Global Disaster Preparedness Lead

Salary: UK - £49,655/Rest of the world - £39,724 per annum

Location: Global - Where IR has a country office

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time

The Vacancy

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is a faith-based humanitarian relief and development organisation working to save and transform the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Established in 1984, with an active presence in over 45 countries, we strive to make the world a better and fairer place for those affected by poverty, conflict and natural disasters.

IRW’s International Programmes Division is recruiting for its Disaster Risk Management Department. The organisation is seeking the position of ‘Global Disaster Preparedness Lead’ on a permanent, full-time basis to based anywhere globally, where IR has a country office.

The purpose of the role is to manage the provision of disaster preparedness and management training to Islamic Relief staff, strategic partners and local partners and ensure the provision of professional and responsive advice in the field of disaster management. Act as the principal point of reference for Islamic Relief staff on disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction issues.

The post-holder is expected to spend 30 per cent of his/her time actively engaged in field-based operations. This will involve the setting-up and management of disaster preparedness, mitigation and risk reduction / resilience programmes.

The successful candidate must have:

• Post graduate degree or equivalent in social sciences / development studies
• Knowledge of disaster preparedness, anticipatory action, and DRR and a good understanding of relevant humanitarian and policy issues
• Knowledge and understanding of key trends in international development, and of the evolving role of international NGOs.
• Advocating to external organisations in order influence policies or priorities and identifying new opportunities for the organisation
• Demonstrated knowledge of using international standards (especially CHS) to drive quality
• Good interpersonal skills including the ability to listen, sensitivity to others’ views and perspectives, and conflict resolution.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; proficiency in a second language is an advantage (either French or Arabic preferred).
• Extensive expertise in developing and implementing disaster preparedness strategies, leading teams and coordinating with diverse stakeholders.at the regional/global level in complex emergencies
• Proven leadership and people management experience, with a focus on achieving organisational objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse data, make informed decisions, and resolve unexpected challenges.
• Demonstrated experience of effective representation at senior level
• Strong financial and resource management skills within budgetary and time constraints.
• Experience of writing comprehensive, high quality narrative reports for donors.
• Experience of and commitment to participatory management and maintaining a supportive, open environment to ensure the learning and development of all staff.
• Experience of integrating climate adaptation, gender and social inclusion into disaster risk management strategies.

For more information, please click on the Documents tab above to view the full Job Description.

If you are talented, reliable, service-minded, resilient and a highly motivated professional looking for a meaningful career, with a strong commitment to IRW’s mission and values of sincerity, excellence, compassion, social justice and custodianship, please apply by completing our online application form.

PLEASE NOTE: Interviews are expected to take place on or around 7th July 2025.

Pre-employment Checks:

Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:

• screening clearance
• receipt of satisfactory references

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Islamic Relief is an equal opportunities employer

How to apply

Click here