Closing date:

Disaster risk management specialist

City/location:
Dhaka
Organization:
World Bank, the

This job posting has closed

Job # 102216

Background / General description


This is a country office position in Bangladesh subject to local recruitment under the Bangladesh compensation plan. The World Bank offers a locally competitive package and is committed to attract and maintain a diverse and dedicated workforce. Equally qualified women and members of disadvantaged groups are encouraged to apply.

The World Bank’s South Asia Disaster Risk Management program has been actively engaged in risk mitigation and post-disaster reconstruction and recovery. The Bank has been involved in reconstruction following some of the large disasters that have impacted South Asia like the Gujarat earthquake of 2001, the Asian tsunami of 2004, the Pakistan earthquake of 2005, Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh in 2007 amongst others. The Bank is also supporting risk management projects in the Region like the India National Cyclone Risk Mitigation project. In addition, the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) actively supports the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) agenda in South Asia through fostering regional partnerships, as well as financing a range of technical assistance programs for disaster risks and climate change impact assessment, development and implementation of national disaster risk reduction strategies in countries prone to extreme impacts of climate change and variability, and various analytical studies.

Following Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh in 2007, the World Bank and GFDRR was leading a Joint Damage, Loss and Needs Assessment. This was followed by $109 Million Cyclone Sidr Recovery and Restoration Project addressing the most pressing needs for recovery and reconstruction. Recently, the World Bank Board approved an additional financing to continue the support to the Government of Bangladesh's efforts for disaster risk reduction and mitigation and improved institutional capacity and meet the funding gap. The Bank is also planning a Coastal Shelters Project for better cyclone and flood risk mitigation across vulnerable coastal areas in Bangladesh.

GFDRR is engaged in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation with Bangladesh. GFDRR funded two studies, one focusing on agricultural risk insurance and the second on climate change risks and food security in Bangladesh. The agricultural risk insurance project looked into the feasibility of affordable insurance products for small scale farmers. The climate change risks study focused on the agriculture sector recognizing climate change as a key sustainable development issue for the country and prescribing some clear recommendations for adaptation in the sector moving forward. Bangladesh was identified as one of 31 priority countries for GFDRR investment in 2009. Accordingly, a proposal for a comprehensive DRM Program was submitted to GFDRR for approval. The first tranche of funding has been made available. The DRM program focuses on strengthening existing risk mitigation and disaster response efforts in the country and integrating DRM with climate change adaptation.

Duties and accountabilities


The Disaster Risk Management Specialist (GFDRR) will be a member of the South Asia Urban, Water and Disaster Risk Management Unit (SASDU), report to the Manager SASDU and work under the guidance of the South Asia Regional Coordinator for Disaster Risk Management. In addition, there will be an indirect reporting line to the GFDRR Secretariat. The Specialist will also work closely with the Country Management Unit (CMU) and seek guidance from the Country Director. The specific duties would include:

• Act as CMU focal point for DRM matters and provide support and input to the country program as and when requested.
• Strengthen in-country partnerships and coordinate with key stakeholders particularly, GFDRR partners at the country level to advance the DRM and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) agenda.
• Assist in coordinating and handling the day-to-day implementation of the GFDRR Country DRM program.
• Actively support and engage with Bank sectors and the Country Management Unit to mainstream DRM and CCA into the overall development agenda as well as initiate/participate in analytical and strategic work pertaining to DRM with a focus to better identify strategic priorities for the sector.
• Actively engage in country dialogue on DRM with government and strategic partners and represent the Bank /GFDRR at internal and external meetings.
• Support the tasks teams in the preparation and supervision of Bank’s DRM portfolio in Bangladesh, as well as in the up-stream business development.
• Be a member of the Quick Response Team (QRT) and undertake needs assessment missions as and when required in post disaster / post crisis situations in and outside Bangladesh. Participate in regional initiatives, programs and projects relating to disaster risk management and emergency response including strategy formulation, project preparation and regular supervision functions as and when required
• Prepare briefs, reports, presentations and Road and Bridge Maintenance Society (RBMS) project progress updates as required by the Bank’s South Asia Sustainable Development Department (SASSD) management, country office and GFDRR Secretariat.

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline such as engineering, economics, public policy or development studies. A focus on natural hazards, climate change, GIS, and environment is desirable.
• At least five years of relevant experience in the areas related to climate change, natural hazards, disasters, flood management, vulnerability, and disaster risk management.
• Experience of managing or supporting implementation of development assistance projects with preference for managing or implementation support of International Financial Institutional projects and GFDRR programs.
• Experience of working in an international environment is desired.
• Familiarity with post disaster situations is desired.
• Highly developed communication and advocacy skills, including the ability to write concisely and clearly.
• Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Proven interpersonal skills with Government officials, development partners.
• Fluency in English, strong writing skills.
• Ability to work in a fast track environment, with efficiency, competence and integrity with people of different cultural background. Language Requirements Bengali [Essential]; English [Essential]

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