Disaster management specialist

Background

ARD LGCD offers well-competitive salary and fringe benefits package commensurate to relevant work experience, skills and education.

Project background

ARD in Afghanistan (www.ardinc.com) is carrying out activities financed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Strategic Objective Grant Agreement to provide Program Support for Programs to achieve Strategic Development Objectives, dated September 19, 2005 between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, (The SOAG).

ARD is implementing USAID’s Local Governance & Community Development (LGCD) Project. The Project will help the Government of Afghanistan (GoA) improve its ability to deliver services and address citizen needs in some of Afghanistan’s most remote provinces. It will also focus on getting immediate, tangible reconstruction and development assistance out to isolated communities, particularly those who have been affected by the insurgency.

Duties & responsibilities

Job summary

The position of disaster management specialist is located in the office of the Afghan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), under the general supervision of the ARD Governance team and head of ANDMA, and deployed to ANDMA regional office in Herat province. The regional office of ANDMA is mainly responsible for the following functions: disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in the Western region.

Main responsibilities and tasks

1. Provide advice on building linkages and working relation between ANDMA, provincial line ministries and other organization for effective disaster risk management.

2. Assist the office in undertaking disaster risk assessments and planning for effective emergency and disaster prevention and response.

3. Assist the office in identifying processes and strategic direction necessary to plan and prepare for disaster cycles.

4. Provide on-the-job training to the staff of ANDMA on disaster prevention and mitigation, response and recovery.

5. Assist and provide technical advice to the Head of ANDMA in any disaster situation.

6. Follow up with the technical and managerial trainings which will be offered by ARD LGCD to ANDMA and relevant line ministry staffs.

7. Assist in the establishment of an information database on who is doing what, where and when; assist in the development of provincial profiles for north region provinces, as well as hazard maps, contact lists and database on humanitarian assistance and preparedness.


Coordination

1. Assist in establishment of regional coordination meetings with humanitarian organizations and donor agencies to plan and evaluate humanitarian assistance programs pre, during and post disasters.

2. Assist in the coordination of delivery of government and international humanitarian and emergency assistance for any disaster situations in the north region.

3. Assist ANDMA in methods of collection, analysis and dissemination of information on humanitarian developments, disaster, relief management and emergency assistance in the north region.

4. Assist the head of ANDMA in production of analytical reports and documents on humanitarian and disaster situations in the north region.

Contact/key relations

Provincial Director of ANDMA, UN Agencies, NGOs, PRT, USAID, Donor Agency Representatives, Department Heads, Provincial Authorities and other stakeholders.
Reporting
Monthly Report
Prepare and submit a written monthly report to the ARD LGCD Governance Team. This should be submitted along with the monthly timesheet.

Qualifications required

Education: University degree in Social Science, or similar field. Masters degree is preferable. Experience of humanitarian work in fragile states and in areas of chronic vulnerability and poverty is a clear plus.

Work experience: Minimum of 8 years of progressive work experience in an equivalent position. Experience working in a similar position for an NGO or an international organization is preferred. Must have the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, stressful environment. In addition, must be flexible, willing to perform other duties and work irregular hours.

Skills: Working knowledge of English, both written and spoken. Able to communicate fluently effectively both verbally and in writing. Excellent computer skills with a good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the internet. Excellent interpersonal skills, including patience, diplomacy, willingness to listen and respect for colleagues. Must be capable of working both individually and as part of a team. Must also be able to create a supportive working relationship among all project teams.

Languages: Excellent Language proficiency in spoken and written English, Dari and Pashto.

General: Tactfulness, enthusiasm for the job, strong interpersonal skills, integrity and ability to work under pressure.