Shelter Cluster Coordinator (Aid Worker)

PROFILE OVERVIEW
Australian Red Cross regularly deploys delegates as part of emergency and recovery operations to support IFRC in their role as convener of the Shelter Cluster for natural disasters. The shelter coordination team (SCT), led by a Shelter Cluster Coordinator aims to support shelter partners in their shelter response through the provision of coordination services.

The Cluster Coordinator is responsible for managing a neutral and inclusive coordination platform representing all national and international shelter actors, to ensure an effective humanitarian response through the identification of priority needs and gaps, the development of common technical standards, and the development of a strategic response framework guiding both emergency and recovery phases.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identifies key partners, and serves as a focal point for national and provincial government authorities, intercluster coordination, RCRC movement partners humanitarian NGO’s & INGO’s, UN agencies and the UN
  resident/humanitarian coordinator, among others.
• Leads coordination processes within and external to the Shelter Cluster including; supporting shelter agencies in the targeting of their programming, incorporating appropriate strategies to integrate diversity and inclusion, linking shelter agencies with local authorities and relevant suppliers, and advocating to donors and shelter cluster partners for resources required to address unmet needs of the affected population.
• Ensures quality and consistency of approach through supporting the collective development and adherence to relevant policy guidelines and technical standards, and oversees the Shelter Cluster transition from the emergency to recovery phase, or handover to another agency where appropriate for lead role of the Shelter Cluster.
• Management of the development, performance and day-to-day operation of the Shelter Cluster Coordination team, comprised of local and international staff. This includes operational decision making, daily administrative tasks and financial management.
• Leads the compilation of appeal documentation, supports fundraising initiatives on behalf of the Shelter Cluster and serves as a direct liaison with the donor community ensuring that donor requirements are aligned with the humanitarian response and needs of affected populations.
• Maintains overview of the situation and the stakeholders within it to ensure that high level strategy is designed and adapted in line with changing contexts and needs; facilitates a strong network of shelter partners in order to provide solutions to challenges during a response, and avoid gaps and overlaps in implementation.
• As spokesperson for the Shelter Cluster, acts as a conduit in communicating the multiple concerns and challenges of the shelter response. Ensures that government and shelter agencies are consulted, informed and accountable to their commitments.
• Co-chairs with Cluster Lead coordination meetings such as the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG), and national Shelter Cluster and hub meetings.
• Monitors and reports the performance of the cluster to facilitate transparency and understanding of the Shelter Cluster’s role for partners and donors, and ensures that key learnings are captured for future Shelter Cluster operations.

KEY CRITERIA

• Minimum 5 years working in emergency response and recovery operations, ideally with a focus on shelter; with considerable coordination experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of the international humanitarian system, and humanitarian policy and standards particularly the Humanitarian Reform, the Transformative Agenda and Sphere Standards; and the Global Shelter Cluster Strategy.
• Demonstrated experience in high level representation, with strong skills in diplomacy, negotiation and relationship building.
• Thorough understanding of humanitarian principles and ability to apply these in complex, changeable settings.
• Collaborative leadership style, with good ability to manage diverse teams
• Excellent ability to synthesise large amounts of information whilst retaining perspective and clarity of direction
• At ease in ambiguous, at times contentious environments. Proven ability to adapt and approach challenges with flexibility and practicality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to communicate considerately and respectfully with a wide range of demographics

SALARY

• These are aid work positions which are activated when there is a relevant emergency.
• The positions are paid on short (1-3 month) fixed term contracts. Salary is commensurate with the grade of the role and the experience of the appointee.
• The salary range for these roles are approximately 65 – 85k per annum.