WASH & Operations Manager (m/f/d), Global Surge Team (home-based)

The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The German Red Cross assists in disaster response, rehabilitation and capacity building projects on appeals of their sister organisations within the Movement.

GRC holds a Global Surge Team as standing capacity to provide humanitarian assistance in sudden onset disasters, conflicts, and protracted crises. The Global Surge Team is part of the Operations & National Society Cooperation Department in the International Cooperation Division of GRC, made up of highly trained international professionals ready to be deployed anywhere in the world at short notice.

GRC is currently seeking a WASH & Operations Manager (m/f/d) to join our Global Surge Team (GST). Global Surge Team members have the ability and willingness to be deployed flexibly in different roles and operational contexts in physically demanding working environments. While not on deployments, GST members support the regular capacity development and readiness activities of GRC’s Surge & Readiness Unit. This is a home-based role which will require extensive travel and overseas deployments at short notice for up to 3 months at a time for up to 50% of the total contract duration.

Duration: 01.01.-31.12.2025 (with possible extension)

Place of assignment: Home-based with extensive travels and deployments

Main duties & responsibilities:

• Deploy in emergency response missions with the GRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), or the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
• Manage emergency response and recovery operations at any stage of the project cycle according to approved plans and budgets.
• Support or manage teams, and assess and assure an efficient and effective management of staff and resources.
• Design, deliver, and facilitate surge trainings and support learning and development activities.
• Assist GRC and its country offices, Host National Societies (HNS), or the IFRC to undertake WASH and other needs assessments, and the collection of baseline data to support planning and monitoring of emergency WASH activities, including recommendations on further deployments of response tools.
• Provide management, technical oversight and coordination of GRC WASH activities and programs, including WASH response tools and delegates deployed in country.
• Support project proposal writing.
• Support procurement of WASH materials together with the Surge & Readiness Unit, GRC country offices and the logistics department.
• Assist GRC and HNS to develop systems to ensure project management and rigorous monitoring of the WASH programs.
• In collaboration with the HNS, and GRC country offices, represent GRC at sectoral coordination meetings and WASH fora.
• Provide quality reporting on the program and updates to supervisors at the Surge & Readiness Unit.
• Undertake specific projects or tasks as defined by the Surge & Readiness Unit.

Required Competencies & Skills:

• At least 8 years of experience in disaster management, including 3 years of experience in working in humanitarian crisis and in managing staff.
• At least 3 years of experience of working for the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement.
• Relevant university degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, hygiene promotion or similar fields or equivalent experience.
• WASH RRT/ERU specialized training.
• At least five years of experience in developing and managing WASH programs including personnel, budget and financial management to ensure compliance.
• Field experience in emergency contexts managing international humanitarian
• operations in WASH.
• Tier 3 competencies in WASH and Health, as well as WASH response tools.
• Tier 2 competencies in WASH procurement, water supply, hygiene promotion (HP), household water treatment and safe storage (HWTS), excreta disposal, fecal sludge management (FSM), WASH and market assessments.
• Tier 1 competencies in MHM, solid waste, drainage, vector control, urban WASH and institutional WASH.
• Good knowledge of WASH management, as well as mechanisms, tools and guidelines for programming and coordination at different levels.
• Experience of managing or coordinating emergency response and recovery operations, including needs assessments, proposal development, budgeting, and MEAL.
• Experience in cash-based assistance and market-based interventions is an advantage
• Excellent understanding of IFRC and its Global Surge Tools.
• Excellent communication skills, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively and build relationships at all levels, taking into account cultural and language differences.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles.
• Oral and written fluency in English (German, French, Spanish and/or Arabic is an advantage).
• Ability to work effectively in multi-cultural environments.
• Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process ‘working abroad under specific climate and health conditions’.
• Valid Driving Licence.

What we offer you:

You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team with excellent learning and development opportunities. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during deployments. In addition to a full insurance package GRC provides equipment, both for working from home and while on deployment. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment and a comprehensive training package as well as briefings prior, during and after your mission will complete your employment.