Organizational Context
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the worldโs largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of the IFRC is โto inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.โ The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.
IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.
IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.
IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.
The Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative is a global effort to ensure that everyone on Earth is covered by effective multi-hazard early warning systems by 2027. IFRC leads Pillar 4 (Preparedness to respond to warnings) globally. As a priority activity under Pillar 4, simulations have been undertaken to help countries test their preparedness to respond to warnings. However, given the need for stronger integration and collaboration across the four EW4All pillars[1], wide-scale, end-to-end simulation exercises are crucial to identify practical gaps in established early warning systems from national to community level. A methodology for such an approach does not currently exist, which is the reason for this consultancy.
These simulations will test the entire EWS chain, under realistic conditions. Key reasons for conducting end-to-end simulations include identifying gaps and weaknesses, testing interoperability, and validating timeliness and accuracy.
The Simulation Package will complement the methodology under development for After Event Reviews of EWS and the EW4All gap analysis.
[1] 1. Disaster Risk Knowledge, 2. Detection & Monitoring, 3. Warning Dissemination and Communication, and 4. Preparedness & Response to Warnings
Job Purpose
The objective of this consultancy is to develop a modular simulation exercise package that:
- Helps countries test existing operational plans, procedures and tools related to EWS, and practice tasks that require decision making and coordination, in order to evaluate their relevance, accuracy, timeliness, accessibility, actionability, responsiveness and institutional compliance.
- Helps countries to identify critical areas of management and aspects that need to be strengthened, based on the process of evaluating the results of a simulation.
- Facilitates multi-stakeholder participation across all four EW4All pillars.
- Provides clear guidelines and tools for designing, conducting, and evaluating end-to-end simulations.
- Ensures flexibility for country-level adaptation while maintaining core principles.
- Strengthens national preparedness and response capacities through realistic and inclusive scenarios.
- Enhances cross-pillar coordination and among key partners in preparedness and response (Pillar 4), including relevant government authorities (e.g. NDMA, NMHS), and other relevant stakeholders.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
1. Inception Phase
- Desk review of existing relevant simulation materials, including recently conducted exercises from IFRC and UNDRR, among others.
2. Development of the Simulation Exercise Package
Design a structured, modular simulation package, building on existing simulation materials, that includes:
Scenario design templates adaptable to different hazards and contexts (e.g., floods, cyclones, droughts). Facilitation guidelines for conducting tabletop and field-based simulations. Stakeholder identification and engagement strategies to ensure broad participation across all four pillars. Evaluation and learning tools (post-exercise debriefing templates, participant feedback forms, impact assessment frameworks). Guidance on cross-pillar coordination.3. Validation and Refinement
Facilitate a review process on the draft package with ITCG and pillar partners, and refine the draft. Participate in one end-to-end simulation exercise piloting the draft package (the simulation itself will be organized by the in-country National Red Cross/Red Crescent Society with the support of IFRC and other Pillar leads). The consultant will prepare the in-country team organizing the simex, participate as an observer during the exercise itself and help facilitate the simulation evaluation. Refine the package based on the pilot simulation and feedback from stakeholders.
Key Deliverables
Inception report (a detailed work plan outlining desk review findings and the consultancyโs approach, timeline and key milestones). Draft end-to-end simulation package. Workshop with ITCG and key partners to collect feedback on, and refine, the simulation package. Participation and support to 1 pilot end-to-end simulation pilot Report on pilot findings, participant feedback and recommendations for improvement of methodology. Final end-to-end simulation exercise package (incorporating feedback and recommendations for improvements). Final consultancy report (summary of activities, key learnings, and recommendations for sustainability).
Timeframe
The consultancy is expected to take approximately 40 days over the period of 3 months.
Duty Station and Travel
This assignment is home-based. Travel is expected to one country to pilot the end-to-end simulation package, and potentially to Geneva.
Reporting and Coordination
The consultant will report to IFRCโs Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Lead and Early Warning Early Action Project Coordinator, who will liaise with the Global Interpillar Technical Coordination Group (ITCG) and global Pillar 4 partners.
A recurring meeting will be set up with the consultant to discuss progress, plans and challenges, and for any strategic decision-making. The consultant will also be expected to share progress updates in a proactive and timely manner outside of these meetings.
Experience
Required
At least 10 years of experience in disaster risk management, early warning systems, anticipatory action, emergency preparedness, or related fields. Proven experience in designing and conducting simulation exercises (preferably within the IFRC, UN, or similar humanitarian contexts). Experience working in multi-stakeholder environments, particularly with governments, UN agencies, and civil society.Preferred
Experience working on EW4All initiative is a preference.Knowledge, Skills and Languages
Required
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Strong facilitation, training, and capacity-building skills.Preferred
Knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset.Competencies, Values and Comments
Application Instructions
Please submit your application in English only. Please include the following documents in your application: A Cover Letter including references from at least 2 previous clients/employers. A CV and portfolio of relevant work (including previous simulation exercises developed). A technical proposal (max 3 pages) outlining the approach, methodology and timeline. A financial proposal detailing consultancy fees.