gear.UP 2019
Applications for gear.UP 2019 are now open.
Consult the application section below for full instructions.
Application closing date: August 15
Exercise Description
gear.UP is a large-scale inter-agency operational exercise and functional training event designed to further advance emergency response capabilities of the global ICT and Logistics humanitarian community. It integrates aspects of the full-scale field simulation exercise (OpEx Bravo) for the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) and the Logistics Response Team Training (LRT) for the Logistics Cluster and provides each cluster opportunities to practice and train on various emergency response functions, and to support each other as they would in a real emergency.
This intensive 8-day field exercise is prepared by the World Food Programme (WFP), as global lead of the ETC and Logistics Cluster, in conjunction with FITTEST Training Services, the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), the Government of Luxembourg and Ericsson Response.
ETC Participants are expected to work in teams to deploy the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) technical solutions including satellite connectivity, common networking services and security telecoms under challenging conditions and timeframes.
- Exercise Duration: 8 days (including travel)
- Location: THW Training Centre, Neuhausen, Near Stuttgart, Germany
- Number of Participants: 20
- Exercise environment: Field accommodation with simulated field conditions
Objective
Opex Bravo: The goal of this operational exercise is to give solid, hands-on field experience to IT technicians and team leaders in a complex, high-pressure environment. Participants will work in teams to deploy ICT services and equipment under challenging conditions and timeframes. This exercise allows participants to gain practical experience with the technical solutions adopted by the ETC for emergency response. The scenarios cover IT and telecoms skillsets, including satellite connectivity, networking, VHF radio, and drone operations
Joint Objective: In addition to the existing and dedicated objectives for the LRT training and OpEx Bravo, gear.UP aims to exercise and train all participants on activation, procedures and set-up of the WFP led Clusters and their operational interaction in the field. The main aim of this joint venture is to mainstream and familiarize participants with the implementation of the services of both Clusters to improve the efficiency and cooperation in the field/emergencies. Furthermore, the exercise simulation and training aims to strengthen the cooperation between both Clusters and to foster joint approaches in inter-Cluster coordination and access to funding mechanisms.
Target audience
Note*: The information on this page relates to the OpEx Bravo part of the exercise, which is relevant to humanitarians with an IT background. Those with a Logistics background should instead refer to your Logistics Cluster focal point for the LRT part of the exercise.
The simulation requires skilled and experienced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) technicians and emergency response managers. Technicians will need to have had prior training or experience in the tools and technologies being used, especially within a field / and or emergency context.
Participants from UN agencies, Stand-by Partners and NGOs are invited to attend.
**Applicants from a non-IT background are unlikely to get full value from this exercise. It is recommended that only those with an IT background apply.
The following profiles are required:
|
PARTICIPANTS' PROFILE |
NUMBER |
SKILLS REQUIRED |
|---|---|---|
|
ETC Coordinator |
x1 |
Strong management & coordination skills, strong IT & emergency background. Ideally has passed the ETC Coordination course, IT EMT, or an equivalent course or holds project management qualifications. |
|
ETC Deputy Coordinator |
x1 |
Strong management & coordination skills, plus information management skills, IT background. Ideally, has passed the ETC Coordination course, IT EMT or an equivalent. |
|
Information Management |
x1 |
Strong Information Management skills in an emergency context, preferably supporting IT field operations. |
|
Deployment Team Leader |
x3 |
Strong technical skills, basic leadership of small teams, basic management skills. Ideally has attended the Intro to IT Emergency Management Training or an equivalent course. Good emergency experience. |
|
Telecoms Technician |
x3 |
Strong VHF skills, basic HF skills. Has passed Let's Comm, Let’s Comm Digital, UNICEF's "Emergency Telecommunications Training", IFRC IT&T ERU Technical Training Course or an equivalent course. |
|
Data Communications Technician |
x6 |
Strong LAN/WLAN and/or VSAT skills. Has passed Let's Net, UNICEF's "Emergency Telecommunications Training" or an equivalent course. |
|
Desktop Support |
x3 |
Strong desktop support skills, including LAN cabling & setup. |
|
Drone Operations |
x2 |
Trained and experienced in using drones to support emergency field operations. Ideally trained or experienced in coordination of drone services for humanitarian agencies. Must be able to bring own drone equipment to the exercise. |
Application Process
In order for your application package to be considered complete, please email wfp.opexbravo@wfp.org with the following:
-
Nomination Letter
Nominations must come from a manager that is responsible for emergency IT and telecommunications across your organisation globally (for example, a CIO). Nominations cannot come from individual applicants, or Country Level Managers (unless your organisation does not have a Global Level). Please refer to this list of official Nominators for various organisations.
The nomination letter (on organisation letterhead) should include the following information:
- Full name, organization and position title of the candidate being recommended
- Full name, organization and position title of the nominator
- A statement indicating that the candidate will be released from 12 – 20 October inclusive (plus travel time) and that all expenses related to travel to / from the exercise, DSA (as applicable) and other incidentals (beyond the exercise duration) will be covered by the nominating organization
- Confirmation of the candidate’s ICT experience from a technical, field and emergency perspective
- A statement to the person’s character, ability to deal and manage situations under pressure with tight timelines
- A statement indicating the likelihood of the candidate being deployed to the field for an emergency in the future
-
Your C.V.
-
Complete and submit the online application form here
Selection Criteria
Applications will be considered based on the following criteria:
- Appropriate fit to the skills profiles
- Sufficient technical background to be effective
- Nomination from an appropriate global level manager
- Emergency experience
- Willingness to be deployed in future emergency response and ability to apply skills learnt for the benefit of the community.
Applicants will be notified 6 weeks before the exercise on the outcome of their application.
About costs
Participants will be provided with accommodation (in field-like settings) and meals from October 12 until October 20.
All other expenses, relating to travel to and from Germany, any other incidentals or costs beyond this time period will need to be borne by the participant's nominating organisation.
