Disaster management planning officer (geographic information systems)

Overview of organisation & assignment

The volunteer will work within the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Antique. The office is responsible for the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs, plans, projects and activities of the province.

Under a new mandate for local government units (LGUs), provinces, cities, and municipalities now play a greater role in building the disaster resilience of communities and in institutionalising measures for reducing disaster risks, enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

The new Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act places particular emphasis on LGUs to develop a proactive approach to disaster preparedness and mitigation. LGUs are required to develop the knowledge, capacity and systems to manage potential disasters in their areas.

Overview of the department

The primary purpose of the PDRRMC is to formulate and implement a comprehensive and integrated disaster risk reduction plan and to be responsible for the coordination and implementation of disaster management across the planning, incident and recovery phases.

Overview of the assignment

The volunteer will work with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), focussing on action planning for disaster mitigation.

This will involve developing a Geographic Information System (GIS) for the council that allows staff teams to collect and analyse geospatial information needed by the PDRRMC. The information from the GIS will allow the council to better prepare for and ensure mitigation strategies for high-risk disaster areas and to more effectively support operations and restore disaster-affected communities. The volunteer will also train the staff on the use of the GIS system.

Expected outcomes and key relationships

The key expected outcomes are:

• Strengthen strategic planning capacity through GIS
• Strengthen disaster risk reduction education aimed at municipalities and community members
• Build staff capacity in utilising the GIS

Capacity building outcomes:

• Increased disaster risk reduction technical knowledge and capacity within the LGU
• Establishment of GIS for emergency coordination
• Sustainable professional development in emergency management

Volunteer’s supervisor

• Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer

Counterpart / other staff

• PDRRMC staff

Volunteer requirements

Essential

• Personal attributes

- Self-awareness and cross-cultural sensitivity
- Commitment to sharing knowledge and skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Patience and willing to work with others at their own pace
- Resilience and ability to manage stress
- Physically fit to travel to remote or rural areas.

• Skills or experience relevant to assignment
- Experience utilising Geographic Information Systems and in developing their application for practical settings
- Project management skills

• Qualifications

- IT, disaster management or related qualifications OR equivalent professional experience (particularly with GIS)

• Language skills and level required

- English

Any further attributes, experience, skills or qualifications that are desirable

• Experience training government employees
• First aid certificate
• Experience engaging and consulting with multiple stakeholders and developing projects according to their needs
• Experience in workplace training and assessment
• Experience in disaster management

Location and facilities

The volunteer will be based in San Jose, the capital of Antique. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of approximately 50,000. All necessary ammenities are available in San Jose including a good range of accommodation, banks, restaurants and recreational facilities.

Antique is renowned for its mountains, waterfalls, white beaches and hot springs. It is known as the place where the mountains meet the sea. There is some tourism to the area particularly to its beaches. Agriculture and fishing are major industries. Antique is on the island of Panay where numerous other volunteers will also be based.

The volunteer will work within the council headquarters which is an adequately resourced office environment, including internet, phones, fax, air conditioning etc. The volunteer will be appointed a desk and have access to relevant supplies.

Support mechanisms

• Quarterly review with the In-Country Manager
• Will be invited to attend team meetings with office staff
• Will function as a part of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council