Community disaster planning specialist

Functional relationships

The Community Disaster Planning Specialist reports to the Technical Manager, Preparedness and Response.

Summary

The Community Disaster Planning Specialist will provide technical assistance to the CDEMA CU for the undertaking of the community disaster planning aspects of the project. The incumbent will be required to liaise closely with the national disaster offices of the beneficiary states of the project and with community level organizations. Frequent travel to the beneficiary states will be an essential aspect of the responsibilities of the Community Disaster Planning Specialist.

Duties and responsibilities

The Community Disaster Planning Specialist:
-Provides technical support to the CDEMA CU on Community Disaster Planning within the beneficiary states;
-Supports/conducts training sessions and workshops for stakeholders and decision makers;
-Facilitates and provides technical assistance in the review, revision and exercising of National Disaster Action Plans of beneficiary states;
-Provides technical assistance in the development of a toolkit for community level training in the development of community preparedness programmes;
-Supports the development and strengthening of community disaster plans and of community organization, action planning, implementation and awareness raising for DRM, with a focus on vulnerable communities and peoples;
-Liaises and maintains a close working relationship with Government departments, NGOs, civil society and community groups, when appropriate, to ensure the effective implementation of the project;
-Participates in the preparation of technical reports to the project sponsor with respect to the project;
-Provides coordination and administrative support to the project, as may be required;
-Undertakes such travel as required for the successful execution of the project.

Job specification

Qualifications and experience
-A post graduate degree in community disaster planning, or an equivalent qualification.
-5 or more years of professional experience in emergency response and disaster risk reduction issues.
-Knowledge of the comprehensive disaster management strategy would be a distinct asset.

Knowledge and skills
-Strong computer skills;
-Microsoft applications (in particular, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
-Sound leadership and management skills and experience;
-Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work with limited or no supervision;
-Ability to communicate and work effectively in close coordination with many individuals, groups and divisions to complete tasks;

Language requirements:
-Excellent written and oral use of the English language.
-Working Knowledge of Spanish or French Creole would be an asset.