NGO Emergency Planning Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly volatile world, the role of the Emergency Planning Manager in NGOs has never been more crucial.

As global crises escalate, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can develop, implement, and maintain effective emergency response plans.

But what does it truly entail to be an Emergency Planning Manager at an NGO?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the operational dynamics of emergency planning,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable NGO Emergency Planning Manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

NGO Emergency Planning Manager Duties and Responsibilities

NGO Emergency Planning Managers are in charge of developing, coordinating, and implementing plans and strategies to respond to emergency situations such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or epidemics.

This role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to make crucial decisions under pressure.

The key duties and responsibilities of a NGO Emergency Planning Manager include:

• Developing and maintaining comprehensive emergency management and response plans
• Conducting risk assessments to understand the potential impact of different types of emergencies
• Working with other emergency response organizations to coordinate planning activities
• Training staff, volunteers, and community members in emergency preparedness and response
• Organizing and conducting emergency drills and simulations to test the effectiveness of plans and identify areas for improvement
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant local, national, and international laws and regulations
• Establishing and maintaining emergency communication systems
• Evaluating the effectiveness of emergency response following each incident or event, and making necessary adjustments to plans and procedures
• Mobilizing resources and coordinating the delivery of services during emergencies
• Providing regular reports to senior management on emergency preparedness activities and proposed changes to existing plans

 

NGO Emergency Planning Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Emergency Planning Manager to join our non-profit organization.

The role involves strategizing, developing, implementing, and maintaining emergency response procedures and plans.

A successful candidate will have a strong understanding of disaster management, crisis response, and humanitarian issues.

They will be responsible for coordinating with various departments and stakeholders to ensure that our organization is fully prepared to respond to any emergencies in a timely and effective manner.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive emergency management plans and procedures.
• Coordinate with different departments and stakeholders to ensure a seamless emergency response.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and propose mitigation strategies.
• Organize and lead emergency drills and training sessions for staff and volunteers.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of emergency plans, making adjustments as necessary.
• Stay abreast of local, national, and international disaster trends and response tactics.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of emergency response resources and materials.
• Coordinate with local authorities and other NGOs during emergencies.
• Prepare and present reports on emergency preparedness to the management team.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Emergency Planning Manager or similar role in disaster management.
• Knowledge of emergency planning principles and practices.
• Excellent leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage stressful situations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Disaster Science, Public Health, or related field.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: NGO Emergency Planning Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional fieldwork. Regular travel may be required for disaster response and recovery efforts.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Operations or the designated person.
• Salary: Salary is based on candidate experience and qualifications, along with funding availability.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an NGO Emergency Planning Manager Do?

NGO Emergency Planning Managers work for non-governmental organizations that are involved in disaster management and humanitarian aid.

Their primary role is to develop, implement, and manage emergency plans and strategies to respond effectively to various disaster scenarios.

This includes natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes as well as man-made crises like wars or refugee situations.

They work closely with other departments within the organization and with external agencies to coordinate disaster response efforts.

This includes liaising with local government officials, healthcare services, and other NGOs to ensure a collaborative and efficient response.

NGO Emergency Planning Managers are also responsible for conducting risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.

They use this information to develop emergency response strategies and protocols.

Training staff and volunteers in emergency procedures and protocols is another important aspect of their role.

They ensure that everyone involved in disaster response is adequately prepared and understand their responsibilities.

In the aftermath of a disaster, they may also be involved in assessing the effectiveness of the emergency response and making necessary improvements to the emergency plan.

Their ultimate goal is to minimize the impact of disasters on human life and to ensure that aid reaches those in need as quickly and efficiently as possible.

 

NGO Emergency Planning Manager Qualifications and Skills

An NGO Emergency Planning Manager needs a wide range of skills and qualifications to effectively coordinate and manage disaster response or crisis management activities, such as:

• Strong leadership skills to effectively manage and guide a team during emergency situations.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities to handle crisis situations promptly and efficiently.
• Effective communication skills to relay information and instructions clearly to team members and affected parties during emergencies.
• Strategic planning skills to develop and execute emergency response plans.
• Experience in project management to oversee various projects and ensure they are completed within the planned time frame and budget.
• Awareness of international humanitarian principles and standards, as well as laws and protocols regarding emergency response.
• Ability to perform under pressure and maintain composure during stressful situations.
• Good physical health and stamina to cope with the demands of fieldwork and disaster site management.
• Knowledge of risk management principles to assess potential risks and implement prevention measures.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other agencies, government officials, and stakeholders for effective crisis management.

 

NGO Emergency Planning Manager Experience Requirements

NGO Emergency Planning Managers typically require a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in emergency management or related fields such as humanitarian aid, disaster response or crisis management.

This experience often involves coordinating disaster response or crisis management activities, providing disaster preparedness training, and preparing emergency plans and procedures.

Additionally, they may gain experience through roles such as Emergency Response Coordinator, Disaster Management Specialist, or Humanitarian Aid Coordinator, where they develop skills in planning, organizing, and directing emergency response programs and activities.

Candidates with more than 7 years of experience often have a solid foundation in emergency planning and experience in leadership roles.

These professionals may also have experience in managing large-scale emergency response operations and coordinating with local, state, and international stakeholders.

For those with over 10 years of experience in the field, they may have developed strategic planning skills, have experience in budgeting and resource allocation, and are typically ready to take on senior management roles in emergency planning.

They may also have extensive experience in establishing and maintaining inter-agency and corporate relations, negotiating contracts, and overseeing emergency response teams.

It’s also beneficial for these professionals to have international experience, as it exposes them to different types of emergencies and ways of managing them in various cultural contexts.

Some NGOs might require field experience in areas affected by natural disasters, conflict, or other humanitarian crises.

 

NGO Emergency Planning Manager Education and Training Requirements

An NGO Emergency Planning Manager typically requires a bachelor’s degree in fields such as emergency management, public safety, urban planning, or a related field.

In-depth knowledge and understanding of disaster management, crisis response and planning, risk assessment, and humanitarian principles are essential.

Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in emergency management or a related field, which provides in-depth training on emergency preparedness, hazard mitigation, and disaster response.

Certification in Emergency Management (CEM) or Certified Emergency Disaster Professional (CEDP) could be an added advantage.

Proficiency in various emergency planning software and technologies is also desirable.

Aside from the educational qualifications, the candidate should have several years of experience in emergency planning or disaster management, preferably within the non-profit sector.

Continuing education and professional development are important in this role, given the evolving nature of emergency and disaster management strategies.

Experience with international humanitarian laws, standards, and frameworks such as the Sphere Standards, Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), and others can be beneficial.

Language proficiency, particularly in regions where the NGO operates, can also be a distinct advantage.

 

NGO Emergency Planning Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for an NGO Emergency Planning Manager is approximately $76,678 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can greatly vary depending on factors such as the size and funding of the NGO, the location of the NGO, the experience and qualifications of the individual, and the complexity of the emergencies being managed.

 

NGO Emergency Planning Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an NGO Emergency Planning Manager need?

An NGO Emergency Planning Manager must have strong leadership and project management skills to lead response teams and manage emergency projects.

They should also have excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with various stakeholders, including government bodies, donors, and affected communities.

Knowledge of risk assessment and disaster management strategies is essential.

The ability to handle high-stress situations and make critical decisions quickly is also crucial.

 

Do NGO Emergency Planning Managers need a degree?

Yes, most NGO Emergency Planning Managers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public safety, or a related field.

Some organizations may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or relevant certifications.

Additionally, extensive experience in emergency response or disaster management is typically required.

 

What should you look for in an NGO Emergency Planning Manager resume?

You should look for a strong background in emergency planning or disaster management, evidenced by past roles and responsibilities.

Relevant certifications in emergency management, project management, or related areas can be a plus.

Practical experience in leading response teams, planning emergency projects, and coordinating with different stakeholders is also crucial.

 

What qualities make a good NGO Emergency Planning Manager?

A good NGO Emergency Planning Manager should be a strategic thinker, able to devise effective emergency response plans.

They need to be calm under pressure, as they often need to make critical decisions in high-stress situations.

Strong leadership skills are important for managing teams during emergencies.

They should also be empathetic, understanding the needs of affected communities, and sensitive to cultural differences.

 

Is it difficult to hire NGO Emergency Planning Managers?

Hiring NGO Emergency Planning Managers can be challenging due to the specific skill set and experience required for the role.

It is essential to find candidates who have both the technical knowledge of emergency planning and the soft skills necessary to lead teams and communicate effectively during crises.

Offering competitive salaries and demonstrating the organization’s impact can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an NGO Emergency Planning Manager.

Surprised?

It’s not just about planning.

It’s about orchestrating a lifeline of hope, one crisis plan at a time.

With our go-to NGO Emergency Planning Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re equipped to take the leap.

But why halt the journey here?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulously detailed job listings or polishing your resume to absolute brilliance.

Remember:

Every emergency plan is a beacon in times of turmoil.

Let’s create a safer world. Together.

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