World Central Kitchen is seeking a tenacious and adaptable Response Director who excels at quick, strategic decision-making, thrives at triaging competing priorities, and is a master at building relationships, leading and motivating large teams, and teaching a diverse team of people.
The Response Director embraces chaos and ambiguity while implementing WCK responses, and oversees all ground activities of the activation.
The Response Director is responsible for ensuring food aid rapidly reaches communities in need in alignment with WCK's North Star values.
Duration: The Response Director is a three (3) year term contract position with the opportunity for renewal, offering a unique chance to lead and shape WCK's responses.
This position reports directly to the Chief Relief Officer.
Preferred Location(s): Europe - Must live within one (1) hour of an international airport.
Madrid, SpainLondon, EnglandFrankfurt, GermanyLisbon, PortugalAthens, GreeceRome, Italy Key Responsibilities: Activation ManagementRespond within four (4) hours notice to a disaster area to act as Response Director, managing relief operations on the ground, or in rare cases, remotely.Direct Activation Managers and oversee the work of their teams, including Culinary, Distribution, Community Outreach, and Procurement/Logistics.Ensure strategic and streamlined implementation of relief activities on the ground, operationalizing WCK's North Star.Build and train local teams to meet our human capacity needs to feed the need, embracing our accordion model.Facilitate and implement cross-departmental collaboration and information sharing between WCK departments and Activation Managers.Ensure smooth transitions and complete handovers with other Response Directors, and between Activation Managers.Complete the After-Action Report process immediately following activation wind-down, collating and drawing learnings for process improvement. Budgeting and LogisticsWork with the finance team to share cost projections for activations, focusing on meal production and logistical needs.Adhere to WCK's financial policies while adapting to on-the-ground requirements.Collaborate with the procurement and logistics team to source materials and supplies efficiently. Community and Stakeholder EngagementBuild strong relationships with local communities first.Ensure the teams conduct outreach and engagement activities that contribute to WCK's reputation as an effective, compassionate, and reliable relief organization.Represent WCK in the field, acting as an ambassador to beneficiaries, partners, and the media.Ability to spend up to 70% of the time in the field.
The typical duration of an activation is four (4) weeks, though timelines could be longer. Minimum Qualifications: Masters degree and/or equivalent preferred, or 10+ years of experience in management roles, preferably in fast-paced, ever-changing environments.Excellent training and coaching skills, and experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams in challenging environments.Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage and coordinate with diverse stakeholders.Ability to work independently with minimal infrastructure, amenities and resources.Willingness to work in challenging environments with austere living conditions.Demonstrated negotiation and diplomacy skills in complex and potentially volatile situations.Exhibit a calm and composed demeanor during crisis situations.Be physically fit and have the stamina to work long hours doing physically demanding tasks.Strong mental resilience and emotional intelligence to cope with stressors associated with working in conflict environments.Fluency in English is required; proficiency in additional languages relevant to common disaster or conflict zones is highly desirable. The role of Response Director is critical in ensuring that WCK's relief operations are effective, responsive, and accountable, following through on our commitment to communities in need.
Application & Cover Letter: This application requires a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and in working for WCK.
References and Background Checks: Our selection process will include reference and background checks, subject to any legal or regulatory requirements.
Equal Opportunity: WCK is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity.
If you're ready to bring your unique talents to a role that's as challenging as it is rewarding, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and let's build the future of World Central Kitchen together!
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