Senior operations officer (DRM)

[Note]: A potential candidate has been identified and intends to apply for this position. However, this remains a competitive process and interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR)

GFDRR was launched in 2006 to help countries advance the Hyogo Framework for Action’s aim to reduce disaster losses by 2015. It is a bank-managed partnership of major donors, emerging economies, developing countries, the European Commission, the Secretariat of the Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) States, and the UN. In four years, GFDRR has emerged as the global leader in helping countries mainstream risk reduction in development strategies and in providing ex post disaster response through three financing tracks: (a) Track I, which promotes partnerships for advocacy and awareness-building; (b) Track II, which mainstreams DRR into country strategies, and financed analytical work and project preparation for disaster prevention and risk financing; and (c) Track III, which provides post-disaster needs assessments at governments’ request, in partnership with the UN, the European Commission, and others.

GFDRR maintains a global expert team roster that mobilizes within 72 hours in response to a request for just-in time technical advice from the governments in disaster prone countries. GFDRR has facilitated more than20 PDNAs in 2 years, in countries such as Myanmar, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Central African Republic, El Salvador, Samoa, Indonesia, Philippines, Lao PDR, Bhutan, Yemen, Cambodia, Bolivia, Namibia, Haiti and Pakistan. GFDRR also promotes self-reliance through capacity building in high-risk countries, which includes training and sensitization of government and other functionaries in the disaster risk assessment and PDNA methodologies.

With the creation of the GFDRR, the Bank has stepped up its capacity to integrate disaster risk management (DRM) in country development strategies, timely undertake post-disaster needs assessments, and support country capacity building. GFDRR Unit serves as the SDN’s anchor disaster risk management team. It offers a combination of following services: (i) design of disaster risk management operations; (ii) global expertise and good practices in reconstruction and risk management; (iii) coordination and harmonization of diverse sources of international development assistance ; (iv) grant financing for analytical and policy dialogue in DRM ; and (v) fast track funding and technical expertise for post-disaster needs assessment.

The GFDRR is funding more than 120 disaster risk reduction and inter-related climate risk management programs in more than 54 disaster-prone developing countries. Its portfolio has grown to over $ 136 million since the establishment of the facility in September 2006. Under the overall guidance of a high level Consultative Group (CG) of donors, UN and World Bank, co-chaired by World Bank Sustainable Development Vice President and the government of Japan, GFDRR Secretariat at the World Bank headquarters manages the global operations of this partnership.

Each region at the World Bank has nominated a Regional Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Coordinator who manages all DRM-related operations in the region, advises the country teams, oversees implementation of GFDRR-supported strategy and operations, and contributes to the implementation of GFDRR partnership strategy.

Since 2006, GFDRR has relied on the WB office in Brussels to foster cooperation with the European Commission and European bilateral donors.

Duties and Accountabilities

The Senior Operations Officer will be expected to provide leadership for deepening GFDRR relationship with the EU. Under the overall supervision of the GFDRR program manager, the senior operations officer (disaster risk management) will coordinate the development and implementation of GFDRR’s strategic approach to disaster prevention and recovery in the Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific countries and act as GFDRR focal point for the European Commission and European bilateral donors. S/he will work in close collaboration with the bank’s regional DRM coordinators, GFDRR team leaders, and relevant network focal points in the bank.

Specific tasks

1) Coordinate the development and implementation of the EU-ACP disaster risk reduction partnership [50%].

The GFDRR is partnering with European Commission and the ACP Secretariat to assist disaster-prone countries in the Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific region that suffer from or are at risk of high mortality and economic losses due to multiple natural hazards, to mainstream risk management in country development strategies. The incumbent will in cooperation with the GFDRR Track II Team leader:
- work with the GFDRR team leaders, regional coordinators and sector focal points in the bank and its partners to oversee the smooth development and implementation of this program;
- liaise with Brussels-based counterparts (European Commission, ACP Secretariat) and other international partners involved in the program;
- have primary responsibility for coordinating the work under the ACP trust fund and provide leadership and advisory support to the regions in the implementation of the program;
- identify anticipated client needs and proactively advise GFDRR manager and WB regional coordinators to address these needs;
- build a visible presence for the EU-ACP Program within the WB and the European Commission through an ad hoc communication strategy;
- manage and oversee a team of professionals and STCs based in Brussels in charge of communication, financial reporting, monitoring and evaluation. He/she will ensure coordination with the GFDRR staff based in Geneva;
- represent GFDRR in meetings and fora as needed.

2) Focal point for EU donors in the global facility for disaster reduction and recovery [40%].

Many EU member states are partnering with the World Bank in the framework of GFDRR. GFDRR is actively promoting knowledge exchange and sharing of experiences in integrating disaster reduction in development. In addition, GFDRR also works closely with EU member states on post-disaster needs assessments in the aftermath of a disaster. Working in close collaboration with all stakeholders, the incumbent will:
- strengthen GFDRR’s existing partnership with EU member states; and
- identify potential new donors and funding opportunities.

3) Complete other assignments as requested by the GFDRR program manager [10%].

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate should have: 
- An advanced university degree in Political, Economic, Social Sciences, Environment, or other field related to development. 
- At least 8 years of relevant and progressively responsible professional experience with bilateral or multilateral organizations in development and in-depth knowledge of the European Union Institutions (EUIs) and the ACP Secretariat. required. 
- Very good knowledge of the EUIs development programs, policies and procedures and experience in implementing TFs from the European Commission (EC) is a must. 
- Commitment to the overall objectives of multilateral development assistance and at least 3 years of relevant experience in disaster risk management and in-depth knowledge international disaster response and risk reduction system. 
- Experience in coordinating relations with donors.
- Very good knowledge of bank business processes and organization at the country and sectoral operations level; good understanding of current development topics. Previous experience in World Bank operations would be an asset. 
- Proficient in English and French languages. Additional European languages would be an asset. 
- Good team player but also capable of leading when required. 
- Ability to lead substantial segments of the unit's work program and play a key role in implementing the strategic direction of the work program. 
- Strong ability to analyze and resolve issues cross cutting areas of specialization, with an understanding of how solutions affect the overall work program strategy. 
- Effective communication and negotiation skills and the ability to serve as spokesperson/advocate within and outside the bank for important policy and project proposals and strong sense of diplomacy. 
- Ability to gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor, and provide guidance and coaching to less experienced staff. 
- Ability to deliver training/skill enhancement initiatives (e.g., through brown bag lunches, seminars, distance learning) to transfer global knowledge and experience within the sector. 
- Sensitivity to working in multi-cultural and matrix environments. Ability to build effective working relations with clients and colleagues, as team member, to achieve results. 
- Ability to perform efficiently and effectively in a highly demanding working environment with very tight deadlines. 
- Professional and personal endurance and commitment to pursue and complete complex assignments. 
- Hands-on and action-oriented approach. Strong conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to think strategically and to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and recommendations. Extensive knowledge and understanding of practical project implementation issues. 
- Excellent oral and written communication skills 
- TF Learning and Accreditation Program (TLAP) accreditation desirable. The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.