Canada: Emergency Response Unit (ERU) Coordinator

Do you want to make a difference? Join the world’s largest humanitarian network. The Canadian Red Cross Society, a not for profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world, is currently seeking a Emergency Response Unit (ERU) Coordinator.

Within the Emergencies and Recoveries Team (ERT), and under the direction of the Manager, Emergency Response Unit, the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) Coordinator is responsible to maintain the readiness of ERU commodities and personnel, coordinate the deployment of the ERU and implement the ongoing development and improvement of ERU processes/systems.

In the event of deployments involving the ERU or parts thereof, the ERU Coordinator is expected to coordinate key aspects of the mission, as per ERT Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ERU Deployment Protocols. The ERU Coordinator will act as the ERU focal point providing operational support to the deploying team. In certain circumstances, the ERU Coordinator may have to deploy to emergency operations himself/herself.

All actions undertaken by the ERU Coordinator are guided by the CRC Mission, Vision, the Red Cross Fundamental Principles, and the CRC ERT SOPs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintaining ERU Readiness

• Implements the ERU replenishment process post-deployment; including defining and validating the requirements for the equipment to be replenished, and following through on procurement with IO logistics;

• Oversees the testing of new technologies within ERU operations;

• Implements work plans related to ERU change/improvement, based on outcomes of ERU Development WG

• Oversees new kit development and relevant record keeping/information management

• Oversees the readiness status of ERU assets at National Office in Ottawa:

  • IT/Telecom assets (storage, maintenance, dispatch, tracking and return)

  • Delegate kit inventory (storage, dispatch, expense tracking, and replenishment)

• Stewards key CRC tools and guidelines such as

  • ERU Toolbox and all its content

  • ERU Manual; coordinates updating of content with the various IO stakeholders

  • Standard ERU job descriptions

• Manages the roster of Administrator, Technician, and Medical Logistician profiles, including

  • updating JDs as required

  • reviewing quarterly gap analysis and ERMS response rates as well as "on hold" status to initiate new recruitment targets

  • screening, interviewing of candidates identified by PS

  • liaising with relevant IO stakeholders (PS, ERU training focal point) for delegate readiness status as per introductory training cycle

  • developing and stewarding technical training streams

  • actively engaging in selection of delegates for ERU deployment based on appropriate fit

  • actively engaging in post-deployment performance reviews

  • identifying delegates with ERU management potential and communicating this with ERU Manager

  • promoting delegate engagement and retention

• Supports the development and implementation of training tools to address identified gaps in delegate knowledge and skills (new modules / equipment / protocols / refreshers); facilitates training sessions as needed

  Supports ERU/RRU/RD deployments

• Initiates and oversees CRC ERU deployment SOPs; coordinates activities of various IO units to ensure timely, relevant and effective ERU operations

• Makes recommendations for appropriate ERU configuration / Packing List based on context analysis and the Deployment Order/TORs received

• Supports the implementation of alerts to ERU delegate pool

• Supports the final selection of ERU team members for deployment according to situational needs

• Chairs the ERU Operational WG for the lifecycle of a deployment

• Implements effective information management using PIMS and other relevant CRC systems during an ERU deployment; provides updates and reports to ERU Manager, SMT/LT as required

• Travels to country of operation as needed for QA / M&E activities

  Development, Improvement and Quality Assurance of ERU Processes/Systems

• Captures recommendations and lessons learned from each deployment and is responsible for the implementation of relevant recommendation/change as it relates to ERU commodities, processes/systems and roster management

• Works closely with IO Logistics Unit to increase overall deployment efficiency and reduce replenishment time

• Ensures a routine/regular scheduled maintenance plan is implemented for ERU equipment in storage including medical devices and other kit components

• Implements quality assurance systems and processes including regular equipment spot checks

• Participates in the periodic revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing the deployments of ERUs both domestically and internationally

  Administrative Support and Team Work

• Participates in RCM and ERU related meetings, conferences and working groups related to CRC ERU assets and operations

• Manages and reports on ERU related budget line activities as delegated by the Manager, Emergency Response Unit

• Contributes to various internal or external reports (CRC and ERT annual reports, quarterly reports)

• Produces a final report on all ERU or RD missions as per CRC templates

• Participates in RTEs, after action reports, mid-term evaluations as required

• Provides support as required to ERT departmental activities

• Supports the work of International Operations by participating in the planning and development activities of the department

• Fosters team work through a professional exchange of experiences and expertise that can be transferred to other programs/regions, and by participating in inter-departmental tasks as assigned by line manager

• Follows all CRC’s policies and procedures required to maintain a healthy and safe working environment

• Ensures sharing and dissemination of program related materials to all concerned actors in the team and with the Canadian Red Cross Society

• Participates in disaster planning, preparation and response as needed

  QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors Degree in Disaster or Emergency management, International Development or comparable related degree preferred

• 2-3 years’ experience including 1 year of international experience preferably in emergency/austere/low-resource environments

• Strong written and oral skills in English with a second language preferred (French or Spanish ideal).

• Strong skills with MS Office suite

• Red Cross Health ERU training (to be provided if not already done)

• Experience in implementing programming or other services in an emergency/crisis context, within the humanitarian sector

• Experience within the Red Cross Movement an asset

• Experience in working within multidisciplinary/multicultural teams; communicating with teams remotely

• Experience in reviewing and implementing operational processes with attention to detail

• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills within tight deadlines

• Self starter and able to work in an environment with ambiguity

• Proven ability to be a supportive and productive team member

• Displays a commitment to gender equality and diversity

• The nature of the job requires occasional consultation with the immediate supervisor as well as frequent independent decision making

  WORKING CONDITIONS

  During ERU deployments, duties are principally conducted at the National Office of the Canadian Red Cross in Ottawa with occasional travel to country of operation. ERU maintenance and development work can be completed remotely, with periodic travel to Mississauga where the ERU is warehoused. While most of the work is performed in an environment which is mostly clean and comfortable, field missions can involve working in environments that are unstable and with unpredictable access to basic services in emergency contexts. The work can require irregular hours, including week-ends and holidays without notice. Ability to work in stressful and often ambiguous conditions.

  Please note that there is no relocation package for this position.

  This position requires a successful Canadian criminal record, reference check, valid provincial driver’s license, valid passport and First Aid certification.

  The Canadian Red Cross Society is an equal opportunity employer.

Interested parties may submit their application by applying on the Canadian Red Cross Online Career Website by midnight EST on February 2**, 2018.**