Watch Center/Emergency Coordination Center(ECC) Specialist

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) wants to hire employees in the following vacant positions the details of which are mentioned below. 

About the Ethiopian Red Cross Society 

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) was established in 1935 and is one of the oldest and largest humanitarian organizations in Ethiopia. ERCS provides services to communities affected by natural and manmade disasters through the provision of emergency responses, ambulance and first aid, family reunification, essential drugs, water and sanitation, and other humanitarian services. ERCS also runs disaster risk reduction programs with the aim of creating resilience households and communities. Currently the ERCS has a structure consisting of 12 Regional Offices, 34 Zonal Branches and 131  District/Woreda Branches, 599 Woreda Red Cross Committee  and 5871 Kebele Red Cross  committees.

ERCS also runs disaster risk reduction programs relating to food security, climate change adaptation, livelihood diversification, and institutional capacity building interventions, with the aim of creating resilience households and communities. ERCS works in partnership with the Ethiopian Government, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), partnering National Societies, members, volunteers and the communities we serve.

Position Description

Ethiopian Red Cross Society is seeking a Watch Center/Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) Specialist for the USAID Ethiopia DRM Activity. The Watch Center/ECC Coordinator will be responsible for and will play a crucial role in overseeing the monitoring of disaster-related events and coordinating response efforts during emergencies. This position requires a proactive individual with strong leadership qualities, excellent organizational abilities, and a commitment to promoting resilience and preparedness in disaster situations. H/She will strengthen the support by the DRM Activity in the implementation of the EDRMC led Multi-Hazard Impact Based Early Warning Early Action (MHIBEW-EA) roadmap, and foster collaboration with the various stakeholders supporting the ECC to strengthen ECC's capabilities to monitor progression of crises and proactive response at all levels. 

This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will report to the DRM Coordination Lead. 

Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to: 

• Provide technical assistance to the EDRMC's Early Warning and Response Directorate for the development of Early Warning (EW) bulletins.

• Provide technical support for the sub-national level government on automated EWS, including operationalizing ECCs using a virtual platform that integrates EWS and ECCs.

• Provide technical assistance on EWS and enable the evidence-based activation of ECC at times of emergency.

• Support and ensure synergies among the Federal ECC and all other sectoral and regional ECCs in the country.

• Monitor and assess potential disasters, including natural hazards, technological incidents, and other emergencies, using a variety of data sources and monitoring tools.

• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and community groups, to share information and collaborate on response plans and actions.

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of disaster risks and vulnerabilities in the country, including historical trends and emerging threats, to inform decision-making and response prioritization.

• Establish and maintain communication systems and protocols for timely dissemination of information and coordination of response activities among internal and external partners.

• Support the development and implementation of multi-disaster preparedness and response plans, including training exercises, simulations, and drills to test and improve response readiness.

• Provide technical guidance and support to field teams at incident command post (ICP) deployed to respond to disasters, ensuring adherence to established protocols and procedures.

• Coordinate the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to disaster events, response activities, and impact assessments for internal and external stakeholders.

• Participate in coordination meetings, working groups, task forces, and other forums to exchange information, share lessons learned, and strengthen collaboration in disaster response and recovery efforts.

• Serve as a focal point for inquiries and requests for assistance related to disaster events and emergency response, providing timely and accurate information and support as needed.

• Contribute to the development and dissemination of public awareness materials and communication campaigns to promote disaster preparedness and resilience-building initiatives.

• Monitor real-time data, reports, and information from various sources to identify potential risks, emergencies, or crises that require immediate attention.

• Manage and maintain early warning systems to provide timely alerts and notifications to relevant stakeholders about emerging threats or hazards.

• Coordinate with internal and external partners, including government agencies, NGOs, and other organizations, to ensure a coordinated and effective response to emergencies.

• Collect, analyze, and disseminate critical information to support decision-making processes during emergencies, including situational updates, resource availability, and response priorities.

• Facilitate communication between different response teams, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure a seamless flow of information and coordination of activities.

• Develop and update emergency response plans, standard operating procedures, and protocols to guide actions during emergencies and ensure readiness for various scenarios.

• Provide training and capacity-building support to staff and partners on emergency response procedures, communication protocols, and use of technology for monitoring and coordination.

• Implement and adhere to the Incident Command System (ICS) framework to manage emergency response operations effectively and efficiently.

• Coordinate the allocation and utilization of resources, including personnel, equipment, supplies, and facilities, to support response efforts and meet operational needs.

• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and reports on emergency response activities, outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned for future improvement and accountability.

Work Unit :-DRM department

Reports to:- DRM-Head

Terms of employment: - Contract for one year   

Place of Work: - Addis Ababa 

Salary:- Negotiable       

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and 9 years of experience in disaster management, emergency management, geography, data science, 

• GIS, policy study, weather forecasting, earth science or any related field, Master's degree and 7 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in disaster response, emergency coordination, or related fields, with a proven track record of coordinating effective response efforts.

• Strong understanding of disaster risk management principles, frameworks, and best practices, with knowledge of relevant international standards and guidelines.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration in a multidisciplinary environment.

• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools, with the ability to interpret and present complex information clearly and concisely.

• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the capacity to make sound decisions under pressure, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

• Willingness to work irregular hours, flexibility and capacity to multi-task and respond to emergencies on short notice, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

• Verbal and written fluency in English and Amharic required.

• Ability to travel and work throughout Ethiopia in difficult terrain/conditions

How To Apply

We invite candidates meeting the required qualifications to fill out online employment application form

With the indicated link https://ee.ifrc.org/x/fqTf4qqW before the closing date of this announcement on August 9, 2024.

Qualified women are strongly recommended to apply!