Branch Disaster Management Officer

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), established in 1960 as an auxiliary to the public authorities, is the nation’s premier first responder. As the Branch Disaster Management (DM) Officer for the Sokoto State Branch, you will be the tactical lead for our humanitarian operations. You will manage the systems that predict, prepare for, and respond to disasters, ensuring that our network of volunteers is always ready to save lives and alleviate human suffering with speed, transparency, and integrity.

Job Summary

The Branch Disaster Management Officer is responsible for the design, implementation, and coordination of all disaster preparedness and emergency response activities across the Sokoto State Branch and its Divisions. Reporting to the Branch Secretary, you will lead the development of robust response teams, manage relief stockpiles, and cultivate a highly motivated volunteer workforce. Your role is to ensure that the NRCS remains the most reliable partner to the State Government and international agencies during times of crisis.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Coordination & Emergency Preparedness

• Inter-Agency Collaboration: Establish and maintain strong working relationships with the Sokoto State Government (SEMA), NEMA, and other humanitarian actors to ensure a unified approach to disaster response.
• Contingency Planning: Lead the development and strengthening of multidisciplinary emergency response teams (Health, WASH, Shelter) at both the Branch and Divisional levels.
• Logistics & Stockpile Management: Oversee the strategic stockpiling of relief materials at the Branch level, ensuring strict adherence to replenishment guidelines in collaboration with the National Headquarters (NHQ).

Volunteer Leadership & Capacity Building

• Network Management: Recruit, train, and retain an efficient team of volunteers, ensuring their data is accurately captured in the Volunteer Data Base Management (VDBM) system.
• Skills Development: Establish systems for the continuous capacity building of volunteers to ensure they remain proficient in modern disaster response protocols.

Response, Assessment & Reporting

• Needs Assessment: Conduct rapid and regular assessments during emergencies to mobilize internal NRCS stocks or external assistance from Movement partners and donors.
• Operational Integrity: Ensure all DM activities are conducted in strict accordance with the NRCS Code of Conduct and the fundamental principles of neutrality and impartiality.
• Impact Documentation: Prepare and submit detailed quarterly and annual progress reports to the Branch Secretary and relevant stakeholders, documenting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Management, or a specialized field such as Disaster Management or Project Management.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in Disaster Management and Emergency Response operations.
• Technical Mastery: Strong capacity in developing emergency response plans, resource mobilization, and project monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
• Leadership: Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to build, motivate, and manage large, diverse teams of volunteers under pressure.
• Communication: Fluency in written and spoken English. Proficiency in local languages (Hausa/Fulfulde) is highly desirable for effective community engagement.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyze complex geopolitical and socio-cultural trends to anticipate and mitigate disaster impacts.

Core Competencies

• Accountability: Demonstrating high ethical standards and honesty in handling organizational resources.
• Resilience: The capacity to work under extreme pressure, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to rapidly changing field conditions.
• Cultural Sensitivity: A global mindset that shows deep respect for local views, traditions, and opinions.
• Integrity: Zero tolerance for corruption and a commitment to protecting the reputation of the NRCS.

About the Organization

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) is a community-based voluntary aid society. We serve as an auxiliary to the public authorities in humanitarian interventions, health, and disaster management. Our mission is to alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found, guided by the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Application Details

• Location: Sokoto, Nigeria
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Field: NGO / Disaster Management

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV to:

Email: [email protected]

Subject Line: Branch Disaster Management Officer – Sokoto

Note: The NRCS is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage qualified women to apply.

Tips for Applicants

• Highlight Field Experience: Provide specific examples of emergencies you have managed (e.g., floods, outbreaks, or displacement) and the scale of the response you led.
• Focus on Volunteers: Since the Red Cross is a volunteer-led organization, detail your experience in training or managing unpaid community responders.
• Showcase Strategic Networking: The role requires “strong collaboration” with the government. Highlight your experience in working with SEMA, NEMA, or other state-level authorities.