NHQ: International Disaster Response Roster - IT & Telecommunications Officer Roster Candidate

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*This role closes recruitment-application window midnight on 01/20/2025.

Purpose:

This position supports the National Headquarters (NHQ) International Services Department (ISD) Operations International Disaster Response (OPS-IDR) unit. The Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITT) Officer is responsible for deploying and maintaining essential IT and telecom infrastructure to support IFRC disaster response operations.

This role ensures reliable connectivity, effective communication, and secure data management for field teams, facilitating efficient and coordinated response efforts. The position involves collaborating with IFRC Regional and Local IT Managers, Host National Societies, and partner organizations to align with best practices and compliance standards. Additionally, the ITT Officer provides training to staff, manages documentation, and assesses emerging technologies to enhance future deployments and support sustainable IT & telecom capabilities.

For information regarding International Disaster Response Roster, including application steps and timeline, please click this link: American Red Cross IDR Roster

Responsibilites:

1. Assessment and Planning of IT & Telecom Needs
   • Perform or support an assessment of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Host National Society (HNS) IT & Telecom requirements for the operation, including an analysis of both immediate and long-term needs. Provide input and recommendations to the Federation Plan of Action on technical solutions, required equipment, staffing, and other relevant areas.
   • Assess and plan for the transition of IT & Telecom capabilities to National Society management, ensuring sustainability and capacity-building.
2. Deployment and Maintenance of IT & Telecom Systems
   • Set up, maintain, and ensure the proper operation of IT & Telecom infrastructure, including network configurations, communication devices, and power supply systems to support the IFRC mission response.
   • Ensure alignment with IFRC guidelines, policies, and compliance with local, national, and international best practices, standards, regulations, and laws on IT & Telecom matters.
3. Network and Connectivity Solutions
   • Develop, configure, and manage reliable network solutions, including satellite, radio, and mobile communication technologies, to guarantee consistent connectivity in diverse field conditions.
4. Collaboration and Partnership Building
   • Establish and maintain effective links with local partners, IFRC Regional or Local IT Managers, and other response organizations to align on IT & Telecom capabilities and support. Maintain collaboration to enhance operational support and resource sharing.
   • Coordinate IFRC IT & Telecom activities with other response organizations, ensuring interoperability and shared access to critical information and resources.
5. Training and Support for Deployed Staff
   • Manage the provisioning, distribution, and maintenance of IT & Telecom equipment for deployed personnel. Provide onboarding and training for incoming staff on the use of equipment, protocols, and troubleshooting.
6. Documentation and Information Management
   • Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all network configurations, equipment inventories, policies, and procedures, including preparing necessary materials for the welcome package such as SIM cards, device instructions, and contact lists.
   • Oversee asset management policies and procedures to ensure proper curation and control of all IT & Telecom assets and internal documentation.
7. Incident Response and Technical Support
   • Provide responsive, on-call technical support for deployed teams, addressing critical IT & Telecom issues as they arise. Offer back-up support for other technical team members to ensure consistent operational support.
8. Information Security and Compliance
   • Implement information security protocols to protect data integrity, privacy, and compliance. Conduct regular data backups, establish robust data protection measures, and enforce compliance with organizational policies.
9. Evaluation of Emerging Technologies
   • Continuously assess new IT & Telecom technologies to identify potential improvements for field operations. Recommend new tools and solutions that align with operational objectives, increasing connectivity and operational efficiency.
10. Oversight of Office and Administrative Infrastructure
    • Set up, configure, and maintain office infrastructure, including power supply and network systems, ensuring effective administrative operations in the field.

For the description of this role by IFRC, click here

Time Commitment:

• IDR Roster Members must be able to commit to deploy at a minimum eight (8) consecutive weeks out of the calendar year.
• In addition to deployment availability, must be available to attend Learning and Development activities either in person or virtual, especially during initial months of becoming an IDR Roster member.
• Engagement opportunities for candidates (ex. training/skills development) will vary by individual.

Qualifications
Required:

• A minimum of 3 years experience in at least one of the following:
• Providing IT support to end users
• IP network administration
• VHF radio network management
• Related telecommunications field
• Providing IT or Telecommunications support in a disaster-response context

• Comfortable with ambiguity
• Motivation and strong commitment to the Red Cross Red Crescent’s Fundamental Principles.
• Current and valid passport
• Submission of resume
• Completion of skills self-assessment
• Willingness to comply with current public health and Red Cross policies.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of and skills of operating VSAT / Satellite technologies.
• Proficient in writing, editing, and speaking (including business terminology) in another foreign language (especially Spanish, French or Arabic)
• Experience with handling confidential data

Length of Appointment: Candidates will remain in placeholder position until an accept/reject decision is made by IDR Roster Management.

IF/Once accepted into the IDR Roster position, the member will be asked to renew commitment every year by submitting Annual Commitment Package.