The Opportunity
We are in search of a seasoned Humanitarian Needs Assessment Specialist to enhance the caliber, uniformity, and effectiveness of needs assessments throughout our humanitarian initiatives.
This fast-paced position will empower Country Offices to develop and execute robust, principled humanitarian needs assessments in real time, positioning Plan International to design impactful programs, secure necessary funding, and address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable children—with a particular focus on girls.
The position requires extensive international travel and rapid deployment to humanitarian emergency sites, frequently with little advance warning.
Oversee and execute critical operational duties, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and maintaining high standards of performance. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall effectiveness within the team. Monitor progress through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback and fostering continuous improvement. Collaborate closely with cross-functional departments to streamline processes, resolve challenges, and drive cohesive project outcomes. Maintain compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and best practices to uphold accountability and mitigate risks. Serve as a key liaison between leadership and staff, facilitating transparent communication and supporting a culture of accountability and innovation.
You will:
Design and implement intuitive tools, resources, and frameworks to facilitate efficient and cross-sectoral needs assessments.
Integrate gender, child protection, disability inclusion, and age considerations into all assessments to comply with Sphere and Core Humanitarian Standard requirements.
Facilitate collaboration with Country Offices to ensure the production of meticulously crafted assessment reports that meet the expectations of donors, humanitarian clusters, and peer organizations.
Develop and implement needs assessment training programs aimed at enhancing the organization’s capabilities.
Collaborate effectively with the MERL and Digital teams to advocate for the adoption of digital data collection tools and ensure seamless integration with existing monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
To provide on-site support to country offices, deployments will span periods of up to four months, during which the role will focus on the direct design and execution of assessments.
Plan International is represented in inter-agency coordination forums, such as those within the Age-related networks.
Craft compelling insights and deliverables from assessment data to bolster the efforts of fundraising, advocacy, and influencing teams.
Ensure alignment with donor specifications, particularly for ECHO submissions during HIP cycles.
Compile a yearly worldwide analysis of evaluations and developing humanitarian patterns.
Ensure that safeguarding, child protection, and gender equality policies are rigorously upheld and integrated into every aspect of the role.
About You
You should be a seasoned humanitarian practitioner with a proven ability to excel in intricate and dynamic settings. Your background combines specialized technical skills with a strong commitment to collaboration and organizational development.
Essential experience and skills include expertise in project management, with a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver projects on schedule. Proficiency in budgeting and resource allocation is required, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Candidates must possess excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with stakeholders and team members. A track record of managing multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of quality is necessary. Familiarity with industry-specific software and tools, as well as a commitment to continuous professional development, are also expected.
Seasoned professionals with a strong background in coordinating or facilitating humanitarian needs assessments in a variety of emergency settings, ranging from sudden-onset disasters to complex crises, are encouraged to apply.
Demonstrated proficiency in conducting gender analysis and seamlessly incorporating protection and inclusion principles into evaluation frameworks.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in designing, developing, and implementing effective training programs. Responsibilities include creating engaging educational materials, delivering sessions to diverse audiences, and evaluating training effectiveness. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to facilitate learning and ensure knowledge retention.
Proficient understanding of humanitarian standards and donor expectations, including Sphere, the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), the Child Protection Minimum Standards (CPMS), and the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (KNEE).
Skilled in leveraging digital platforms and software to gather, process, and interpret data effectively.
Analytical prowess, coordination capabilities, and a proficiency in crafting comprehensive reports are essential.
Ability to mobilize quickly and operate effectively in demanding conditions is essential.
Desirable:
Skilled in preparing sections of funding proposals or donor submissions, with a proven ability to contribute effectively to grant applications.
Skilled in crafting advocacy or influencing messaging grounded in assessment findings.
Successfully collaborating with external partner organizations to achieve shared objectives.
Proficiency in English is mandatory, while fluency in French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered advantageous.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
