Anticipatory Action Specialist NGO Job IRC

Anticipatory Action Specialist NGO Job. Project Management Jobs In Kenya

Specific Responsibilities

The Anticipatory Action Specialist will lead IRC’s Trafigura Foundation & Google.org funded Anticipatory Action responses globally – as well as other potential private foundation funding. Potential future responses include: Burkina Faso, Sudan, Guatemala & El Salvador.

The dynamic nature of forecast-based programming, working within a constantly evolving 4-month planning window, means that it is essential that the Anticipatory Action Specialist is not only comfortable with, but thrives in a role that involves constant change. It is also essential that the Anticipatory Action Specialist is willing & able to work in Fragile & Conflict Affected contexts for at least 3 weeks / quarter.

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The AA Specialist Specific Responsibilities Are As Follows

In select contexts, ensure timely implementation of Anticipatory Action responses (70%)

Monitor Long-range forecasts

• In partnership with IRC’s Climate Analyst, the Anticipatory Action Specialist will use long-range forecasts to prioritize locations for Anticipatory Action responses
• In prioritized locations, the Anticipatory Action Specialist will lead the engagement with Regional & Country Program teams and ensure coordination with relevant Technical Units and the Emergency & Humanitarian Assistance Unit (EHAU). This will include provide an overview of IRC’s “follow the forecast” approach to Anticipatory Action and practical implications for Country Program teams, including likely timeline, staff & budget requirements and direct support that can be provided.

Rapid Contingency Planning

• The Anticipatory Action Specialist will lead the development of a rapid contingency planning process with Country Program focal points (typically ERD / Emergency Coordinators).
• The rapid contingency planning process involves a review of available secondary data and develop the initial parameters of a response plan including geographic priorities, potential timelines for response, understanding of existing livelihood strategies, review of existing Anticipatory Action protocols (drawing on Anticipation Hub data) and direct support for a contingency planning workshop. This typically involves 3 weeks of in-country support that includes coordination with other operational agencies, primary data collection as well as leading the contingency planning workshop itself.

Cash Transfers

• Cash transfers are the primary response modality for IRC’s Anticipatory Action responses
• The Anticipatory Action Specialist will work closely with Country Program staff, the Anticipatory Action (HEA) Specialist & IRC’s broader Cash Global Practice Area to determine the appropriate cash transfer modality, cash transfer value and transfer schedule.
• The Anticipatory Action Specialist will also ensure that the broader Anticipatory Action portfolio makes best use of IRC’s significant historical investments in broader cash programming & existing cash capacity.

Cash Preparedness

• Cash Readiness: initial assessment of Country Program cash capacity in the initial Go / No Go decision and determination of cash support requirements during the contingency planning period
• Cash Feasibility: specific assessments that may be required to determine the feasibility of cash transfers in specific locations where Anticipatory Action responses are activated.
• Cash Preparedness: additional short-term cash preparedness activities that may be needed (based on cash readiness assessment) before the start of an Anticipatory Action response.
• Cash Preparedness: if there are periods with limited Anticipatory Action responses planned: cash preparedness activities in Country Programs with significant long-term climate vulnerability but not on the IRC Watchlist (since these are supported by EHAU).

Early Warning

• Cash transfers are combined with Early Warning messages using IRC’s digital platform: Signpost
• For flood hazards, IRC is piloting the integration of Signpost and Google Flood Hub to automate the delivery of early warning messages
• The Anticipatory Action Specialist will support the design & timely delivery of early warning messages as a key part of the rapid contingency planning process.
• Learning & Documentation
• Develop & update Standard Operating Procedures for the use of cash in IRC’s Anticipatory Action responses
• Document Anticipatory Action responses to support policy & advocacy, communications & learning.

Support & encourage collaboration with key partners

• Support national coordination & partnerships with other operational agencies & coordination forums.
• Support the Senior Specialist and Climate Global Practice Lead in external donor and stakeholder engagement related to IRC’s “follow the forecasts” approach to Anticipatory Action.
• Externally represent and advocate for AA with local stakeholders and local / national Government.

Lead Anticipatory Action capacity building and communication efforts (15%)

• Lead internal capacity building of Country Program team in core Anticipatory Action tools in Counties where an Anticipatory Action response is triggered.
• Support efforts to raise awareness of IRC’s “follow the forecast” approach to Anticipatory Action internally among Technical Units, EHAU, Country Programs & Regional teams.
• Support efforts to raise awareness of IRC’s “follow the forecast” approach to Anticipatory Action amongst other operational agencies in Countries where an Anticipatory Action response is triggered.

Key Working Relationships

• Anticipatory Action Team: Anticipatory Action Senior Specialist, Anticipatory Action Specialist (HEA), Anticipatory Action Coordinator & Climate Analyst
• Country Programs (DDP, ERD Coordinator, Emergency Coordinator)
• Emergency & Humanitarian Assistance Unit (EHAU)
• Technical Units (Health, Education, Protection, Economic Recovery & Development)
• Policy & Advocacy and Communications

Position directly supervises: Anticipatory Action Coordinator

Other Internal And/or External Contacts

• Internal: EHAU, Research and Innovation department teams, ERD Technical Unit teams, Grant Operations & Analytics Team, Awards Management Unit staff, and IRC country office staff.
• External: Trafigura Foundation, Google.org.

Job Qualifications

• It is highly desirable, but not essential, that the Anticipatory Action Specialist is an experienced Cash practitioner with a comprehensive understanding of the use of cash transfers in both humanitarian and longer-term development contexts – as well was Fragile & Conflict Affected States
• Understanding of IRC cash transfer systems & protocols would be an advantage but is not essential
• **Demonstrated experience of the use of cash for education, health & protection would be an advantage
• **Experience in contingency planning & emergency responses would be desirable.

Work Experience

• **At least 5- 8 years of professional experience leading both humanitarian & development responses, including contingency planning, with demonstrated analytical skills.

Demonstrated Skills And Competencies

• it is essential that the Anticipatory Action Specialist is not only comfortable with, but thrives in a role that involves constant change
• Excellent organizational skills: the ability to multi-task, learn quickly, and work independently and productively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: the ability to effectively collaborate with and motivate a variety of people in a multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent digital literacy: MS Word, Excel, and web-based project management tools (e.g., Asana). Proficiency in Excel strongly preferred.
• Dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion and a passion for IRC’s mission.

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How to Apply

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