Disaster risk management specialist (climate adaptation)

The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is a partnership of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) system to support the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). The HFA is the primary international agreement for disaster reduction, adopted by one hundred sixty-eight (168) governments and multilateral organizations, including the World Bank. The principal strategic goal of the HFA is to effectively integrate, in a coherent manner, disaster risk considerations into sustainable development policies, planning, programming, and financing at all levels of government. The GFDRR is managed by the World Bank on behalf of the participating donor partners and other partnering stakeholders. The work of the GFDRR is divided into three tracks:

- Track I consists of financial support to the secretariat of the ISDR system (the ISDR Secretariat) and is managed by the ISDR secretariat. This track is designed to enhance global and regional advocacy, partnerships, and knowledge management for mainstreaming disaster reduction.
- Track II is directed at mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in country development processes to ensure that risk assessments, risk mitigation, risk transfer, and emergency preparedness are incorporated into in all strategic plans and programs. This track is designed to provide ex ante support, primarily through technical assistance to enhance investments in risk reduction and risk transfer mechanisms, as well as disaster management planning to low- and middle-income country governments.
-Track III supports primarily low-income countries for accelerated disaster recovery and risk reduction in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

The GFDRR is funding more than 75 disaster risk reduction and inter-related climate risk management programs in more than 54 disaster-prone low and middle-income countries. Its portfolio has grown to over $ 75 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 currently the Government of Denmark, GFDRR Secretariat at the World Bank headquarters manages the global operations of this partnership under the ISDR system. The World Bank has adopted a climate risk management approach to development, which calls for development that is resilient to both present-day variability and projected climate change. The Bank's work on adaptation spans project and analytical work, development of tools for climate data dissemination and mapping as well as screening for climate risk to projects, and pilot insurance programs for protection against weather climate. The World Bank is paying considerable attention to the social dimensions of climate change, including its possible ramifications for social tension, conflict and migration. While the Bank is in the process of developing a stakeholder based Strategic Framework for Climate Change and Development (SFCCD), it has started work to climate proof it's lending portfolio. At the regional level, it is in the process of developing and rolling out regional climate change strategies and business plans to build resilience in countries. GFDRR contributes to the World Bank’s climate risk management approach through provision of technical and financial assistance to countries highly vulnerable to climate-related natural hazards for disaster risks and climate change impact assessment, development and implementation of national disaster risk reduction strategies.

Duties and Accountabilities

Under the overall guidance of the GFDRR Program Manager, the Disaster Risk Management Specialist (Climate Adaptation) will report to the Track II (Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction) Team Leader, and work closely with the WB Climate Change Team. The selected candidate will be directly reporting to Saroj Kumar Jha, as the Program Manager. Specific tasks S/he will be specifically responsible for implementation of the following activities:

• Promote and facilitate information exchange between disaster risk reduction and climate change bodies/focal points/experts in the World Bank. Neither adaptation nor disaster risk reduction can afford a silo approach. Both agendas require more attention in development planning and a better integration will support promoting common objectives. The incumbent will work closely with the WB anchor and regional climate change teams, establishing and maintaining links with climate change activities and groups within the Bank. S/he will seize and foster opportunities for joint work, integrating the two agendas in development planning and programs.
• Ensure that climate change issues are given due attention in GFDRR's normative work and projects. The changing risks and rising uncertainties caused by climate variability and climate change have implications for all aspects of disaster risk management. Within disaster risk management, the changing hazards must be factored into traditional risk assessments, risk mitigation, risk transfers, and emergency preparedness.
• Prepare briefing and policy papers for a wide range of audience as part of a broad knowledge development strategy. With the goal of making disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation a core component of development, the incumbent will create a knowledge management strategy in which knowledge will be generated in a demand-driven fashion, feeding into country dialogues and sector operations. The incumbent will draft documents on policy and financing implications of disaster risk reduction that result from climate change and variability. Moreover, the incumbent will document progress on regional, national, and global levels, key challenges, key trends, and recommendations. The briefing papers on disaster risk reduction and adaptation practices will be part of a knowledge and competence development strategy to be headed by the incumbent.
• Coordinate and collaborate with agencies and national, regional and global efforts relating to climate change activities to integrate disaster risk reduction considerations. The incumbent will participate in the ongoing global, regional, and national climate change mitigation and adaptation dialogue to encourage stronger engagement of the disaster risk reduction community in climate negotiations and to facilitate better synergies between disaster risk reduction and climate change agenda. Drawing on the approach of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), the incumbent will advice on integrating disaster risk reduction considerations in national climate change strategies and plans such as the UNFCCC, national communications, National Adaptation Programs of Action (NAPAs) and other climate change adaptation activities.
• Complete other assignments as directed by the GFDRR Program Manager.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree in Environmental Economics/Science or related field.
• At least five years of relevant experience in the areas related to climate change, natural hazards, disasters, humanitarian affairs, social protection, vulnerability, and disaster risk management.
• Experience of working in an international or national institution on climate change adaptation issues is an advantage.
• Highly developed communication and advocacy skills.
• Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Field experience in developing countries is a plus.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
• Strong computer skills, Microsoft applications.
• Ability to work in a fast track environment, with efficiency, competence and integrity with people of different cultural background. Required Competencies
• Good team player but also capable of operating independently when required
• Ability to take responsibility for substantial segments of the unit's work program and play a key role in implementing the strategic work program.
• Strong ability to analyze and resolve cross cutting issues covering different areas of specialization, with an understanding of how solutions affect the overall work program.
• Effective negotiation skills and ability to act as an advocate within and outside the Bank for important policy and project proposals.
• Ability to gain the assistance and cooperation of other team members, 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, and to achieve results.
• Ability to perform efficiently and effectively in highly demanding working environments and meet very tight deadlines.
• Professional and personal endurance and commitment to pursue and complete complex assignments.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of practical project implementation issues.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 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.