Volunteer Emergency Preparedness Champion

Role description

Volunteer Emergency Preparedness Champions are Good and Ready programme volunteers within our Coordination and Planning team who strengthen community preparedness by supporting people to understand local hazards, make practical plans, and connect their plans with others. They act as local connectors and facilitators for the Good and Ready programme, supporting branches, community groups, and emergency management officers to increase preparedness behaviours across diverse communities. Champions report to the Coordination and Planning Lead in their Area.

Champions support events and activities organised by various local Red Cross units throughout the year. Good and Ready activities include Good and Ready kōrero informal conversations about emergency preparedness, community workshops and representing Red Cross Good and Ready and sharing emergency preparedness information at community events and stalls. The Coordination and Planning Leads share dates and locations of these events with Champions and schedule and coordinate Champion participation. Champions are encouraged to participate in or lead at least two activities per year. Activities range from a few hours to full day events. Champions will also have opportunities to take the lead on coordinating and organising approved activities. 

Champions are thought leaders in community resilience and behaviour change. There are regular planning meetings to discuss community needs and identify activities in each area. Champions are encouraged to participate in these meetings regularly and to share their local knowledge and ideas and insights with the Coordination and Planning leads to support planning of upcoming Good and Ready activities. Champions will also have opportunities to help prepare community profiles and to map community needs. Time commitment to support planning and preparation of activities may range from a few hours per month to a few hours per week. Annual activity planning typically takes place between October and March for the upcoming fiscal year. 

Your tasks

• Participate in and support organisers with hosting approved Good and Ready activities and workshops in your area 
• Prepare for and facilitate or support community activities and workshops 
• Promote the three Good & Ready steps in culturally inclusive and accessible ways 
• Provide thought leadership in emergency preparedness planning for your area and community 
• Attend periodic peer support meetings or refresher sessions 
• Liaise with Coordination and Planning lead in your area to discuss community needs and recommend suggestions for new activities 
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, basic evaluation data and reflections 
• Uphold NZ Red Cross Fundamental Principles, Code of Conduct and policies 

Volunteer requirements and training

Requirements 

• This role requires a one-year volunteer commitment (renewable each year) 
• Able to participate in online meetings and in-person events 
• Ability to participate in at least two events per year 
• Commitment to participating in planning meetings 
• Have reliable access to transportation and able to travel through the area where they are based 
• Be currently based within the area the role is active in 
• Commitment to completing training for the role (orientation, modules, shadowing) 
• Able to pass a MoJ background check 
• Two references 
• CV 

People who are a great fit for this role: 

• Have a background or experience in emergency management or community resilience 
• Have a community orientated mindset 
• Enjoy facilitating workshops for groups 
• Are able to provide thought leadership in community resilience to the team 
• Are reliable and have great time management skills 
• Are comfortable with light travel 
• Are able to communicate with people from all walks of life 
• Are inclusive and culturally aware when engaging with others 
• Work well independently and as part of a wider team 
• Experience in monitoring and reporting on programme impact is a plus 

Training & Learning 

We provide disaster preparedness, community resilience and facilitation skills training to all volunteers as a part of the onboarding (approximately 6-8 hours) 

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

• Proactively ensure your actions or omissions do not adversely affect the Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) of yourself or others.
• Participate in HSW induction, training, programmes and activities.
• Follow all reasonable instructions to comply with HSW legislation and regulations.
• Follow NZRC HSW policies, standards and procedures.
• Do not undertake any activities you are not adequately trained for.
• Use designated personal protective equipment (PPE) for specific work activities.