EMI Responders are determined to be more than humanitarian technical experts. Motivated by the love of Jesus, they seek to be ambassadors of Christ. Explore EMI’s history in response to disaster by browsing the map below.

Requirements

EMI’s Disaster Response and Disaster Risk Reduction programme can mobilise technical professionals from our DR Roster within 2-14 days of notification. Each EMI Responder has experience in global contexts and has been vetted for spiritual maturity, physical fitness, and mental flexibility. Responders can mobilise for 2 to 3 weeks or longer.

EMI's DR / DRR services are available for approved responses. The following are general requirements to receive not-for-profit DR / DRR assistance from EMI:

  1. Respond to natural and human-made disasters. The organisation must demonstrate to EMI how it is meeting the needs of the most vulnerable, disaster-affected members of the community with dignity and hope.
  2. Host EMI Responders. The host organisation must provide for the in-country expenses of EMI Responders during their visit. This includes basic meals, simple lodging, local transportation, and, if necessary, security and translation services.
  3. Reimburse travel costs. The host organisation must reimburse the full travel costs of at least one EMI Responder. This typically includes international round-trip economy-class airfare from the EMI Responder’s location the disaster site.
  4. Underwrite a portion of EMI’s administrative cost. The host organisation must agree to cover a portion of the administrative cost for the response through a donation to EMI. The amount is determined by EMI based on the response type, scope, funding capacity, and duration.

EMI’s Disaster Response Progamme aims to mobilise a technical assessment team from our DR Roster within days of any disaster event requiring worldwide support. We also mobilise to assist previous EMI partners and local ministries upon request.

EMI Responder Prerequisites*:
  1. EMI Responders are EMI account holders with complete & up-to-date records.
  2. EMI Responders are Christian technical professionals who have participated in multiple Project Trips with EMI.
  3. EMI Responders are actively engaged with EMI-through financial support, prayer, or service.
  4. EMI Responders can deploy within 2-14 days of notification after an event, for a period of up to 3 weeks.
EMI Responder Application & Training:

To express your interest in joining the DR Roster, please request a candidate application. The application process includes the following:

  • Technical expertise and crisis experience of the candidate.
  • Physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual fitness of the candidate.
  • An endorsement from the candidate’s most recent EMI Project Leader.
  • An endorsement from the candidate’s local pastor.

If a candidate’s EMI Responder application is approved, they will be directed to complete an online DR / DRR training programme. Once the candidate has completed all training sessions and passed the yearly background checks, they will be added to the DR Roster mailing list as a Responder.

*Note: There are other opportunities to get involved in the DR/DRR Progamme if you don't currently meet all the prerequisites. These include:

  • DRR responses that do not require a quick response time.
  • Remote support for DR/DRR teams.
  • In-person or online DR training.
  • Prayer, financial, networking, or other support for the DR/DRR Programme.

Please follow the application process to be added to the DR Roster mailing list for these opportunities and to receive updates about the DR/DRR Progamme. 

Request EMI Responder Application

Requesting an EMI Responder application indicates you understand and meet the EMI Responder prerequisites listed on this page.

Continue

EMI Responders bring technical capability to Disaster Response and Disaster Risk Reduction (DR/DRR), coordinating with the Shelter & Settlement and WASH sectors, as well as providing technical assistance for infrastructure needs in other sectors. Below are some of EMI’s DR / DRR technical capabilities:

Architects and Structural Engineers:
  • Assess damaged buildings and infrastructure
  • Design retrofit or repair solutions for damaged structures
  • Design structurally sound and culturally appropriate transitional shelters
  • Master plan communities and settlements for displaced populations
  • Provide consultation on shelter programming and project implementation, ensuring protection and accessibility are mainstreamed
Water and Wastewater Engineers:
  • Re-establish, design and coordinate installation of water and wastewater systems
  • Assess and implement sanitation and hygiene initiatives
  • Design and establish clean water distribution centres
  • Design flood water mitigation solutions
  • Consult on WASH programming and project implementation
Civil and Geotechnical Engineers:
  • Survey natural hazards and provide risk mitigation recommendations
  • Assess slope stability and soil erosion
Electrical Engineers:
  • Design for the electrical needs of water pumping and/or filtration systems
  • Design emergency power and lighting solutions
Transportation Engineers:
  • Design retrofits and repairs to damaged roads and bridges
Surveyors:
  • Conduct geo-technical and topographic site surveys
Construction Managers:
  • Oversee teams for the reconstruction of buildings and infrastructure
  • Assist or lead the technical implementation of relief and recovery projects