National Response Systems Effectiveness (NRSE) Specialist

About the role

Global Support and Development (GSD) is looking for a National Response Systems Effectiveness (NRSE) Specialist to join our team in a remote capacity. In this critical role, you will provide the operational groundwork and technical expertise needed to strengthen national response systems, supporting vital workstreams in emergency telecommunications, power, and water.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical liaison supporting coordination with relevant stakeholders, including NDMOs and NEOCs, with an aim of strengthening national response systems and ensuring project activities meet local needs;
• Support the day-to-day implementation of technical projects in the NRSE Portfolio, including in the domains of ETC, Emergency Power (solar/backup generation), and Emergency Water;
• Conduct and coordinate field-level technical assessments in coordination with relevant stakeholders, such as warehouse power audits and connectivity surveys, providing data to inform project plans;
• Aid in the execution of Port Preparedness and Human Capital strategies, focusing on the practical delivery of relevant projects and responder certification;
• Support training workshops, simulation exercises, and "train-the-trainer" programs to build local partner capacity;
• Act as a technical point of contact for Stakeholders at technical level in National Disaster Management Organizations (NDMOs) to ensure project activities meet local needs;
• Work with relevant GSD teams, including Innovation, Maritime, Aviation, and Operations, to assist in the deployment of specialized assets during project cycles;
• Coordinate with consultants and contractors to monitor progress and ensure follow-up on specific project tasks;
• Deploy on short notice to serve as a technical liaison as part of a GSD Disaster Response Team;
• Support budgetary tracking and resource management for the NRSE section to ensure good stewardship of funds;
• Support the departmental strategy and objectives by executing plans, processes, and projects while maximizing efficient use of resources;
• Work collaboratively with peers and cross-functionally to achieve org outcomes;
• Support mission-critical processes, anticipate issues and driving problem-solving, especially in resource-constrained and time-sensitive contexts;
• Promptly and act GSD’s core values of accountability, humility, and integrity in all work we conduct;
• Promote good stewardship of financial and other resources to achieve maximum benefit to those impacted by disaster or at risk of impact;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of relevant management experience in humanitarian aid, disaster response, or development;
• Two (2) or more years experience operating in or more years of experience operating in Telecoms, Energy, or WASH in low-resource or emergency settings;
• Experience supporting programs for government entities or regional bodies (CDEMA/CEPREDENAC) in the Caribbean or Central America;
• Bachelor’s degree in Disaster Management, International Development, Engineering, Logistics, or a related field; or Equivalent experience and training;
• ICS, 100, 200, 700, 800 is desired;
• Certification in project management is desired.

Knowledge/Skills

• Translate complex concepts, including radio systems, solar grids, and water filtration, into accessible language for both engineers and non-technical stakeholders;
• Perform basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and field preparation for rapid-response assets such as satellite terminals, portable solar arrays, and water purification units;
• Collect and organize field data from technical assessments to produce clear, actionable reports for management and external partners;
• Maintain day-to-day operational relationships with technical staff at National Disaster Management Organizations (NDMOs) and local partner agencies;
• Assist in the development of technical training materials and lead hands-on demonstrations to strengthen local disaster response capabilities;
• Navigate the logistical requirements for moving specialized assets across international borders and into resource-constrained environments;
• Enforce strict maritime and field safety regulations, ensuring all contractors and local partners adhere to established GSD safety protocols;
• Track project-level expenses and resource consumption to support the NRSE section’s budgetary planning and financial reporting;
• Discernment for confidentiality in relation to organizational, partner, and donor activities and communications;
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to rapidly shift tasks;
• Experience working and/or traveling domestically and internationally;
• Working knowledge of Spanish and/or French desired.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Routine domestic and international travel up to 60% is required;
• May be regularly exposed to and required to work in varying outdoor weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold, heavy rainfall, and other extreme weather events;
• May be required to engage in irregular travel and / or work schedules, which may include extended hours exceeding 8 or 12 hours in a day for prolonged periods outside of the control of the individual;
• While wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which is required and provided by GSD: Work may be conducted near moving mechanical parts, which could include exposure to loud noises;
• Work may be conducted near and include potential exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals;
• Work may be conducted in areas that include exposure to the risk of electrical shock or vibration;
• May be required for this role to work upon our Humanitarian Vessel for up to 30 consecutive days. The vessel’s working environment entails performing in conditions inherent to vessel travel, including but not limited to: steep and narrow stairs and living spaces, close quarters including cohabitation, sharp surfaces, metal gangways and ladders, heavy doors, European-type plugs and wiring (220-240v, 60Hz) which cannot support all American appliances, in addition to bright and flashing lights, loud noises, nuts and shellfish exposure, poor weather, movements which can trigger motion sickness, and / or limited access to hospital / definitive care. This setting involves various sea conditions, including but not limited to rough seas, adverse weather, and potential for sea sickness.