Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

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

Role Summary

Working as a key member of the Global Emergency Response Team (G-ERT), the Emergency Response (ER) Specialist is available for immediate deployment into emergency response operations to assess, design, coordinate, and manage the implementation of Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) and Non-Food Item (NFI) projects. Providing strategic direction, team management and evaluation of all aspects of Medair’s response, the ER Specialist also plays a critical role in security management, stakeholder engagement, project reporting, and emergency preparedness. The role further supports established country programmes through technical assistance, capacity building, and training in CVA and NFI programming. Responsibilities may be adapted based on the context of each deployment, taking into account the capacities, resources, and needs of Medair and/or partner teams.  

Project Overview 

The purpose of Medair’s global emergency responses is to save lives and alleviate human suffering by working with vulnerable populations and providing essential life-saving health, shelter and WASH services. The G-ERT is a standing global emergency response team, consisting of 5-7 members, and averages 1-3 new responses per year (some which become longer-term country programs). New emergency responses historically comprise around 7-10% of Medair’s annual portfolio budget.  

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). Reporting to GSO in Lausanne with field deployment up to max 80% of the year. Medair alumni may be considered for remote placement (conditions apply). Living and working conditions vary by location but are often basic and stressful.    

Responsibilities:

When deployed:

  • Programme management: Lead or support CVA and Non-Food Item (NFI) assessments, programme design, modality and delivery mechanism selection, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and project team management in emergency response contexts. Develop relationships with key stakeholders and represent Medair in relevant coordination forums, clusters, and technical working groups.
  • Staff management: Line manage project and support staff, promoting Medair’s vision and values in team building, clear communication and ethical compliance.
  • Finance management: Support the development, management, and monitoring of project budgets, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and implementing appropriate financial controls, fraud prevention, and risk mitigation measures.
  • Security management: Monitor and assess security risks, develop and enforce security plans, ensure staff and asset safety, and oversee protocol adherence.

When not deployed:

  • Planning and Preparedness: Support organisational emergency preparedness through the development of SOPs, policies, tools, training, and technical guidance for CVA and NFI programming, in collaboration with the Global CVA and Shelter/NFI Advisors Provide surge support, technical assistance, and capacity building to country programmes as required.

Qualifications, Experience & Technical Competencies:  

  • Relevant university degree and professional humanitarian experience.
  • Proven experience in preparation and management of complex humanitarian emergencies.  
  • Knowledge of humanitarian contexts, coordination mechanisms, sector standards, CHS, CVA best practices, and protection issues.
  • Proven experience in CVA and NFI programming; Shelter experience desirable.  
  • Proven experience in project cycle management and programme funding.
  • Excellent English, working knowledge of French desirable.  

Behavioural Skills:  

• Strong communication, interpersonal and team building skills

• Strong management, coordination, organisational and networking skills

• Ability to work under pressure and handle personal stress

• Creative problem solver, flexible and adaptable, open-minded, and collaborative

• Self-motivated, energetic, committed to learning, sharing knowledge, and improving work quality

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. 

*Remote working conditions apply

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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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At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
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.