Anticipatory Action Specialist at International Rescue Committee

Anticipatory Action Specialist

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 alsessential that the Anticipatory Action Specialist is willing & able twork in Fragile & Conflict Affected contexts for at least 3 weeks / quarter.
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 tprioritize 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 tAnticipatory 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 tdetermine the appropriate cash transfer modality, cash transfer value and transfer schedule.
The Anticipatory Action Specialist will alsensure that the broader Anticipatory Action portfolimakes 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 G/ NGdecision and determination of cash support requirements during the contingency planning period
Cash Feasibility: specific assessments that may be required tdetermine 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 tautomate 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 tsupport 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 tIRC’s “follow the forecasts” approach tAnticipatory 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 traise awareness of IRC’s “follow the forecast” approach tAnticipatory Action internally among Technical Units, EHAU, Country Programs & Regional teams.
Support efforts traise awareness of IRC’s “follow the forecast” approach tAnticipatory 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.