Conflict and natural disasters devastate lives and can trap people in poverty. All too often it’s the world’s poorest people that are most affected. You’ll help us and our partners around the world to reduce peoples’ vulnerability and tackle the underlying causes of conflict and disasters, enabling people to develop more resilient lives and livelihoods. You will contribute to saving lives, reducing human suffering and enabling people to thrive and develop in spite of shocks and setbacks.
When disaster strikes we’re quick to respond working with our partners to deliver vital emergency relief. But we recognise that it is more effective to work with at risk communities before disasters occur to reduce their vulnerability to floods, droughts and earthquakes. In this way people can be supported to anticipate problems, identify and address risks and build more resilient livelihoods.
You’ll be part of our humanitarian team but working closely with our country development programmes, supporting Christian Aid partners on the ground. Together you will develop innovative and effective resilience programmes and help vulnerable communities become more resilient to disasters and adapt to climate change. You will also provide the necessary support to so that partners understand and follow good practice. You may have to travel at short notice and for up to three months.
You will have experience of working at field level in development in a number of different contexts, with a background in agriculture, water, environment, sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation or a related subject. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to mentor and accompany people and organisations to build capacity in this area of work. You will have good analytical, written and communication skills and be able to confidently articulate resilience issues for a variety of different audiences – from decision makers to supporters.
You will have a track record of developing projects and securing donor funding and will be familiar with international humanitarian standards and promoting accountability. You are likely to have worked in the NGO sector or with an international organisation. Whatever your background you’ll be able to interact with a wide cross section of people including disaster affected individuals and senior government officials. Your ability to work in French or Spanish, in addition to excellent English, will be an advantage in this role.
More than half the world lives in poverty. We aim to put a stop to that. So we campaign against the inequalities that keep people poor and we work with local organisations to give people strength to find their own solutions to the problems they face, irrespective of their religion. If you’re as determined as we are to end poverty and injustice across the world, work with us to make change happen.
Please show your suitability for this post by giving answers to the following questions: Using the guidance notes may help you formulate your answers.
Innovation and creativity
Tell us about a time you have developed a new and innovative project in a humanitarian recovery or conflict setting.
Communicate effectively
Describe a time when your ability to communicate effectively in a highly sensitive situation helped to produce a successful outcome
Strive for improvement
Describe a situation and the process you have followed where you have developed and then rolled out best practice in a humanitarian or recovery context at both field and corporate levels.
We value the contribution each person makes to the success of our organisation. That’s why you can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, an interest-free season ticket loan and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance.
As this post is UK based, non-EC nationals will require current and valid permission to work in the United Kingdom.
Download the role profile (54 KB pdf)
To apply for this post, please download an application pack and email your completed UK & Ireland application form to: recruitment@christian-aid.org (quoting the reference number).
Please note that CVs will not be accepted.
Job reference: 375-MA
Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 12 December 2012
Interview date: Week commencing 17 December 2012
Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
