ER Training Specialist

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

1 September 2026. Full-time for an initial 12 months.

Role Summary

The Emergency Response (ER) Training Specialist supports Medair’s strategic engagement in the RISE Consortium and the delivery of the 2025–2029 Strategy, particularly in Emergency Preparedness and Response, Partnerships, and Community Engagement. Based within the Global Emergency Response Team (G-ERT), the role supports Medair’s International Country Programmes (ICPs) and ACCORD partners by developing and delivering training, maintaining learning resources and toolkits, coordinating capacity-strengthening activities, and supporting knowledge sharing. Working closely with the ER Partnership and Training Manager and relevant GSO stakeholders, the role helps strengthen partner preparedness and response capabilities while ensuring consistent, high-quality learning support across Medair’s emergency response network.

Project Overview 

Medair’s G-ERT exists to save lives and alleviate suffering by responding rapidly to the needs of vulnerable populations through essential health, shelter, and WASH interventions. The G-ERT is a standing global emergency response team designed to deploy within 24 hours of new sudden onset emergencies, conduct needs assessments within three days, and begin delivering lifesaving assistance within one week.  Historically, new G-ERT responses account for 5–10% of Medair’s annual budget, with an average of 1–3 responses each year (around half of which transition into longer-term country programmes). The team is composed of 5–8 emergency response specialists based in Switzerland and remotely. Although part of the G-ERT, this role will mainly support ICPs and partner preparedness between emergencies.    

Workplace & Conditions 

This position is based in Switzerland. Applicants must be Swiss nationals, EU/EFTA citizens, or hold a valid Swiss work permit. The role includes field travel of up to 50% of the year and is offered as a 12-month contract with the possibility of extension, dependent on funding.

Responsibilities:

• Design and maintain emergency response training materials, curricula, toolkits, e-learning content, and learning resources, including relevant community engagement training and tools developed in collaboration with the CE working group.

• Coordinate and deliver training programmes for partners and Medair teams, including facilitation, logistics, and training-of-trainers initiatives.

• Support partner learning and development through coaching, follow-up activities, and practical application of emergency response tools and standards.

• Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness, tracking participation, learning outcomes, and opportunities for improvement.

• Support knowledge management and learning initiatives by maintaining training resources, coordinating Communities of Practice, capturing lessons learned, and promoting the sharing of best practices across Medair and partner networks.

Qualifications, Experience & Technical Competencies:  

• Relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification in humanitarian action, disaster management, adult learning, education, organizational development, or a related field.

• Minimum three to five years of humanitarian experience, including experience in emergency response, capacity strengthening, training delivery, or staff development. Experience working with local or international NGOs is desirable.

• Demonstrated experience designing, facilitating, and evaluating training programmes, workshops, and learning resources for diverse audiences in humanitarian or development contexts.

• Strong knowledge of humanitarian principles and standards, with the ability to translate technical concepts into practical and engaging learning materials and training approaches.

• Strong English communication and Microsoft Office skills.

Behavioural Skills:  

• Works well with others and builds positive relationships with colleagues, partners, and participants.

• Communicates clearly and supports learning through training, coaching, and knowledge sharing.

• Takes initiative and solves problems in a practical and proactive way.

• Plans and organises work effectively, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Shows a willingness to learn and improve, seeking feedback and sharing lessons learned.

Team Spiritual Life

Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, people we serve, and external contacts. Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based teams. Fully contribute to a rich spiritual team life, including team devotion, prayer, and words of encouragement.

Before you apply

Please ensure you are fully aware of the:

1. Medair organisational values.

2. Medair is committed to safeguarding the protection of beneficiaries, volunteers, staff and partners, and particularly children. Therefore, we do not employ staff whose background we understand to be unsuitable for working with children. Medair staff are required to give the utmost respect to, and comply with, Medair’s accountability policies and best practices.

3. Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).

Application Process

To apply, go to this vacancy on our Medair page. Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed. Advertised on JobUpfree.

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