Manager, Rapid Emergency Response - International (RRM)

Title: Manager, Rapid Emergency Response - International (RRM)

Employee Working Location: Partially Virtual / Hybrid (Ottawa)

Employee Status: Temporary Full-time (2 roles for 24-months)

The Canadian Red Cross (Red Cross) - an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada's Best Employers 2026, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment.

The Manager, Rapid Emergency Response - International is responsible for coordinating and leading the deployment of international disaster response te ams and health services in high-pressure environments in coordination with Movement partners. This role requires deep expertise in emergency management, crisis response, and community engagement, as well as the ability to navigate complex and evolving emergency environments in high-risk settings and collaborate with external partners and stakeholders to deliver timely, effective, and strategic assistance in line with the National Societies operational plan to those affected by emergencies.

Deployments, often on short notice, will account for approximately 50% of the year, with remaining time focused on preparedness, learning, and strategic initiatives. Additional hardship allowances and per diems may be offered depending on the country of deployment.

In this role you will:

• Lead the deployment of international emergency response teams and health services in coordination with movement partners, including workforce planning, recruitment, training, and operational coordination.
• Navigate complex and evolving emergency environments, making informed, high-stakes decisions with limited context.
• Adapt response efforts dynamically to mitigate security, financial, and organizational risks.
• Provide strategic leadership in response operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance with governing regulations and bodies. Support the Host National Society to implement their emergency operation in line with their plans, priorities, and policies.
• Manage workforce stress, conflict resolution, and personnel well-being in high-pressure emergency situations.
• Develop and implement emergency response plans, protocols, and strategies to ensure rapid, effective, and efficient operations.
• Collaborate with donors, government agencies, NGOs, community organizations and external partners as required to ensure a coordinated response.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community leaders, movement partners, elected officials, and international stakeholders.
• Navigate legal, cultural, and logistical complexities across jurisdictions to optimize response efforts.
• Design, develop, and manage budgets, ensuring financial accountability and resource optimization in line with movement parameters and systems.

What we are looking for:

• Qualifications include a minimum of 4-7 years of experience and a 3-year college diploma or university degree in emergency management, international studies, public administration, health (clinical or public) or related field and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluency in English is required, Arabic, French and/or Spanish is an asset.
• Experience managing or coordinating health and aid operations internationally and experience with RCRC movement or other similar agencies.
• Supervisory or management experience with leadership and team management skills and the ability to manage performance, resolve conflicts and engage employees.
• Experience in stakeholder coordination, including working with government agencies, NGOs, donors, local communities, and to navigate complex political and cultural contexts.
• Experience working in complex, high-risk environments with security concerns, such as conflict zones or disaster-affected regions.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams, including volunteers and emergency personnel, in high-pressure situations.
• Knowledge of emergency response protocols and movement systems and processes.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required during emergency responses.
• Ability to travel internationally on short notice.

Working Conditions

• Field deployments may involve working in unstable environments with limited access to basic services, often in situations of armed conflict, large-scale disasters and/or epidemic contexts. These settings require strict adherence to security protocols.
• The role includes fieldwork, deployment to emergency operations, and office-based work during non-deployment periods.
• Domestic or international travel to unsafe or high-stress environments; exposure to major adverse conditions requiring personal safety management.
• Work requires the ability to work to multiple, business critical, and conflicting deadlines.
• Work requires interactions in difficult, emotionally charged situations.
• Work requires interactions and support to clients who are experiencing traumatic situations.
• (L4) Disaster areas can have difficult and unstable conditions (environmental, physical, social, etc.) and uncomfortable conditions (noise, odors, smoke, humidity, vulnerable beneficiaries, stakeholders). These stressful rapidly changing environments with limited information to make decisions have the potential to affect the physical and psychological state of the responders on site.
• Candidates must be medically cleared for travel in accordance with established Canadian Red Cross medical criteria, where applicable.
• In a large-scale emergency, where staff numbers are compromised or additional resources are required, provide disaster relief and/or emergency field operational support.
• Will be required to work extended hours during peak periods on short notice.
• As we work with and support people (managers, colleagues, beneficiaries/customers, volunteers, donors and external partners) and communities in Canada and around the world, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to perform the responsibilities of the role in English.
• Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time , we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).