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Search Classifier

Tasks​

Main tasks

  • Assess the search capabilities and capacity of the organisation being classified to ensure compliance with the minimum standards as defined in the INSARAG Guidelines and IEC/R checklist.
  • To coach IEC/R classifiers-in-training

Detailed tasks
Before IEC/R:

  • Maintain familiarity with the INSARAG Guidelines Volume 4, specific to Search.
  • Be proactive in maintaining their personal knowledge of USAR equipment, techniques and procedures, relative to their area of expertise.
  • Review the Portfolio of Evidence and give comments relative to Search to the IEC/R team Leader.
  • Review the IEC/R Report specifically the Advisory Notes.
  • Address queries to the IEC/R team Leader for clarification.

During IEC/R:

  • Prior to the exercise, gain an understanding of the parameters and objectives of the exercise relating to search operations.
  • Check the exercise site and timetable to ensure that the exercise will provide sufficient opportunity for the team being classified to demonstrate compliance with the IEC/R checklist.
  • Observe all the component parts of the search process and check these against the requirements listed in the IEC/R Checklist.
  • Interact with members of the team being classified to determine competence and compliance against the requirements listed in the IEC/R Checklist.
  • Be open-minded to techniques and procedures other than your own – questions to ask include:
    • Does it effectively accomplish the task in a timely manner?
    • Are safety principles maintained?
  • Continually review the safety of participants and be prepared to request the exercise controllers to temporarily stop or restrict operations until the issue is corrected.
  • Document all observations and communicate these to the IEC/R classifier team leader.
  • Contribute to and participate in the presentation of the Interim Report.

After IEC/R:

  • Contribute to the Final Report.

Qualification​

Requirements

  • Member of a classified USAR team.
  • Have a significant level of understanding of INSARAG Guidelines and INSARAG methodology and its application.
  • Maintain a close relationship with the INSARAG network through participation in meetings, exercises and other activities.
  • Sponsorship from donor country or organisation, prepared to support the IEC/R process.
  • Have time available to prepare for a Classification.
  • Be available for deployment lasting at least 5-6 days.
  • Be a subject matter expert (SME) in their specific area of expertise.
  • English: good oral and written knowledge.
  • Physically fit: capable to work around the clock in adverse conditions (i.e. on a rubble pile or in a demanding environment).
  • Have an awareness of the hazards and risks of the USAR environment and the personal safety and mitigating actions required.
  • Have international operational experience.
  • Basic ICT skills and operation of GPS and radio.
  • Have the ability to function within a group and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. Specifically:
    • Able to Communicate.
    • Able to Cooperate.
    • Possess Negotiation skills.
    • Able to Resolve Conflict.
    • Impartiality.
    • Objective and neutral.
    • Politically and culturally aware.

Specific:

  • Experienced Search Manager or Technician who can demonstrate:
    • Detailed understanding of Search operations, tactics and safety considerations.
    • Knowledge and understanding of a variety of search equipment, techniques, their safe use and maintenance.
    • Knowledge and understanding of Search Dog operations and all associates subjects to transportation and welfare.
    • Knowledge and understanding of search management, to include: scene assessment techniques, mapping/GPS and information management relative to search operations.
    • Knowledge and understanding of the INSARAG marking system and all associated search documentation.
    • Overall understanding of USAR operations, tactics and safety consideration.
    • Use of ICMS and paper forms to send information.

Roles and Responsibilities​

Obligations

  • Submit a comprehensive and up-to-date CV or biography to the INSARAG Secretariat.