Senior Officer, Anticipatory Action

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 (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs 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.” 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 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 are 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, 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.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

Job Purpose

The Senior Officer, Anticipatory Action, will play a crucial role in developing and implementing strategies that enhance mutual the IFRC’s and NS’s ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to crises and emergencies. This position involves leading anticipatory action initiatives, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring the integration of early warning systems into operational frameworks. The Senior Officer will work closely with internal teams, external partners, and communities to mitigate the impacts of disasters and improve resilience.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Development

• Develop and implement anticipatory action strategies and frameworks aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead the design and execution of anticipatory action plans, ensuring they are based on robust data and risk analysis.
• Integrate anticipatory action into broader organizational policies and practices.

Early Warning Systems

• Oversee the development and maintenance of early warning systems, ensuring they are accurate, timely, and actionable.
• Collaborate with technical experts to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and methodologies into early warning systems.
• Ensure the dissemination of early warning information to relevant stakeholders promptly.

Risk Assessment and Scenario Planning:

• Conduct risk assessments based on early warning information to anticipate potential impacts on vulnerable communities.
• Develop contingency plans and scenario-based responses to ensure preparedness for various crisis scenarios.

 Coordination and Collaboration

• Coordinate anticipatory action initiatives with internal departments, such as disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and program management.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.
• Represent the organization in external forums and working groups related to anticipatory action and disaster risk management.

 Capacity Building

• Design and deliver training programs to enhance the capacity of staff and partners in anticipatory action and early warning.
• Provide technical guidance and support to field teams in implementing anticipatory action measures.
• Promote knowledge sharing and learning within the organization and among partners.
• Building the capacity of the National Society to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively anticipate and respond to emergencies. This will not only improve local resilience and response capabilities but also foster sustainable development by empowering communities to manage risks independently.
• Work closely with the National Society to develop tailored capacity-building initiatives that address specific needs and challenges, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive approach to disaster risk management.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of anticipatory action initiatives.
• Conduct regular assessments and reviews to ensure continuous improvement of strategies and practices.
• Prepare and present reports on anticipatory action activities and outcomes to senior management and stakeholders.

 Resource Mobilization

• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to the development of proposals to secure resources for anticipatory action projects.
• Manage budgets and ensure the efficient use of resources in anticipatory action initiatives.

Education

Required:

• Advanced degree in Disaster Management, Environmental Science, International Development, or a related field.

Experience

Required:

• At least five (5) years of experience in disaster risk management, emergency response, or a related field, with a focus on anticipatory action.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing early warning systems and anticipatory action plans.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated experience in capacity building and training.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for data analysis and early warning systems.
• High level of adaptability and resilience.
• Strong commitment to humanitarian principles and values.
• Ability to work under pressure and in complex environments.
• Fluently spoken and written English.
• Fluently spoken and written Dari/Pashto.

Competencies, Values and Comments

Role Model Competencies: Accountability, Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism. 

Collaboration: Teamwork.

Achievement: Communication, Self-Managing performance.

Commitment to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and seven principles.