of the International Services Latin America & Caribbean (LAC) team the Climate Program Manager informs and executes ISD climate strategy and programs designed to help the Honduran Red Cross, sustainably achieve their climate programming goals to increase community preparedness, reduce the impact of climate events, and sustain services in Honduras in accordance with international standards and the local context. These goals are outlined in a Climate Partnership Plan that outlines the approach and expectations of both American Red Cross and the national society partner.

On a day-to-day basis, the Climate Program Manager will provide programmatic support to the National Society (NS) to integrate climate change risk into their key program areas and related interventions while also supporting the development and execution of climate strategies and partnership plans to ensure sustainability targets are set and met. The Climate Program Manager will work closely with the AmCross LAC Division and the national headquarters (NHQ)-based Climate team as well as the NS, IFRC and other Movement partners and stakeholders in country.

The Climate Program Manager will report to the Director of the LAC Division with a matrixed report to the Climate Initiative Manager at HQ. The position will engage with volunteers and staff across ISD via working groups and project activities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Support pursuit of resources for Climate related activities from USG and multi-lateral sources while also supporting the NS pursuit of other funding to achieve their climate related objectives.
• Facilitate the development and execution of participatory climate strategies in climate countries.
• Work closely with National Society to develop, execute, monitor, and report on progress of a joint Climate Partnership Plan with AmCross.
• Coordinate with program leads for urban, youth, and anticipatory action to support Climate Initiative objectives in country.
• Support the implementation of targeted collective impact programming in country in line with the IFRC’s New Way of Working initiative.
• Support the overall AmCross International Climate Initiative through the design and implementation of programs with NS.
• Liaise with NS, IFRC, RC/RC Climate Center and other Climate Partners in program coordination and management.
• Participate in IFRC- and NS-led platforms on climate change/resilience issue representing the American Red Cross.
• Participate in a department-wide Climate Action Task Force, that represents the various departmental units and support the change management process for climate risk management.
• Coordinate with and support the Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) on climate change related Research and Development; partnerships and research activities with new and existing networks, leading universities and mission-aligned non-profits to foster evidence-based climate action linked to NS Climate Strategy and the Climate Partnership Plan
• Coordinate with key internal AmCross stakeholders such as Development and Communications to support information and awareness raising of programs in LAC.
• Represent the American Red Cross at global and regional climate change forums.
• Communicate complex topics to a range of internal and external audiences in a clear and practical way.
• Support the American Red Cross’ sustainability efforts.

Individual contributor that works under limited supervision. Apply technical subject matter knowledge; requires the capacity to understand specific needs or requirements to apply skills/knowledge. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Disaster Management/DRR, Humanitarian Assistance, or related fields; Master’s degree a plus.

Experience

Required

Minimum of 5 years’ experience and proven track record managing a significant budget in a large nonprofit environment

Experience and knowledge of project management and the project management cycle, including design, launch, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

Experience delivering community-based programs (required); experience working at a technical level (tools, analysis, evaluations, trainings).

Experience in proposal writing and other fundraising methodologies.

Experience with climate change and/or climate risk management

Preferred:

Experience successfully managing USG-funded programs and working with USAID or Department of State required

Experience working with or for the Red Cross or similar local/national humanitarian organizations or non-profits.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

Strong English language verbal and writing skills.

Teamwork, multitasking, supervision and control, integrity and personal conduct, sensitivity to diversity, flexibility and adaptability, sound judgment and interpersonal skills.

Ability to travel in-country and periodically internationally.

Flexibility to participate in conference calls outside of regular business hours, work remotely and travel if needed.

Must be able to work and problem-solve independently, meet multiple deadlines, and interface with a broad spectrum of National Headquarters, Divisional, and country staff.

Competencies, Values and Comments

VALUES: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability

CORE COMPETENCIES: Communication; Collaboration and Teamwork; Pro-activity; National Societies and Customer Relations; Creativity and Innovation; Building Trust

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: Building Alliances; Empowering Others