We seek an accomplished Humanitarian Needs Assessment Specialist to enhance the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of needs assessments across our humanitarian initiatives.
In this fast-paced position, you will collaborate with Country Offices to develop and execute rigorous, ethical humanitarian needs assessments in real time. This will ensure Plan International is optimally equipped to create impactful programs, attract necessary funding, and address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable children, with a particular focus on girls.
This position requires extensive international travel and deployments to humanitarian emergencies, frequently on short notice.
Oversee and execute a range of critical duties to ensure operational efficiency and project success. Lead cross-functional teams to align with organizational goals, fostering collaboration and accountability. Develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance performance metrics and drive sustainable growth. Monitor key performance indicators to assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. Serve as a primary point of contact for stakeholders, facilitating clear communication and resolving escalated issues.
You will:
Create accessible tools, guidance, and methodologies to facilitate efficient and cross-sectoral needs assessments.
Integrate gender, child protection, disability inclusion, and age considerations into every assessment process, adhering to the standards set by the Sphere and Core Humanitarian Standard.
Collaborate closely with Country Offices to ensure the production of meticulously crafted assessment reports that meet the expectations of donors, clusters, and peer agencies.
Conduct needs assessment training programs to enhance organizational competencies and operational effectiveness.
Collaborate effectively with both the MERL and Digital teams to advance the adoption of digital data collection tools and ensure seamless alignment with existing monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Secondments to Country Offices, lasting up to four months per assignment, are required to provide hands-on assistance with the development and execution of assessments.
Serve as Plan International’s representative in inter-agency coordination forums, specifically within Age-related networks.
Translate assessment data into compelling insights and products to support fundraising, advocacy, and influencing teams.
Enhance coordination with donor stipulations, particularly for ECHO submissions within HIP cycles.
Craft an annual comprehensive global assessment highlighting key humanitarian trends and developments.
Ensure that safeguarding, child protection, and gender equality policies are thoroughly integrated into every aspect of the role.
About You
As a seasoned humanitarian practitioner, you excel in dynamic and high-pressure settings while demonstrating both specialized technical skills and a strong commitment to collaboration and capacity development.
Essential experience and skills include a proven track record in project management, demonstrating expertise in leading cross-functional teams and delivering projects on time and within budget. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Microsoft Project, JIRA, or similar tools is required. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are necessary to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are essential for collaborating with stakeholders at all levels. The ideal candidate will possess excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines effectively. Knowledge of agile methodologies and experience with risk assessment are considered advantageous. A degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience is typically expected.
Seasoned professionals with a robust background in spearheading or aiding humanitarian needs evaluations amid varied emergency scenarios, encompassing sudden-onset disasters.
Proven ability to conduct thorough gender analyses and incorporate protection and inclusion principles seamlessly into assessments.
Demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing, and facilitating educational programs and professional development initiatives.
Demonstrated knowledge of donor expectations and humanitarian standards, including but not limited to Sphere, CHS, CPMS, and KNEE frameworks.
Proficient in utilizing digital tools to gather and evaluate data effectively.
Analytical acumen, organizational proficiency, and expertise in crafting comprehensive reports are essential.
Aptitude and readiness to mobilize promptly and operate effectively in demanding conditions.
Desirable:
Proven involvement in preparing funding proposals or donor submissions is required.
Proven track record in crafting advocacy or persuasive communications grounded in evaluation insights. Demonstrated ability to translate assessment data into compelling narratives that drive influence and action.
Collaborative experience with external partners is essential, having worked alongside various organizations to achieve mutual goals.
Fluency in English is essential, while proficiency in French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered advantageous.
Working Conditions
This position is globally focused and involves extensive deployment responsibilities. You can expect to dedicate roughly:
For the initial year, you will spend half of your time stationed in the designated country.
Up to 75% of the initial amount may be allocated in the following years.
