• Contract: Definite Period Contract

• Grade: GB5-1

About the Role - Purpose: The overall purpose of this position is to provide leadership and coordination for the planning and implementation of rapid response interventions in North, Central, South and West Gondar zones as part of the recently established “Rapid Response Mechanism 2.0” in Ethiopia. S/he will represent Concern Worldwide and the wider RRM 2.0 consortium towards regional and local authorities, donors, UN agencies, NGOs, communities and other relevant humanitarian stakeholders in the above-mentioned zones of Amhara region. The Manager will work with all relevant humanitarian stakeholders to effectively position and prepare for rapid responses to emergencies and play a leading role in the continuous improvement of standards and procedures around rapid responses, through feedback and learning loops. The Manager will play a key role in strengthening the management of security and other risks in the four zones both within Concern and among other humanitarian actors. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

Preparedness & Planning for Rapid Responses:

• Monitor the regional and zonal context and promptly alert the Concern Ethiopia area & head office and ET-RRM lead agency & steering committee to significant developments arising in relation to potential humanitarian crises (e.g. conflict, disease, etc. outbreaks, early warning information on droughts, etc.).

• Under the leadership of the ET-RRM leadership structures and Concern as Geographical Lead Agency (GLA), and working with local humanitarian stakeholders, establish participatory and comprehensive Early Warning systems (utilizing and building on such systems already available at zonal and regional level). 

• Partner Pre-Identification & Selection: Design and conduct a mapping and selection process of potential partner organisations capable of delivering rapid emergency responses. This will include a formal call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs). Periodically repeat such processes as may be necessary.

• Support the ET-RRM Lead Agency, IRC, in due diligence & capacity assessment processes and in the elaboration of potential response plans by each selected partner as may be required.

• Supported by Concern management and the national level RRM team, and working with pre-selected partners, identify key risks to be managed during rapid responses and risk reduction/mitigation measures. Organise training, experience-sharing etc. sessions as may be necessary.

Rapid Emergency Response: Implementation, Capacity Building, M&E:

• Supported by the national level ET-RRM team, mobilize specific pre-selected partner organisations as are most suited for particular rapid onset crises and together launch implementation of responses.

• Ensure the effective implementation of rapid needs assessments (multi-sector, unless a single-sector response is clearly needed) by implementing partners, providing support when this might be needed.

• Support implementation partners in concluding agreements with relevant government authorities, drawing on support from the national level ET-RRM team as needed.

• Coordinate, monitor and support the activities of implementing partners and share relevant information with the national level ET-RRM team.

• If Concern Worldwide itself is selected to implement a rapid response, the Manager will support in the same manner as with other organizations.  Other Concern managers and staff will be responsible for the actual implementation of rapid emergency responses by Concern.

• Support in mutual capacity strengthening, training and exchange initiatives in emergency preparedness, addressing gaps identified through the due diligence assessments, regular monitoring, and quarterly reviews.

• Monitor the management of key risks by implementing partners, organising support as may be needed.

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of implementing partners in terms of programme quality, accountability to communities affected by sudden onset crisis and other stakeholders, risk management and grant compliance. With the national level ET-RRM team, identify remedial actions with partners and follow up on their implementation. If necessary, recommend and act on the removal of an implementing partner and their replacement if they prove unable to address identified issues.

• Submit reports and documents internally to Concern management, IRC as ET-RRM lead agency and the Steering Committee, and externally to government, donors and other relevant bodies in the Amhara region on a timely basis as required and provide clarification whenever necessary (following review by Concern Ethiopia advisers/management when necessary and following the relevant approvals as per Concern’s Delegation of Authority framework).

Cross-cutting Thematic Areas: Accountability, Equality, Continuous Learning:

• Promote and ensure compliance with internationally accepted accountability standards among relevant Concern staff and partner organisations – in particular the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) commitments and programme quality criteria to which Concern has signed up.

• Ensure that ET-RRM implementing partners either have fully functional, effective and accessible Feedback, Complaint & Response Mechanisms (FCRMs) or that they sign up to and implement those of Concern as GLA/IRC as ET-RRM lead agency.

• Actively promote a culture within Concern and among partners of welcoming feedback/complaints and responding to these in a timely, fair and appropriate manner – ensuring full confidentiality. Promptly report any sensitive complaints, especially safeguarding issues, to the Country Director or via other mechanisms within Concern, once aware of them. Handle all complaints made with utmost confidentiality and prioritise the safety of complainants and others affected. 

• With the support of relevant Concern management/staff and national level ET-RRM team members, actively promote and ensure the effective integration of actions to address gender and other forms of inequality throughout ET-RRM programming and operations in the four Gondar zones of Amhara region – including effective M&E plans and relevant indicators.

• Lead in the participatory evaluation or review of ET-RRM responses with implementing partners and other stakeholders, capturing lessons to inform future responses in the four Gondar zones or other locations in Ethiopia.  Support in the effective dissemination of lessons learned.

External Representation, Coordination and Liaison:

• On behalf of Concern Worldwide as GLA for the ET-RRM in North, Central, South & West Gondar zones of Amhara Regional State, develop and maintain strong working relationships and visibility with all relevant humanitarian stakeholders (government organizations/departments, national & international NGOs, donor institutions, UN agencies, community institutions, etc.). 

• Ensure active participation in relevant sectoral clusters, technical working groups, and other coordination bodies in the four Gondar zones (and at regional level) as necessary for effective planning and implementation of rapid responses. The postholder is expected to ensure effective representation – by personally attending meetings etc. or delegating this work.

Operations (Human Resources, Logistics, Procurement, IT, Administration) & Finance:

• Directly manage and conduct regular performance & development reviews (PDRs) with any direct line reports (to be identified). Ensure full and proper adherence to Concern’s operational procedures and processes – HR, IT, procurement/logistics, etc. within the remit of this post.

• Authorize expenditure within any duly authorised ET-RRM budget and up to the delegated authority limits as per Concern Ethiopia Delegation of Authority framework, after conducting/ensuring proper and rigorous review of paperwork.

• Ensure that Concern’s finance policies and procedures are strictly and fully followed and adhered to. 

• Proactively engage with and seek support from Concern Addis Ababa-based Operations and Finance management/staff as needed to ensure full and effective compliance with Concern policies & procedures and effective operations and financial management within the remit of this post. 

Code of Conduct & Associated Policies:

• Fully adhere to Concern’s Code of Conduct & Associated Policies and ensure that any staff and teams being managed are fully aware of these and adhere to them. Ensure staff and teams carry out programming and operations in a way that minimises the risk of abuse, harm or neglect.

• Report immediately/promptly any actual or suspected breaches of Concern’s Code of Conduct & Associated Policies to the line manager / HR Coordinator / Country Director (or via the other communication channels outlined in Concern’s polices) and promptly follow any direction given by the CD or other properly appointed/delegated staff – before taking any action.

• Ensure that all implementing partners under the ET-RRM either have equivalent Codes of Conduct & Associated Policies in place, or, that they sign up to those of Concern/IRC.

• Develop a good understanding of local structures and referral systems in relation to PSEA and gender-based violence in the relevant zones in Amhara region.

General Emergency Response Commitment:

• Concern is committed to responding to emergencies efficiently and effectively in order to help affected people meet their basic needs, alleviate suffering and maintain their dignity. To this end, when emergencies strike and the Ethiopia Programme is to respond, all staff are required to actively participate in the response, regardless of location and contribute to the efforts aimed at achieving the humanitarian objective of the organization.

• Comply with Concern’s health, safety and security rules and procedures during emergencies.  Ensure that all staff and teams in the region also fully comply with these. Perform any other relevant tasks as may reasonably be requested by line manager.

What we offer

• A competitive salary and benefit package

• Excellent medical benefits (100% cover including dependents)

• 20 days annual leave

• 26 weeks (paid) maternity leave, 18weeks (unpaid) parental leave

Job Requirements

Essential knowledge, skills and experience 

• Bachelor level degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, development/humanitarian studies or a related discipline.

• 4-6 years relevant experience, with at least 1 year at a management/coordination level within an NGO – experience in working with different types of partner organisations a distinct advantage. 

• Experience of humanitarian emergency preparedness and response work at a managerial/leadership level. Demonstrated expertise in Rapid Response Mechanisms (or equivalent) a distinct advantage.

• Excellent leadership and management skills and experience of working within diverse teams and across multiple organisations in a complex working environment. 

• Proven external representation and advocacy skills and ability to build strong working relationships with key stakeholders. Excellent networking skills at regional / national level in Ethiopia.

• Strong experience of and commitment to working in partnership with different types of organisations at regional, zonal and woreda levels with an emphasis on localisation, shared values, capacity sharing, and participatory processes.

• Experience in community engagement and knowledge of participatory approaches.

• Training, coaching and mentoring skills and ability to motivate and develop skills of others.

• Experience in capacity building and quality programme implementation.

• Ability to work on own initiative with limited direct supervision and as part of a diversified team.  Organized, motivated and reliable.

• Knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation concepts/approaches.

• Awareness of and demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of inequality, in particular gender.

• Flexibility, adaptability, and patience. Strong facilitation and communication/ interpersonal skills. Positive attitude and good sense of humour!

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Amharic. 

• Solid Experience in report and proposal writing.

• Proven analytical ability and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work under pressure often to strict deadlines.

• Empathy with and commitment to Concern Worldwide ethos and values.

• Good knowledge of computer applications i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Email.

Desirable

• Prior experience in Amhara region and in particular North, Central, South or West Gondar zones.

• Previous experience working in one or more of the following programme sectors: health, nutrition, WASH, livelihoods or education – and ideally in emergencies.

• Track record in proposal and report writing.

• Prior management level experience in an INGO.

• Experience in/knowledge of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and Feedback, Complaints & Response Mechanisms (CRMs).

• Security management skills and experience.

• Experience of managing multiple grants funded by different donors.

Competencies

Candidates are expected to demonstrate abilities in the following priority competency areas (highlight 3-4 competencies in bold as appropriate)

Managing Yourself

Planning and decision-making

Leadership

Creativity and innovation

Communication and working with others

Influence, advocacy and networking

Delivering results

Change

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send non-returnable C.V., application letter outlining how their experience and education fit this vacancy. Please note that there is no need to submit your supporting documents at this stage: 

Apply through THIS LINK 

Women and people with disability are highly encouraged to apply!

We encourage all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnicity or origin, disability, political beliefs, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status to apply to become a part of the organization. Concern is against all forms of discrimination and unequal power relations and is committed to promoting equality. 

If this role sounds right for you, please apply with your CV and cover letter. Please be aware we may offer positions before the closing date. Concern reserves the right to interview and select the chosen candidate before closing date for receipt of applications, so early application is strongly recommended.

Important information:

Concern has an organizational Code of Conduct with three Associated Policies: The Programme Participant Protection Policy, the Child Safeguarding Policy, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy accessible here. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organizations, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, staff have a responsibility to the organization to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in their work, in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a job with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Concern Staff Code of Conduct and Associated Policies as an appendix to their contract of employment. By signing the Concern Code of Conduct, candidates acknowledge that they have understood the content of both the Concern Code of Conduct and the Associated Policies and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these policies. Additionally, Concern is committed to the safeguarding and protection of adults and children in our work. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work or volunteer with adults and children are recruited by us for such roles. Consequently, working or volunteering with Concern may be subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background checking. 

During this job application, you will provide Concern with your personal data. Concern takes its responsibilities towards this personal data very seriously and is committed to complying with all relevant data protection legislation.