[CM] Roles and Responsibilities of Subject Matter Expert

Roles and Responsibilities of Subject Matter Expert

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are crucial in guiding teams through intricate tasks and challenges, leveraging their expertise to streamline processes, troubleshoot issues, and drive innovation.

Their responsibilities extend beyond being repositories of knowledge; SMEs actively collaborate with cross-functional teams, providing mentorship and contributing to developing best practices, ensuring that their domain expertise is seamlessly integrated into organisational strategies.

The multifaceted role of SMEs encompasses effective communication as they translate complex technical concepts into understandable terms for diverse stakeholders.

This skill facilitates seamless collaboration and ensures that the broader team comprehends the intricacies of the subject matter. SMEs play an instrumental role in fostering a continuous learning and improvement culture, contributing to organisations' overall success and adaptability in an ever-evolving business landscape.

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) in crisis management plays a specialised role. Their roles and responsibilities include:

Specialised Knowledge

Possess in-depth knowledge of the specific subject or field related to the crisis.
Act as a resource for accurate information and insights.

Consultation

Advise the CM team on technical or domain-specific aspects of the crisis.
Provide recommendations based on their expertise.

Risk Assessment

Analyse potential risks and challenges associated with the crisis.
Offer insights into the potential impact on various aspects.

Decision Support

Assist the CM Team Leader in making informed decisions.
Contribute technical expertise to guide crisis response strategies.

Training and Guidance

Train team members on critical aspects of the crisis domain.
Offer guidance on handling technical challenges during the crisis.

Communication Assistance

Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator to ensure accurate messaging.
Translate technical information into understandable terms for various audiences.

Continuous Monitoring

Stay updated on developments within their subject area.
Provide real-time information to the crisis management team.

Scenario Planning

Contribute to scenario planning and crisis simulations.
Anticipate potential developments and challenges.

Collaboration with External Experts

Liaise with external subject matter experts, if necessary.
Collaborate with industry or field-specific organisations for additional insights.

Documentation and Reporting

Maintain documentation of relevant information and developments.
Contribute to post-crisis reports and analysis.

Summing Up ...

In essence, the Subject Matter Expert brings critical domain-specific knowledge to the crisis management team, enhancing the team's ability to understand, analyse, and effectively respond to the crisis at hand.

Goh, M. H. (2016). A Manager’s Guide to Implement Your Crisis Management Plan. Business Continuity Management Specialist Series (1st ed., p. 192). Singapore: GMH Pte Ltd.

More Information About Crisis Management Blended/ Hybrid Learning Courses

To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the CM-300 Crisis Management Implementer [CM-3] and the CM-5000 Crisis Management Expert Implementer [CM-5].