Director of Emergency Preparedness and Humanitarian Response

Full-time
Published: 2024-07-09 21:02:17Z

About Food For The Poor
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor primarily in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. "Join us in our mission to serve the poorest of the poor."

Overall Responsibility:
The Director of Emergency Preparedness and Humanitarian Response will lead and coordinate all activities related to emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts on an international scale. This role is critical in ensuring that the organization is ready to respond efficiently and effectively to global emergencies and humanitarian crises, minimizing the impact on affected communities. Will work closely with various stakeholders, including international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, and community groups, to develop and implement comprehensive emergency preparedness and humanitarian relief strategies.

The Director will respond effectively to a constantly evolving environment with effective humanitarian programs. Will be directly responsible for coordinating the preparedness and response team and setting the response’s strategic direction; providing oversight and mentorship for the team; leading teams to identify, design, and deliver responsive, high-quality programs; ensuring efficient management of public grants, private funds, and in-kind aid for results, compliance, and focused, timely reporting; and oversight of financial management and compliance systems.

Duties:
Strategic Planning and Implementation:

Develop and implement the organization's international emergency preparedness and response strategies.
Lead the development and implementation of an anticipatory action plan for Food For The Poor, formulating proactive strategies and triggers based on forecasts or predictive analyses to empower the organization through an efficient and collective response.
Collaborate and support the implementation and integration of innovative technologies and digital tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response operations.
Utilize data analytics and real-time information systems to inform strategic decisions and optimize resource allocation during crises.
Ensure alignment with international humanitarian standards and best practices, including SPHERE standards.
Lead the creation and maintenance of emergency preparedness plans, including risk assessments, contingency plans, and emergency response protocols.
Lead and coordinate FFTP assessments of emergency needs and, in collaboration with our international implementing partner, development of a response strategy.
Design, resource (people and funds), and implement emergency response programs that meet the needs of the affected community.
Collaborate and/or cooperate with peer agencies, local governments, donors, and other partners to leverage services, technical skills, and promote delivery of high-quality humanitarian services.
Supervise and ensure compliance with FFTP policy, procedures, and practices throughout the preparedness and response program.
Lead continuous improvements and updates to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the department to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in emergency preparedness and response activities.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Advocate for emergency preparedness and humanitarian relief issues at the local, national, and international levels.
Advocate for business continuity and Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) practices and preparedness within FFTP to ensure organizational resilience during emergencies.

Compliance and Reporting:

Ensure compliance with all relevant international laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
Prepare and submit regular reports on emergency preparedness and relief activities
Maintain accurate records and documentation for all programs and initiatives.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public Health, International Relations, International Development, or a related field required (Master's degree preferred).
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in international emergency preparedness and humanitarian relief, with at least 3 years in a management leadership role.
Proven track record of successful program management and strategic planning in the international sector.

Skills:
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent verbal and written skills in English and Spanish (additionally preferred language: French Creole).
Ability to work under pressure and in challenging environments.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in project management software and tools.
In-depth knowledge of international humanitarian principles and standards, including SPHERE standards and best practices linking humanitarian efforts to development.
Willingness to travel frequently and with short notice, including to remote areas throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed during emergencies.
Commitment to the mission and values of the organization.