Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

1 July 2026. 100% when deployed, 80% when not deployed.  

Role Summary

The Senior Emergency Response (ER) Specialist is available for immediate deployment into new emergencies and strategic start-ups to lead operations, ensures quality of implementation and represents Medair’s Global Emergency Response Team (G-ERT) in key external coordination and networking. The role provides strategic direction, team and security management, and maintains strong communication and collaboration with the Head of G-ERT and Global Support Office (GSO). The Senior ER Specialist may also deploy into existing country programmes to help scale up major, organisationally prioritised emergency responses.

Project Overview 

Medair’s G-ERT exists to save lives and alleviate suffering by responding rapidly to the needs of vulnerable populations through essential health, shelter, and WASH interventions. The G-ERT is a standing global emergency response team designed to deploy within 24 hours of new sudden onset emergencies, conduct needs assessments within three days, and begin delivering lifesaving assistance within one week.  Historically, new G-ERT responses account for 5–10% of Medair’s annual budget, with an average of 1–3 responses each year (around half of which transition into longer-term country programmes). The team is composed of 5–8 emergency response specialists based in Switzerland and remotely.

Workplace & Conditions 

GSO based position in Lausanne, Switzerland. Swiss or eligible EU citizens, or those with a valid work permit for Switzerland, can apply for the role based in Switzerland. Medair alumni may be considered for remote placement (conditions apply).  

Responsibilities:

When deployed:

  • Programme Leadership & Representation: Lead and oversee response implementation to ensure timely, effective, and principled delivery; design and update strategy; support donor proposals and reporting; represent Medair in coordination fora and build relationships with donors and key stakeholders.
  • People & Team Management: Provide supportive, consultative leadership that fosters strong team performance; oversee HR processes and line‑manage assigned staff; maintain clear team communications; and model Medair’s values.
  • Financial Management: Support budgeting, oversee spending and grant management; ensure compliance with donor and Medair requirements; and safeguard against fraud and potential disallowances.
  • Security management: Responsible for security management within the emergency response or strategic start-up; oversee developing and updating security plans and guidelines; and manage incidents and lead on contingency planning. 

When not deployed:

  • Planning and Preparedness: Monitor new emerging crises; maintain strong G-ERT coordination and external representation; support the development of toolkits, SOPs, policies, trainings, and innovations; and provide mission-critical surge support to country programmes as required.

Qualifications, Experience & Technical Competencies:  

  • Advanced degree in humanitarian action, disaster management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 3+ years of experience managing complex humanitarian emergency responses; previous Medair experience desired.  
  • Strong knowledge of humanitarian principles and standards, with demonstrated experience in staff, security, and project cycle management.
  • Proven emergency coordination and networking experience, including direct engagement with government donors, local authorities, and in partnership with international and local NGOs.
  • Fluent in English and proficient in Microsoft Office; French and/or Arabic desired.

Behavioural Skills:  

  • Confident, trusted leader who cultivates collaboration and motivates teams to perform effectively in uncertain environments
  • Creative problem solver with strong decision-making skills in fast-moving, complex contexts.  
  • Agile and resilient, able to manage stress, prioritize multiple tasks, and delegate appropriately.  
  • Open‑minded and culturally aware, with strong networking and negotiation skills
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and improve tools, policies, and ways of working.

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Team Spiritual Life

Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, people we serve, and external contacts. Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based teams. Fully contribute to a rich spiritual team life, including team devotion, prayer, and words of encouragement.

Before you apply

Please ensure you are fully aware of the:

  1. Medair organisational values.
  1. Medair is committed to safeguarding the protection of beneficiaries, volunteers, staff and partners, and particularly children. Therefore, we do not employ staff whose background we understand to be unsuitable for working with children. Medair staff are required to give the utmost respect to, and comply with, Medair’s accountability policies and best practices.
  1. Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).

Application Process

To apply, go to this vacancy on our Medair page. Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed. Advertised on Jobupfree.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.