The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to alleviating human suffering and strengthening community resilience. IFRC is currently seeking a consultant to develop a modular simulation exercise package for Early Warning Systems (EWS) under the global Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.

Job Purpose:

The consultant will be responsible for designing and developing an end-to-end simulation exercise package to test the entire EWS chain under realistic conditions. The goal is to identify gaps, enhance preparedness, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration. The consultant will:

• Develop simulation exercises to test operational plans, procedures, and decision-making processes.

• Identify gaps and improvement areas through comprehensive evaluations.

• Facilitate stakeholder participation across all four EW4All pillars.

• Create adaptable guidelines and tools for designing, conducting, and evaluating simulations.

• Strengthen national preparedness through realistic and inclusive scenarios.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Inception Phase:

• Conduct a desk review of existing simulation exercises and materials.

• Develop a detailed work plan, methodology, and timeline.

2. Development of Simulation Exercise Package:

• Design a structured, modular simulation package adaptable to different hazards (e.g., floods, cyclones, droughts).

• Create scenario design templates, facilitation guidelines, and evaluation tools.

• Develop strategies for stakeholder engagement across all four EW4All pillars.

3. Validation and Refinement:

• Facilitate a review process with key partners.

• Participate in a pilot simulation exercise to test the package.

• Refine the package based on pilot findings and feedback.

Key Deliverables:

• Inception report with work plan and methodology.

• Draft and final versions of the simulation exercise package.

• Workshop to collect feedback from key stakeholders.

• Report on pilot findings, participant feedback, and recommendations.

• Final consultancy report summarizing activities, key learnings, and sustainability recommendations.

Timeframe & Work Location:

• The consultancy will last approximately 40 days over a 3-month period.

• The position is home-based, with potential travel to one country for the pilot exercise and possibly Geneva.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in disaster risk management, early warning systems, or emergency preparedness.

• Proven experience designing and conducting simulation exercises within humanitarian contexts (IFRC, UN, or similar organizations).

• Experience in multi-stakeholder coordination, especially with governments, UN agencies, and civil society.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on the EW4All initiative is a plus.

• Knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset.

Application Process:

Interested candidates must submit:

1. Cover letter with references from at least two previous employers.

2. CV and portfolio showcasing relevant work experience.

3. Technical proposal (max 3 pages) outlining approach, methodology, and timeline.

4. Financial proposal detailing consultancy fees.