Emergency Manager

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Emergency Program Manager for a 12-months mission to Colombia. This is an opportunity for an experienced humanitarian emergency professional to help position DRC in the country, shape and implement the response to the Venezuela Crisis in Colombia.

About the job

The Danish Refugee Council/Danish Demining Group has been present in Colombia since 2011, but focused on capacity-building, setting up of mine action programming and providing support to conflict-affected populations in southern Colombia.

Following from the conclusions of a scoping missions, DRC decided to start an emergency response in the coastal areas of Colombia (Riohacha – Baranquilla). The primary objective of the Emergency Program Manager will be, together with the Country Director, to develop the emergency strategy and contribute to the development of concept notes and proposals to raise funds to scale up the operation.

The position will be based in Bogota, Colombia, with extensive travels to rural areas, cities between the border and Barranquilla, and Bogota for assessment, partners and donor meetings as necessary.

The position will include the line management of a team of international and national staff, capacity building of national staff on emergency programming.

 The Program Manager will support the Country Director in the development, implementation and management of DRC's humanitarian and emergency programming objectives and strategy in Colombia. The Program Manager will be tasked to take a lead role in program development, implementation, coordination and representation with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

Emergency Programming:

• Take lead in leading the emergency response actions of DRC in Colombia including proposal development, planning, resourcing and roll out and reporting.
• Develop steps and procedures in the planning and implementation of the Emergency Response in accordance with relevant agreements and policies and procedures and ensure that activities are in line with budget lines and limitations.
• Monitor, evaluate and suggest changes and improvements in Emergency programme based on observations and discussions with the Country Director for the emergency response.
• Coordinate with both relevant internal and external actors to ensure an internally integrated approach to emergency response and mobilization of support.
• Lead the recruitment of staffing, and capacity building of staff for the emergency response.

• Support the Country Director in representing DRC at local and national level, and act on his or her behalf as requested. This includes attending all relevant forums and meetings, with the objective of making positive contributions to coordination and sector-specific fora and strengthening DRC's position as a well-informed and responsive emergency and humanitarian actor in  Colombia.
• Identify and foster professional and constructive relationships with government authorities and other relevant actors and stakeholders.

• Support in the design of needs assessments to inform emergency and humanitarian program design as well as identify risks and vulnerabilities, including those related to gender, age and diversity.
• Ensure that projects and associated activities are implemented in accordance with agreed strategies, principles, implementation plans, and donor requirements.
• In collaboration with the Bogota based team, ensure the implementation of projects complies with quality standards and are monitored in accordance with pre-defined objectives and indicators.
• Work with the Country Director, Head of Support Services and Technical coordinators, to contribute to new project development, including both narratives and budgets, by coordinating and compiling inputs from other technical and support staff.

• Support the Program and support team in the development of budgets and spending plans and to develop and maintain a budget overview of all projects and activities, and collaborate regularly with the Country Director and Support Services team to monitor spending and ensure the timely utilization of all grants.
• Ensure full compliance with DRC and donor financial guidelines and policies.

• At least 5 years' experience in a project/ program management role involving responsibility for developing new and successful proposals
• At least 3 years' experience with people management
• Skills in fundraising, budget management and donor reporting/ accountability/ compliance
• Experience in working in complex emergencies.
• Spanish essential

Desirable

• Calm and diplomatic in nature.
• Experience in capacity building of staff and local partners
• Ability to produce timely project proposals and high quality reports

• Previous experience with DRC in emergency context

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values. 

We offer

Contract length: 12 months

Level: A 11

Designation of Duty Station: Unaccompanied

Start date: November 2018

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Yann Cornic: yann.cornic@drc.ngo

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 15/11/2018