Emergency Area Manager

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Handicap International Federation (HI) is an independent and impartial aid organization, created in 1982, working across 63 countries. HI works alongside the vulnerable populations, whatever the context, taking action to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. Present in Nepal since 2000, HI works through a network of local partner organizations in the area of health and physical rehabilitation, inclusive education and resilience including emergency response to improve the living conditions and involvement of the most vulnerable populations in Nepal. 

HI Nepal is a part of a South Asia Regional Programme where in the region, HI's interventions specifically include physical rehabilitation, inclusive education, inclusive disaster risk reduction, inclusive economic empowerment, local development, emergency response and so on. 

The HI Nepal programme invites applications from interested Nepal nationals for the following position for the emergency projects:

Position: Emergency Area Manager

Project: Emergency

Location: Nuwakot/ Rasuwa, Nepal

Number of positions: 01 

Terms & Conditions: Fixed-term contract  

Duration: As soon as possible– 28 February 2027

Main mission

Reporting to the Regional Programme Director, the Area Manager – Emergency Response is responsible for leading and coordinating HI’s emergency response activities in the assigned area. S/he ensures timely, safe and quality implementation of emergency projects in line with HI’s mandate, operational framework, donor commitments and humanitarian principles.

The Area Manager ensures effective coordination between programme, technical and support teams, monitors the evolving humanitarian and security context, manages operational risks and ensures that resources are appropriately mobilised to respond to emergency needs.

Responsibilities

Mission 1: Team Management and Coordination

• Manage, support and supervise Project Managers and relevant emergency team members.
• Set clear priorities and ensure effective organisation of the emergency response team.
• Facilitate coordination between Project, Technical, Finance, HR and Logistics teams.
• Ensure regular project and operational review meetings.
• Support staff performance, development and wellbeing in a demanding emergency context.
• Ensure compliance with HI's Code of Conduct and institutional policies.

Mission 2: Emergency Response Planning and Implementation

• Lead implementation of HI’s emergency response activities in the assigned area.
• Translate emergency priorities into clear operational plans and ensure timely implementation.
• Assess operational needs and ensure appropriate human, financial, logistical and technical resources are available.
• Adapt priorities and resources according to changes in humanitarian needs and operational context.
• Identify gaps, constraints and delays and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Contribute to emergency assessments, new project design and funding opportunities where required.
• Support opening or expansion of emergency operational locations as needed.

Mission 3: Project Quality, Monitoring and Compliance

• Ensure projects are implemented according to approved objectives, timelines, budgets and quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with HI policies, procedures, donor rules and contractual commitments.
• Monitor project performance through operational, financial, HR, logistics and technical monitoring tools.
• Ensure effective coordination with Technical and MEAL teams to maintain programme quality and accountability.
• Monitor budgets and expenditure within delegated authority.
• Ensure timely and accurate project reporting.
• Facilitate internal reviews, donor monitoring and audits and ensure recommendations are implemented.

Mission 4: Humanitarian Coordination and External Representation

• Represent HI in relevant field-level humanitarian coordination meetings, working groups and forums when delegated.
• Maintain effective relationships with local authorities, humanitarian actors, partners and relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate with other organisations to avoid duplication and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Contribute to humanitarian assessments and information-sharing relevant to HI’s response.
• Promote HI’s mandate, inclusion approach and key advocacy messages with relevant stakeholders.

Mission 5: Risk, Security and Access Management

• Regularly monitor humanitarian, operational and security developments in the area.
• Identify risks affecting staff, beneficiaries and project implementation and propose appropriate mitigation measures.
• Ensure staff understand and comply with HI security procedures and contingency arrangements.
• Immediately report security incidents and major operational risks to the Operations Manager.
• Support decisions regarding deployment, movement or withdrawal of teams from sensitive locations.
• Maintain relevant networks with other humanitarian actors regarding security and humanitarian access.
• Support contingency planning and preparedness for changes in the emergency situation.

Mission 6: Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Ensure emergency preparedness and response remain a priority across teams under his/her responsibility.
• Rapidly reorganise team priorities and resources when the humanitarian situation changes.
• Ensure HI can respond quickly and effectively to urgent humanitarian needs.
• Support rapid assessments and mobilisation of teams, supplies and operational resources.
• Promote flexible, practical and solution-oriented approaches while maintaining HI quality and accountability standards.

Academic Qualification and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Health or another relevant discipline.

Experience

• At least 6 years of professional experience in humanitarian and/or development programmes.
• Working in emergency response will be added as advantage
• At least 3–4 years of experience in project/programme management or a senior field management role.

Additional Requirements: 

• NGO/INGO or humanitarian emergency experience is an advantage
• Good Inter-personal communication skills in both Nepalese and English
• Demonstrated experience managing humanitarian or emergency response operations.
• Experience in team management and coordination with programme and support departments.
• Experience in security and operational risk management is highly desirable.
• Previous experience with HI is an asset.
• Autonomous, Organized, and Adaptable
• Solution-oriented: Problem-solving and decision-making capacity
• Applying technical and professional expertise
• Working effectively with others
• Strategic vision-oriented
• Communicating with Impact
• Strong negotiating skills 

To Apply: 

Send a motivation letter and an updated CV including 2 referees (one must be your current line manager) with contact number and e-mail address to recruitment@nepal.hi.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please mention the position you have applied for in the Subject of the email. HI Nepal reserves the right to cancel, postpone or modify the whole recruitment process and reject any application without specifying any reasons whatsoever.   

Handicap International (HI) is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women, people with disability, and members from disadvantaged communities are strongly encouraged to apply.  

HI firmly believes in the importance of inclusion and diversity within our organization. This is why we are committed to a disability policy to encourage the inclusion and integration of people with disabilities. Please indicate if you require any special accommodations, including participation in the first interview.   

Candidates applying for a job with HI must be ready to comply with our Child Protection Policy, and Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment. HI Nepal has a zero tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the values and mission of HI, hence, all selected candidates are expected to adhere to these standards and principles.