Program Manager; Emergency Preparedness

Job Purpose

 CORE is in search of a Temporary Program Manager - Emergency Preparedness who will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating domestic and international emergency response programs. This role will lead disaster response efforts for hurricanes, floods, wildfires, migration support, and complex humanitarian crises while also supporting preparedness initiatives that enhance organizational readiness for future disasters. This role is a 2-month temporary position with the possibility to extend based on organizational need. The Program Manager will be responsible for: · Deploying for emergency responses and overseeing field operations. · Building capacity through training, documentation, and simulations. · Coordinating multi-departmental preparedness efforts to ensure a rapid and efficient response during peak disaster seasons. The ideal candidate has experience in disaster response, humanitarian aid, and capacity building. They should be a skilled leader who can manage both on-the-ground operations and high-level preparedness planning. Practical field experience in response operations such as

mucking & gutting, chainsaw operations, tarping, construction, or emergency home repair is highly desirable.

This role is a 1-month temporary position with the possibility to extend based on organizational needs.

Main Responsibilities

Emergency Response Operations

· Lead, manage, and deploy to new domestic and international emergency response programs, ensuring effective, timely, and impactful aid delivery.

· Coordinate logistics, procurement, and distribution of essential supplies, including food, hygiene kits, and shelter materials.

· Work closely with local government agencies, NGOs, VOADs, and community-based organizations to ensure an integrated response approach.

· Supervise field teams, ensuring safety and operational protocols are followed.

· Conduct needs assessments and gather data to inform response strategies.

Training & Capacity Building

· Develop and facilitate training sessions for emergency response personnel, team leads, and field staff.

· Update and enhance emergency response plans, operational frameworks, and best practices for CORE’s global response strategy.

· Create and update training materials, playbooks, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve the organization's disaster readiness.

· Organize Team Lead trainings to build leadership capacity within the response roster.

· Provide hands-on training in field-based skills such as mucking & gutting, chainsaw operations, tarping, construction, Cash/Voucher Assistance or emergency home repair.

Preparedness & Organizational Readiness

· Design and coordinate cross-departmental disaster simulations to test response readiness before peak disaster seasons.

· Work with logistics, programs, finance, and GPC teams to ensure operational readiness for rapid deployment.

· Identify gaps in preparedness efforts and propose solutions for increased efficiency and response effectiveness.

· Assist in monitoring emerging global risks and potential disaster events, ensuring CORE remains proactive in its response planning.

Reporting & Compliance

· Track program progress, collect data, and prepare after-action reports detailing response efforts and impact.

· Ensure compliance with CORE’s policies, donor requirements, and international humanitarian standards.

· Document lessons learned and best practices for future responses.

Budget & Resource Management

· Assist in monitoring program budgets and expenses, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.

· Coordinate with CORE’s procurement team to secure necessary goods and services for response activities.

· Identify opportunities for funding and resource mobilization to sustain emergency response operations.

Deliverables for this Role Include:

· Successful launch and execution of emergency response programs in domestic and international settings.

· Development and facilitation of training materials, operational frameworks, and response guides to improve emergency operations.

· Facilitation of at least one simulation exercise during the contract period.

· Post-response reports documenting program impact, challenges, and lessons learned.

· Strengthened internal coordination among departments for enhanced disaster preparedness.

Scope and Travel:

· Must be available for rapid deployment on short notice for response assignments ranging from 2-10 weeks (domestic and international). · Will directly supervise field teams and coordinate with local/global emergency response stakeholders. · Expected to lead training and simulations in both remote and in-person settings. · Must be based in the U.S

Qualifications:

· BA/BSc in emergency management, humanitarian studies, public administration, or a related field. MA preferred. OR

· Minimum 3 years of experience in disaster response, humanitarian aid, or program management.

· Valid Passport & Driver’s License with no significant infractions in the last five years.

Experience:

· Experience in international or domestic emergency response and field deployments

· Experience in training facilitation, capacity building, and simulation exercises.

· Practical experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Mucking & Gutting 
• Chainsaw Operations 
• Tarping
• Construction 
• Emergency Home Repair

Skills & Competencies:

· Strong leadership and crisis management skills in high-stress environments.

· Bilingual candidates preferred (Spanish, French, or Arabic highly desirable).

· Ability to develop training curriculums, operational documents, and simulation exercises.

· Strong logistics coordination, budgeting, and procurement management skills.

· Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building abilities.

· Ability to analyze disaster trends and develop preemptive response strategies.

· Knowledge of VOADs, humanitarian standards, Sphere guidelines, and international disaster frameworks.

· Comfortable with rapid deployment, extensive travel, and working in challenging conditions.