Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 23 Nov 2017
Background
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 190 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. Organizational Context
The Disaster & Crisis department consists of two teams - the Emergency Operations and Information Management team and the Global Networks and Operational Practice team. Both teams work together as one department, and with other divisional teams (Health, Logistics, Movement Coordination) to support Regional and Country offices and NS to implement the 2016-2020 plan across seven areas of focus and in accordance with the four strategies for implementation.
The Emergency Operations and Information Management team works collaboratively with Headquarter, Regional and Country level counterparts to: i) manage an inclusive local-to-global IFRC wide response system, built upon Movement learning, informed by industry best practices, and equipped for the future; ii) deliver innovation in managing information – more timely and comprehensive data collation and analysis for IFRC operational and strategic decision making; iii) ensure evidence based analysis of risks and capacities that supports better preparedness and more integrated, multi-sectoral, holistic approaches to response and recovery; iv) profile the work of the IFRC across the preparedness – response – recovery continuum – highlighting the value added of the IFRC for strengthening resilience; v) expand DREF access to more of the most vulnerable communities and in response to the many small, silent and forgotten disasters; vi) deliver more transparency in procedures and in decision making including through clear agreed SOPs; and vii) instil an IM culture in the IFRC – disseminating why information is needed, how it is used and the value of unique RCRC data and analysis.Job Purpose
To support the IFRC network with the development and maintenance of innovative information management approaches for disaster and crisis prevention, response and recovery. Specifically, the Lead is accountable for delivering timely and comprehensive data collation and analysis to support IFRC operational and strategic decision making at local (national), regional and global levels. The Lead is accountable for the development and implementation of information management approaches and procedures, policy and guidance, coordination and networking, training and technical assistance. Job Duties and Responsibilities
Support IFRC Leadership in Management of Prevention, Response and Recovery
- Manage the phased introduction of new and/or information management updated standards, procedures and tools appropriate to the organisational structure and matrix management practices.
- Facilitate training and dissemination on information management standards, procedures and tools and monitor compliance - referring any significant issues of accountability to the Team Leader, Emergency Operation and Information Management and/or Director, Disaster & Crisis in a timely manner.
- Participate in and support the Emergency Support Group
- Contribute to the further development the DREF, Emergency Appeals, operational quality control and approval process at a global level.
- Supports efforts to develop Movement wide approaches to RCRC disaster and crisis prevention, response and recovery through the further alignment of IFRC and ICRC plans, tools and mechanisms.
- Liaise with the IT department to coordinate and ensure a One Secretariat, One IT approach
Deliver quality information in PRR to end users
- Develop an “operations IM strategy” and monitoring plan for the Secretariat centred on the delivery of reliable, accessible, user-friendly, relevant, appropriate, and timely information
- Lead the development of integrated systems for data gathering and information management across all activities of the Disaster and Crisis department to ensure accurate and reliable data is sought, collected, stored, analysed and shared with key stakeholders in a timely manner.
- Manage the IFRC Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and networked facilities and exercise quality control over the platform, user interface and tools that support data collection and analysis such as Open Data Kit (ODK), RAMP and RMS.
- Lead and manage the quality assurance of data collection processes and data management activities including encoding, storing, and transferring data to key stakeholders.
- Oversee and manage the delivery of technical functions in support of the EOC and IM more broadly including: i) GIS for map production and geographic data management,: ii) the development and maintenance of a spatial baseline and operational (consistent with the IFRC “status of territories”); and iii) the ability to produce infographics and ability to convey messages in a storyline
- Monitor the effective use of the information management systems, and the application of relevant tools and procedures and identify and fill gaps where necessary
- Oversee the development and delivery of information management training modules for stakeholders
- Ensure timely preparation and generation of information products and reports in accordance with needs of the IFRC network, and support on information sharing and dissemination to all relevant stakeholders (Movement and external partners).
Representation and sustaining a global network on preparedness, relief and recovery
- Build functional networks and coordinate with RC/RC movement partners, NGOs, UN and other International organizations, to ensure the International Federation is kept informed and up to date on best practices and emerging trends related to information management.
- Conduct research and explore partnerships to expand IFRC access to relevant data sources – including historical statistical data, hazard trends and drivers of vulnerability, needs assessments, satellite imagery, remote sensing, media / social media
- Participate in the global level IASC Information Management Working Group and other relevant working groups and liaise with external partners in relation to information management needs and coordination.
- Coordinate and collaborate with ICRC and RCRC partners on the harmonisation and alignment of data collection and management process where appropriate.
- Coordinate and collaborate with non-Movement partners (including UN OCHA and IASC) on the harmonisation and alignment of data collection and sharing as appropriate.
- Lead IFRC efforts to promote inter-operability with IASC partners, support for the development of the Common Humanitarian Dataset, and dissemination of global data standards
- Support the Disaster Management teams present in the Regions with technical advice and surge capacity for information management and seek to connect regional to global networks
- Facilitate and/or participate in disaster and crises simulation exercises where relevant
Be a role model in leading and managing an effective, high quality team, fit for purpose
- Define clear roles, accountabilities and activities, and assign them across the team members on an ongoing basis while improving efficiencies within available resources.
- Plan, manage and monitor the use of available resources (people, budgets, etc.) of the team in order to deliver the agreed activities for area of responsibility. Develop global programme project proposals in accordance with Federation standards and donor requirements.
- Foster a service-oriented culture that values accountability for results, proactivity, continuous improvement, innovation, and high performance.
- Lead the delivery of service improvement, good practice, continuous learning and knowledge sharing between the IFRC and NSs and between colleagues.
- Create a working environment that ensures staff growth, motivation and satisfaction.
- Build and maintain trust-relationships with key stakeholders (NS and IFRC structures) involved in fast-paced emergency response decision-making.
- Be available to deploy internationally for up to 3 months each year. Education
Required:
- University degree in relevant area or equivalent experience required
- Technical training in information and data management or information systems
Preferred:
- Training in the RC/RC global disaster response tools (FACT, RDRT, ERU, SIMS, etc) Experience
Required:
- Minimum of 8 years experience in information management, information systems
- Field experience in working with a humanitarian organisation in an information management, information systems, reporting or communications function
- Experience in project cycle management including proposal development, budgeting and reporting, monitoring and evaluation
- Experience in strategy development, developing tools and guidance, providing technical assistance and in establishing and maintaining networks
- Minimum of 5 years experience managing teams
Preferred:
- Experience in working within the RC/RC Movement Knowledge, skills and languages
Required:
- Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills with independent decision making capacity
- Ability to formulate IM related technical requirements and operating procedures
- Ability to compile and holistically analyse diverse datasets
- Excellent communication and inter-personal skills with the ability to represent the International Federation and to negotiate and influence people’s opinions
- Strong partnership building skills, demonstrated capacity to build functional networks
- Flexible and adaptable to work effectively in a multicultural environment and ability to travel at short notice
- Fluently spoken and written English
Preferred:
- Knowledge of RC/RC and UN global disaster response tools
Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic) Competencies and values
Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust
Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others
Managerial competencies: Managing staff performance, Managing staff development
How to apply:
If you are interested, please apply on our website before Thursday 23 November.