START NETWORK

We are tackling what we believe are the biggest systemic problems that the humanitarian sector faces. Start Network’s vision is for a locally led humanitarian system that is accountable to people affected by and at-risk of crises. We aim to achieve this vision by making systemic-level shifts in the way humanitarian assistance is approached and delivered. To achieve this, we need a substantial change to the current structure evolving from the centralised structure of today to a dispersed, international network of hubs operating nationally and regionally. Our aims are to see:

LOCALLY-LED ACTION: We believe that a more balanced international aid system, which shifts power to those closest to the front-line, will generate more effective and appropriate responses for people affected by crises.

EARLY AND RAPID FINANCING: Our pooled funds enable fast and early action to tackle the kind of crises that are often overlooked by other funding mechanisms. Our risk financing pilots are introducing new ways of working that can save even more lives.

COLLECTIVE INNOVATION: New ways of working are needed to tackle the challenges we face. By innovating collectively, we can share expertise, insights, and perspectives to shape a more effective humanitarian system.

We are evolving into a decentralised “network of networks” in line with our vision. We are currently working with five national and regional hubs made up of civil society organisations in Pakistan, DRC, Guatemala, India, and the Pacific. They are developing locally owned ways of anticipating and responding to humanitarian crises. We aim to support the emergence and development of further hubs in the coming years. Our ultimate ambition is to devolve leadership and decision making to the hubs, while the central team transitions to become a service provider.

For more information about our values and strategic priorities, please visit our website.

JOB PURPOSE

The Events Coordinator will be responsible for organising, coordinating and providing logistics support for a number of external and internal events. The post-holder will possess excellent communication and organisation skills to ensure effective collaboration with colleagues, members and external stakeholders.

Situated within the Communications team, the Events Coordinator will have the ability to work with an agreed budget to deliver engaging and high quality event participation. They will be able to effectively negotiate with suppliers and vendors and have an adaptable and flexible approach in managing issues and solving problems that arise.

The role will be responsible for jointly organising and coordinating Start Network’s core membership events, including the Annual Assembly and Hub Connect. This will include supporting travel and visa arrangements for international participants. In addition, the Events Coordinator will play key role in smooth running and promotion of Start Network’s external event participation by effectively liaising with the Communications and Advocacy teams.

From an internal perspective, the Event Coordinator will also collaborate with the HR and Operations teams to facilitate key staff gatherings and meetings.

The post-holder will report into the Communications Manager but will collaborate extensively with other teams. They will have demonstrable experience in event planning and execution.

Occasional travel required.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Coordination and planning

• Work with teams to ensure that each event is managed to time, budget and lined Work with colleagues and external stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive calendar of planned event participation is created and maintained

• Work with colleagues to ensure that goals, expectations and responsibilities are established for all events.

• Supporting external event logistics including visas, booking flights and accommodation, and

managing participant expenses with the finance team. Ensuring alignment with Start Network travel policy and in-country care.

• Collaborate with budget holders to ensure appropriate funding is allocated to each engagement.

• Liaise with organisers and colleagues to ensure appropriate branding, marketing materials and online promotion

2. Supplier and stakeholder management

• Research vendors and make selections based on cost, creativity, responsiveness and quality

• Responsible for managing the ongoing relationship with external suppliers (venue, catering, travel etc.)

• Triage requests and issues to appropriate decision makers within Start Network

• Provide responsive and professional advice to delegates, members and other participants

• Ensure that timelines and deadlines are adhered to and any delays are highlighted to Line Manager or other relevant parties

3. Collaboration and problem-solving

• Work with the Digital Officer, Advocacy Officer and Communications Officer to manage event communications of Start Network on the website and social media

• Support the communications around Start Network events, to ensure the correct use of brand, the right delegates attend and to drive engagement through social media

• Work with the People and Culture and Operations teams to facilitate and organise engaging and high-quality staff away days, meetings and events (online, in person or hybrid).

• Find resolutions to delegate queries and resolve issues effectively with third-party suppliers and contractors

4. Reporting and monitoring

• Define success criteria and ensure systems are in place to capture key metrics that will gauge event performance

• Monitor feedback and evaluate data on performance and engagement

• Work with colleagues to evaluate event success and to suggest changes for future engagement

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience of organising events, conferences or large meetings

• Experience of arranging international travel

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Adaptability, flexibility and patience, working as an empathetic team player

• Good verbal and written communication skills (in English) to deal tactfully and sensitively with a wide range of people, often at a distance

• Good competency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint

• Desirable: fluency or working level language abilities in French or Spanish

• Desirable: Experience organising virtual or hybrid conferences and events