Pankaj Mishra
Richmond
Summary
Dynamic and analytical strategic leader with over 22 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, consistently exceeding expectations in diverse and evolving environments. Proven expertise in managing small and large-scale crisis responses, emergency preparedness, and multi-agency coordination, complemented by strong team management and leadership capabilities. Skilled in overseeing multi-million dollar programs across various contexts, focusing on effective communication, coaching, and training for international courses. Extensive knowledge of the International Red Cross Movement, UN System, and donor community enhances the ability to drive impactful initiatives at community, country, regional, and global levels.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Global Lead - Emergency Preparedness & Anticipatory Action
Save the Children International
04.2020 - Current
- Lead SCI's global portfolio of: emergency preparedness and anticipatory action policy, procedures, technical advice/support and humanitarian fund grant management in all five regions (East & Southern Africa, West & Central Africa, Asia & Pacific, Middle East & Eastern Europe, Latin America and Caribbean).
- Lead coordinator of Preparedness & Anticipatory Action component of Humanitarian Fund with an annual target of over 10 million USD for imminent, acute and chronic crises in high risk, highly vulnerable and fragile context
- Lead and champion a transition of culture and practice towards risk informed anticipatory approaches to humanitarian action
- Lead global task team on Country Offices Response Training, Emergency Preparedness, Early Action, Climate Change
- Represent SCI in external coordination forums like IASC, UN etc in order to build strong and strategic partnership in humanitarian industry
Humanitarian Learning Adviser (Global Role)
Save the Children-UK (HLA) (UK)
01.2019 - 03.2019
- Responsible for managing 5-6 short term international experts to lead humanitarian learning needs analysis at the global level. Work across the HLA's network to build a comprehensive understanding of the demand for learning amongst individuals and organisations working in the humanitarian space
- Led the quality assurance of learning content developed at global level including the development of tools and supported HLA's network in advancing the response readiness agenda at local level
- Represented HLA at external audiences including partners, working groups and networks and worked closely with other business units including HLA's learning innovation hub.
Senior Adviser, Disaster and Crisis Management
IFRC Headquarters (Geneva)
05.2010 - 05.2017
- Responsible for leading and strengthening the organisation's goals of promoting a holistic and integrated approach to crisis management – including national, regional and global response preparedness
- Led and developed IFRC's strategy for longer term capacity building initiative for efficient and effective response to humanitarian crises.
- Led the International Federation Secretariat efforts in strengthening organisational preparedness for disaster response with a targeted focus on Regional Disaster Response Teams (RDRTs), contingency planning and simulations
- Together with DREF Team and RC Climate Centre – worked on conceptualizing forecast-based financing approach for early action by the national societies.
- Developed and implemented (together with Regional Teams) global and regional contingency plans for impending and deteriorating crises
- Represented IFRC on various external and internal forums to market and advocate the humanitarian priorities in line with global trend and national societies' assessments. Raised long-term and consistent resources for global initiatives and indirectly managed several teams both in emergency and normal settings.
Country Manager – Response & Preparedness
American Red Cross/IFRC (Sri Lanka)
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Managed a team of expatriate and national technical advisors seeking to support communities and schools for a large scale programme of 7 million USD focusing on: targeted emergency response, community based preparedness and early action and structural as well as non-structural mitigation activities
- Responded to various crises like floods, landslides, conflict and health emergencies through needs assessment, response intervention, coordination with National Disaster Management Authority and design of exit strategy
- Analysed and developed disaster response mechanisms and operational procedures. Working with a large team ensured efficient project management of a range of interventions in collaboration with multiple stakeholders
- Designed and delivered training programmes in vulnerability assessment, risk analysis, longer-term community development interventions and coordination
Deputy Manager - DRR & Livelihood
British Red Cross Society (Maldives)
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Managed and developed a community-based disaster risk reduction and livelihood program
- Developed national coordination model of disaster management and local level task forces for efficient disaster response
- Led and managed several low cost and innovative risk reduction initiatives
- Worked directly with Maldivian Government, community leaders and UN agencies towards the development of a Red Crescent role in disaster management
- Managed, coached and mentored local staff for efficient implementation of project deliverables.
Head of Office & Disaster Management Adviser
Pacific Regional Office (Papua New Guinea/Fiji)
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Led and coordinated the floods and volcano response operations
- Supported the National Societies in Disaster Management and Organisational Development program.
- Managed the Country Delegation and represented the Pacific region in certain thematic areas on disaster management including development of rapid response teams
- Led and implemented the development of country's strategic disaster management response plans and the development of a national disaster response team
- Led and successfully managed the change process of the national society in order to remain fit for purpose as one of the main humanitarian agencies in the country
Humanitarian Relief & Logistics Coordinator
IFRC, Maldives Country Office (Maldives)
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Managed the relief and logistics responsibilities of a large scale Rain Water Harvesting Program, including disaster management responsibilities covering the South Asia Regional Office (Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan)
- Developed disaster management strategies for the IFRC and for other in-country Movement partners, including contributions to annual multi-sectoral planning
- Conducted and facilitated IFRC Regional Disaster Response Team Training.
Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
Indian Red Cross Society/IFRC (New Delhi)
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Responsible for program and budget management for a multi-year, multi-partner disaster management program
- Implemented and coordinated a disaster risk reduction program for floods and cyclones in different Indian states. Led the response readiness intervention of high risk states of India
- Responded to various crises like multi-state massive floods, earthquake and drought
- Created the Mobile Disaster Unit (first of its kind in International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement), National Disaster Response Team (First in South Asia), Disaster Management Centre (an emergency operations centre for agency-wide coordination, knowledge management and response operations)
Humanitarian Relief Coordinator
Indian Red Cross Society/IFRC (New Delhi)
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Responded to major humanitarian crises, like the Gujarat earthquake, floods and cyclone by managing the Indian RC's relief teams in the assessment, planning, and implementation stages of relief programs
- Identified program requirements and needs, and managed budgeting
- Undertook regular field trips to carry out needs assessment, manage relief operations and assess the impact of humanitarian intervention in the affected area.
Education
Certified Agile Leadership -
Scrum Alliance
01.2019
Management in the Humanitarian Sector - undefined
INSEAD
01.2010
Masters in International Strategic Management - undefined
University of Durham
01.2006
Team Leader – Emergency Response - undefined
International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies
01.2005
Skills
Humanitarian Expertise Mobilisation
Strategic & Systems Thinking
Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Partnership Development & Management
Influencing & Communication
Teamwork and collaboration
Training
- Part of four member DFID/FCDO Evaluation Team (Disaster Risk Reduction Programme: Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya)
- Disaster Management Course, Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre
- IFRC Response Team Leader Training
- IFRC Project Planning Process Training
- IFRC ToT on Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment
Timeline
Global Lead - Emergency Preparedness & Anticipatory Action
Save the Children International
04.2020 - Current
Humanitarian Learning Adviser (Global Role)
Save the Children-UK (HLA) (UK)
01.2019 - 03.2019
Senior Adviser, Disaster and Crisis Management
IFRC Headquarters (Geneva)
05.2010 - 05.2017
Country Manager – Response & Preparedness
American Red Cross/IFRC (Sri Lanka)
01.2008 - 01.2010
Deputy Manager - DRR & Livelihood
British Red Cross Society (Maldives)
01.2007 - 01.2008
Head of Office & Disaster Management Adviser
Pacific Regional Office (Papua New Guinea/Fiji)
01.2006 - 01.2007
Humanitarian Relief & Logistics Coordinator
IFRC, Maldives Country Office (Maldives)
01.2005 - 01.2006
Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
Indian Red Cross Society/IFRC (New Delhi)
01.2002 - 01.2005
Humanitarian Relief Coordinator
Indian Red Cross Society/IFRC (New Delhi)
01.2000 - 01.2002
Management in the Humanitarian Sector - undefined
INSEAD
Masters in International Strategic Management - undefined
University of Durham
Team Leader – Emergency Response - undefined
International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies
Certified Agile Leadership -
Scrum Alliance
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