Radio Operator

Description

• Purpose: The Radio Operator (RO) is responsible for ensuring efficient information flow between field teams and the Management Teams of the Pemba, Mueda, and Mocimboa da Praia offices. This role involves operating International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) telecommunications equipment to maintain continuous contact with ICRC teams in the field using Very High Frequency (VHF) Radio, Satellite Phones, Cellular Phones, Landlines, or any other available communication means. Communication tasks often involve multiple actors and points of contact, requiring the RO to receive, interpret, reformulate, and relay information accurately. The RO ensures that all information related to field movements is properly processed and communicated to relevant stakeholders. As the first point of contact in emergencies, the RO must respond swiftly and accurately, engaging all involved decision-makers. Additionally, the RO is a key member of the Security Cell within the office

Duties

• Responsible for accurate tracking and monitoring of all ICRC vehicles and field teams according to validated schedules and itineraries (Field Trip Form). This tracking is conducted using all available Radio Room tools, including VHF radios, Satellite Phones, Landlines, WhatsApp, Signal, Email, or any other means available.
• Maintains a detailed logbook of all messages, calls, and communications during each shift, using all approved communication methods
• Ensures proper use of communication protocols by Radio Room users, offering guidance and direction as needed
• Immediately reports any emergencies to the Safety & Security Officer and the Head of Operations and initiates the first responder protocol for critical situations, guiding field teams in the early stages of any security incident or critical event
• Prepares a daily handover report before shift end, summarizing all vehicles and teams still in the field at handover. This report must also include any incidents or incidences recorded during the day and is shared with supervisory staff
• Manages the distribution of VHF handsets to all ICRC residences and coordinates routine radio checks at regular intervals with the Safety & Security Officer
• Regularly monitors established open-source channels (e.g., media, X, Signal groups, and others as directed) and promptly alerts the hierarchy of any development impacting field operations
• Responsible for the safekeeping of all Information and Communication Technology equipment in the Radio Room. Holds the key for the Radio Room office during night and weekend closures, manages check-in/check-out for Information and Communication Technology and Communications materials borrowed by Pemba colleagues, and ensures all returned equipment is in proper working order, reporting any damage to the Information and Communication Technology team
• Immediately reports any technical issues within the Radio Room or related to field operations to the Fleet, Information and Communication Technology, Premises, or Management teams, according to the identified need
• Ensures continuous and uninterrupted Radio Room coverage for the entirety of each shift. In case of force majeure, identifies and implements effective ad hoc solutions to maintain coverage if a temporary absence is unavoidable. Never leaves the Radio Room unattended
• The Radio Operator might be tasked to receive phone calls, SMS messages, and other messages during the night, weekends, and holidays, in the absence of the staff member responsible for this duty
• Together with the Safety & Security Officer, is responsible for maintaining an updated Signal distribution list for all colleagues and visitors working in Pemba
• Can be asked to stay overnight in the office, monitoring security in the field and inside the office during emergencies. When staying overnight in the office, the Radio Operator works together with the guards and ensures the correct logging of all visitors entering the premises during off-hours
• Reports to the Head of Operations any violation of security rules detected during the follow-up of field teams (driving into red zones, outside curfew hours, movements conducted without adequate reporting, inadequate or lack of use of Dallas key identification, and others)
• Gives radio-related briefings, if required, to new team members
• Together with the Safety & Security Officer, maintains updated procedures and implements regular drills in the use of the communication tree

Requisites

• Professional training in electronics, telecommunications, IT or related field
• Strong computer skills
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Portuguese
• Experience working for ICRC is a plus
• At least 2 years of experience as radio operator or switch board operator desirable

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• We are looking for someone who is methodical, responsible, beneficiary-oriented, organized with good organizational skills, with a good sense of teamwork, good communication skills, commitment, initiative, and respect for ICRC values
• We offer interesting, rewarding work in humanitarian and international environment
• The ICRC does not request any kind of monetary benefits in exchange for a place. The ICRC reserves the right to cancel any application resulting from illegal acts
• Please submit your application: CV in English, cover letter, copies of diplomas/certificates