Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I (RAPID - ESARO)

Are you an experienced humanitarian professional passionate about emergency response and operational excellence? An exciting opportunity is available for a Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I (RAPID - ESARO) based in Nairobi.

This role is ideal for professionals with extensive experience in humanitarian operations, emergency supply chain management, and field-based emergency response. The successful candidate will provide technical and operational support to humanitarian programs across the East and Southern Africa region.

Job Overview

Position: Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I (RAPID - ESARO)
Job Type: Full-Time, Contract
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Industry: Humanitarian and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Experience Required: Minimum 5 Years
Travel Requirement: Up to 50% Travel

Job Summary

The Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I will provide rapid deployment support during humanitarian emergencies while strengthening operational systems across emergency response programs.

The role focuses primarily on humanitarian supply chain operations, including procurement, logistics, warehousing, emergency sub-office setup, and operational coordination.

Working closely with multiple departments, the advisor will support efficient, compliant, and effective emergency operations while ensuring adherence to organizational standards, donor requirements, and humanitarian best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Emergency Operations Support

The successful candidate will provide surge support during emergency responses and humanitarian crises.

Key responsibilities include:

• Deploying rapidly to support humanitarian emergency operations.

• Providing technical support for procurement, logistics, and supply chain activities.

• Assisting with emergency planning, implementation, and program close-out activities.

• Supporting emergency sub-office setup and operational readiness.

• Establishing and strengthening relief delivery systems and operational processes.

• Providing remote and on-site technical assistance to emergency response teams.

Cross-Functional Operational Support

The advisor will work closely with various departments to ensure smooth emergency operations.

Responsibilities include supporting:

• Human Resources operations.

• Finance and budgeting processes.

• Security and staff safety initiatives.

• Information and communication technology (ICT) systems.

• Administration and office management.

• Fleet and transportation management.

Capacity Strengthening and Staff Support

Building local and organizational capacity is a critical component of this role.

Duties include:

• Providing on-the-job coaching and technical support to staff and local partners.

• Facilitating operational training sessions, briefings, and orientations.

• Supporting collaboration with national and international teams.

• Strengthening operational preparedness and emergency response capacity among partner organizations.

Humanitarian Standards, Compliance, and Learning

The role requires promoting compliance with humanitarian standards and organizational policies.

Key duties include:

• Supporting the implementation of humanitarian operations standards and guidance.

• Assisting with updates to emergency operations tools and manuals.

• Documenting lessons learned, best practices, and operational challenges from emergency responses.

• Supporting emergency budgeting and cost-tracking activities.

• Ensuring compliance with donor regulations and operational requirements.

• Managing supply chain and accounting systems during emergency operations.

• Promoting staff care, safety, and security practices in emergency environments.

Coordination and Representation

The Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor will support collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting participation in humanitarian coordination forums and cluster meetings.

• Engaging with humanitarian partners and stakeholders as required.

• Assisting with operational coordination across multiple response teams and sectors.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of emergency coordination mechanisms.

• Knowledge of humanitarian supply chain management, procurement, logistics, and warehousing.

• Familiarity with emergency field operations and relief delivery systems.

• Understanding of donor compliance requirements in humanitarian programming.

• Knowledge of humanitarian principles, standards, and operational guidance.

• Familiarity with SPHERE Standards and Core Humanitarian Standards.

• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure in complex emergency environments.

• Leadership and team management skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications and experience will be considered an added advantage:

• Experience establishing and managing humanitarian supply chains.

• Experience building and strengthening partnerships with local organizations.

• Familiarity with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

• Knowledge of organizational programming principles and partnership strategies.

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in:

• English (written and spoken)

Additionally, proficiency in at least one of the following languages is highly desirable:

• French

• Portuguese

• Spanish

• Arabic

Education and Experience Requirements

Education

Applicants should possess:

• A graduate degree in International Development or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience

Candidates must have:

• At least five years of experience supporting or managing humanitarian operations in the field.

• Demonstrated experience managing field operations within an international non-governmental organization (INGO).

• Experience integrating cross-cutting themes such as protection, gender, governance, and capacity strengthening.

Leadership and Professional Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate the ability to:

• Take personal accountability and act with integrity.

• Build trust and maintain strong professional relationships.

• Collaborate effectively within multicultural and diverse teams.

• Demonstrate openness to learning and continuous improvement.

• Lead organizational change and innovation.

• Develop and mentor team members.

• Apply strategic thinking in operational planning and decision-making.

Why Apply for This Role?

This position offers humanitarian professionals the opportunity to contribute to life-saving emergency responses while working in a dynamic international environment. It is an excellent opportunity to expand expertise in humanitarian operations, emergency supply chain management, and field leadership across multiple countries.