Greece: Disaster Management Officer for the Hellenic Red Cross

General:

The Hellenic Red Cross (HRC), member of the International Movement of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, was established on 10 June 1877. It is the biggest humanitarian organization in Greece and according to its legal status, the HRC is a non-profit organization officially recognised by the Hellenic Republic, as a voluntary aid society, auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field.

As Greece’s major disaster risks have been rapid-onset natural and technological disasters, HRC has focused its disaster response strategy on the development of rapid deployment capabilities. The Samaritan, Rescuer and Lifeguard Division (SRLD) Rescue Team is a pool of highly trained staff and volunteers deployed to conduct search and rescue operations in emergencies. Disaster response in urban areas is particularly challenging, mainly due to traffic congestion and poor urban planning. In all three divisions of HRC, volunteers are trained in disaster response. However, training curricula vary considerably and focus on each Division’s core mission.

The recent migrant crisis and protracted deployment of staff and volunteers has revealed the need to standardize the training of all HRC volunteers in disaster response. Despite efforts in training, gaps remain in operational planning and organization. Emergencies affecting a single branch are managed locally; yet HRC does not have a system to address a disaster which may affect more than one branch, or requires resources beyond those available in just one branch. There is a need to create an effective deployment and coordination mechanism for disasters.

HRC has traditionally had limited technical resources. All local branches have first aid and emergency care equipment. However, supplies are limited and are organized on an individual team basis, not with mass-casualty incident in mind.

HRC’s efforts to build-up the DM capacity is supported by the IFRC. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 190 member National Societies. The Organization acts before, during and after disasters, crises and health emergences in order to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. It is among the IFRC’s expected impacts to ensure effective preparedness capacities for appropriate and timely response to disaster and crisis.

The position is based in Athens, at HRC headquarters, but will require regular travel and liaising with the HRC branches in the field. Additionally, in times of crisis, the officer will support the Head of the DM unit in responding and coordinating the response. The Officer will also work closely with the IFRC.

Job Purpose:

The purpose of the position is to support the HRC in developing its disaster preparedness, and in case of a disaster, will involve direct disaster management work as well. The basis of this should be the Annual Operational Plan’s plan, as developed by HRC and IFRC.

Disaster Preparedness Capacity Development

National Disaster Preparedness

· Work under the DM Head of Unit to support the HRC to strengthen its disaster response capacity and to improve standing readiness for disasters. This work should be largely based on the plan specified in the Annual Operational Plan, and in collaboration with IFRC.

· Support HRC in setting up their National Disaster Response Mechanisms, including response and contingency planning based on national disaster risk analysis, Standard Operating Procedures for response and the development of National Disaster Response Team (NDRT), and Branch DRTs (BDRT) harmonizing them with other IFRC Disaster Management tools.

· Support the HRC to be better connected to the authorities for DM.

· Develop relevant training and simulation exercises for the HRC for Disaster management/preparedness.

· Work effectively with IFRC.

· Work effectively with branches and volunteers.

· Support the HRC in responding to small and large disasters.

The incumbent will also be supporting generalDisaster Management taskssuch as:

· In the event of a need (such as a large disaster), perform DM work as required for the HRC directly, and as requested by the Head of DM who consults with HRC management.

· Provide support in mobilizing resources for the components of preparedness and response. Contribute in identifying and engaging with potential donors, and in preparing project proposals and documents, at the request of the Head of DM unit who consults with HRC management.

· Produce regular reports to the Head of DM unit, also support writing reports for the IFRC.

· Perform other DM and DP related duties according to priorities determined by the line manager.

Duties Applicable to All Staff

· Actively work towards the achievement of the Spanish Red Cross Goals.

· Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross/Red Crescent principles.

· Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the line manager.

Qualifications:

Education:

· Essential: Technical training in Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery.

· Essential: University degree in relevant area or equivalent experience.

Work Experience:

· Essential: At least of 3 years’ experience in disaster management

· Essential: Field experience in coordinating and managing disaster response operations

· Preferred: Experience in disaster preparedness related activities (contingency planning, Emergency Response Teams, etc.)

· Preferred: Two years work experience with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, including time in the field and/or with a National Society

· Preferred: Experience in project cycle management including proposal development, budgeting and reporting, monitoring and evaluation

Knowledge and Skills:

Required:

· Knowledge of the Greek national disaster response tools

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with independent decision-making capacity

· Excellent communication and inter-personal skills with the ability to represent the HRC and to negotiate and influence people’s opinions

· Experience in Delivering Trainings

· Flexible and adaptable to work effectively in a multicultural environment and ability to travel at short notice

· Fluently spoken and written English and Greek

· Very Good report writing skills

Competencies:

Communication

Collaboration and Teamwork

Judgement and Decision Making

Capacity Building

National Society and Customer Relations

Creativity and Innovation

Building Trust

Interested candidates should send English CV and Cover letter to the following e-mail address: hr.greece@ifrc.org Please mention the Position Title in the subject of the e-mail.

Please note that this is a National Greek Contract.

Location: Hellenic Red Cross Office in Athens.

Duration of Contract: A total period of 7 months- The first contract will be between 1-3 months as probation period.

Expected Start Date: Second week of February 2018

Application Deadline: 8 February 2018

Only shortlisted Candidates will be contacted. All CVs will be treated with strict confidentiality.