Manager, Disasters, Climate and Crises

Role Overview

This role leads the Africa Regional Department for Disasters, Climate and Crises, reporting to the Deputy Regional Director. You will shape and drive the strategic direction for emergency response, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and crisis-related programming across the continent, overseeing three integrated pillars: operations coordination, programme coordination, and technical services. Your work ensures that IFRC-supported initiatives are locally anchored, evidence-based, and aligned with the broader Strategy 2030 and Africa Unified Plan, with a relentless focus on delivering tangible impact at country level.

Day to day, you will guide multi-disciplinary teams, coordinate with Geneva and country/cluster delegations, and embed shared leadership and localisation principles across all functions. You will guarantee that emergency operations are timely and effective, that National Societies are positioned as first responders through robust preparedness and surge systems, and that long-term resilience programmes are governed, scaled, and accountable to the highest standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and performance management across the DCC Department’s three pillars: emergency operations coordination, pan-African and multi-country programme coordination, and technical services covering anticipatory action, climate, disaster risk reduction, community engagement and accountability, migration, and cash and voucher assistance.
• Serve as the senior regional advisor on disaster, climate and crisis strategy, liaising with Geneva-based teams, country and cluster delegations, National Societies, and external partners to ensure operational coherence and alignment with IFRC policies and priorities.
• Ensure that large-scale regional programmes and operations are designed for scale, supported by appropriate governance models, and managed in line with IFRC Programme and Project Management standards, including clear ownership, performance frameworks, risk management, and learning loops.
• Lead technical teams that provide country-level support and guidance to National Societies, strengthening their capacity to develop and implement quality programmes and operations across sectors such as health, WASH, food security, livelihoods, shelter, cash, disaster risk reduction, and protection, gender and inclusion.
• Champion shared leadership and Seville 2.0 membership coordination principles, creating spaces for National Society leadership, peer exchange, and co-ownership of regional initiatives while ensuring that localisation and accountability are deepened across all operations.
• Coordinate with PMER, quality assurance, membership services, corporate services, and strategic partnerships teams to ensure financial discipline, transparency, value for money, and compliance with reporting and administrative procedures.
• Contribute to a strengthened 24/7 IFRC global response model and cross-region learning by supporting the Deputy Director and ensuring strategic coherence between different units.
• Lead, motivate, and manage a multi-disciplinary team through clear responsibilities, results-based workplans, and performance objectives that foster continuous improvement and a lean regional structure maximising resources reaching communities.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Disaster Management, Humanitarian Affairs, International Relations, Public Policy, Climate/Environment, Development Studies, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu.
• Successful completion of the Basic IMPACT Course or equivalent training is required; a project management certification is preferred.
• 10–12 years of experience in humanitarian response, disaster management, climate resilience, or related fields, including significant experience designing, leading, and managing large-scale humanitarian programmes and operations.
• At least 7 years in senior management roles with responsibility for managing multi-disciplinary teams and complex partnerships.
• Demonstrated experience working in multicultural, international contexts, including with Red Cross/Red Crescent National Societies, NGOs, civil society organisations, government counterparts, and donors.
• Strong track record in programme planning, budgeting, management, reporting, evaluation, and using humanitarian intelligence or risk analytics for decision-making.
• Excellent leadership, strategic analysis, negotiation, coordination, and relationship management skills, with proven ability to manage complexity, risk, and multiple priorities.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work, lead, and communicate effectively in multi-cultural, multi-lingual, and cross-functional settings, including remote and dispersed teams.
• Core proficiency in digital communication and collaboration, basic digital content creation, digital safety and security, data literacy, and problem-solving with technology, including responsible use of AI assistants.
• Understanding of and commitment to IFRC’s mission and values, with knowledge of IFRC tools and frameworks such as ERF, IRP, PPM, PER, Seville 2.0, and Membership Coordination preferred.
• Fluent spoken and written English is required; a good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish, or Arabic) is also required.