Position Title: Disaster Risk Management Specialist
Open Period: 6 November 2023 - 5 December 2023
Background: The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia
(RIMES) is an international and intergovernmental institution, owned and managed by its Member States, for the generation and application of early warning information. RIMES evolved from the efforts of countries in Africa and Asia, in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, to establish a regional early warning system within a multi-hazard framework for the generation and communication of early warning information, and capacity building for preparedness and response to trans-boundary hazards. RIMES was established on 30 April 2009, and was registered with the United Nations on 1 July 2009. RIMES operates from its regional early warning center located at the campus of the Asian Institute of Technology in Pathumthani, Thailand.
Position Description:
Duty station: SNCCA, Colombo (Sri Lanka)
Type of Contract: Full-Time Contract
Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge:
Master’s degree in water resources management/ hydrology/ climatology/ disaster risk management/ social sciences, international development or relevant field
Experience:
Experience of designing and implementing Disaster and Climate Risk Management/ community-based disaster risk management initiatives, particularly experience in implementing FBAs
Skills and Abilities:
English (and respective local language) proficiency in communication, presentation, and report-writing; demonstrated ability in documentation and knowledge management interventions.
Personal Qualities:
Self-motivated, good interpersonal and communication skills; flexibility; positive attitude to work with a diverse team
Duties and Responsibilities:
A. Design and deliver interventions in support of the National Framework for Climate Services:
i. Lead implementation of activities for streamlined Climate Services for DRM in the Pilot Areas
o Support enhancement (or formulation) of SOPs, standards, templates, guidelines and checklists for flood- and other climate-related DRR/DRM planning, emergency management and loss/damage assessment
o Coordinate design and delivery of training on flood- and other climate-impact-based forecasting for NMHS and key representatives.
o Coordinate conduct of design & development workshop on local guidelines for multi-hazard early warning messaging and dissemination to the last mile
ii. Lead project support on decision support systems (DSS) for flood and other climate -related disaster risk management in the Pilot Areas, ensuring ownership and engagement of the disaster management offices at national and sub-national levels.
o Assess current usage of GIS-based hazard, vulnerability and risk maps and assessments for decision-making, and support activities to integrate into online databases for informing decision-making.
o Support technical teams in development and customization of necessary DSS for flood and other disasters and in integrating the HVCA data as well as damage and loss database.
o Support the technical teams in development of mobile apps for early warning and DRRM
B. Support establishment of End-to-End, People-Centred Multi-Hazard Early Warning:
i. Lead design and implementation of activities for strengthening/ establishing End-to-End, People-Centred Multi-Hazard Early Warning in the Pilot Locations
o Conduct mapping and assessment of local hazards, vulnerability, capacity and resources.
o Coordinate installation of low-cost monitoring and communication equipment with engagement of local, provincial, and national stakeholders
o Lead the DRR planning efforts with participation of all relevant stakeholders and support the establishment of forecast-based early action plans (EAPs)
o Design, deliver and coordinate training, public awareness campaigns, drills and exercises.
ii. Lead the development and implementation of roadmap for end-to-end people-centered MHEWS
o Conduct periodic early warning audits with participation of all relevant stakeholders.
o Design and implement FBA at the community level.
o Participate in design and conduct of regional lessons sharing activities.
o Further the integration of refined EAPs in the DSS, evolve and implement context-specific mechanisms for maintenance of DSS and advocacy for scaling up and replication of EAPs in other locations.
C. Design climate information services for water resources management:
o Development and operationalisation of hydrologic and hydrodynamic models
o Integration of model outputs into DSS for informed water resources management and risk reduction
D. Project Coordination, Management, Evaluation & Reporting:
o Develop and manage the activity budgets and organize consolidated financial reports Effective coordination at national, sub-national and local-levels including with all partners and stakeholders of the project
o Implement community based EWS with the focus on FBA.
o Effective management and implementation of project activities for timely delivery of quality outputs
o Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation and timely and quality reporting
o Support recruitment of project teams and mobilisation of experts as needed; provide necessary guidance and support to the project team
E. Other tasks
o Able and willing to travel to the pilot locations and undertake any other work-related travel
o Organize and/or participate in any in-country and regional project team meetings
o Support implementation of trainings on hydrological models and flood forecasting systems
o Any other relevant work necessary for the successful implementation and documentation of project-related activities and as assigned by the supervisors
Expected Outputs:
o Monthly progress reports on assigned tasks
Project deliverables according to timeline agreed with immediate supervisors
Reporting:
The W/DRM Specialist will report to the Climate Applications Specialist.
Contract Duration: The contract will initially be for one year and will be extended upon satisfactory completion of the 120 Days probationary term and each annual performance review.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send your application letter, resume, salary expectation and 2 references to rimeshra@rimes.int by midnight of 5 December 2023, Bangkok time. Please state “Disaster Risk Management Specialist “ the Subject line of the email. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
Ms. Dusadee Padungkul
Head, Department of Operational Support
Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System
AIT Campus, 58 Moo 9 Paholyothin Rd., Klong 1,
Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120 Thailand.
RIMES promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Well-qualified applicants particularly women are encouraged to apply.