Lead disaster risk management specialist - emergency response coordinator

Background / General description

The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is a partnership of the World Bank, UNISDR, major donors and recipient countries under the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) system to support the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). The HFA, endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 60/195 is the primary international agreement for disaster reduction. One hundred sixty-eight countries and multilateral organizations including the World Bank and the United Nations (UN) system participated in the UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan in January 2005. 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 organized along three tracks of operation to achieve its development objectives at the global, regional and country levels. Track I is being managed by the UN/ISDR secretariat to facilitate and enhance partnership-building, advocacy towards increased political commitment to disaster risk reduction networking, and standardization of tools and practices at global and regional level. Track II provides technical assistance for targeted countries to mainstream disaster risk reduction in strategic planning and development policies focusing on Poverty Reduction Strategies (PRSP). Track III is being developed as a Standby Recovery Financing Facility (SRFF) for provision of technical assistance and effective mobilization of international disaster recovery assistance and to support disaster-stricken countries' immediate recovery needs before medium and long term recovery programs are formulated and launched. Together, the three tracks of GFDRR ensure a coherent approach to disaster reduction and recovery with progressive enhancement for national capacities including human, financial, technical, and knowledge resources. The SRFF includes two financing windows – a Technical Assistance Fund for improved international coordination in disaster needs assessment, transitional recovery and reconstruction planning; and a Callable Fund for speedy access to financial resources for disaster recovery. The Callable Fund supports affected countries that have initiated prevention investments but have limited fiscal capacity to accelerate recovery operations without reallocating earmarked resources for long-term development.

Duties and Accountabilities

(i) Serve as the Emergency Response Coordinator of GFDRR’s Standby Recovery Financing Facility (SRFF) for the provision of technical assistance and effective mobilization of international disaster recovery assistance and to support disaster-stricken countries' immediate recovery needs as well as the development of mid and long term recovery programs. (ii) Provide guidance, technical advisory and quality enhancement services to task teams working on the preparation of Post Disaster Needs Assessment dealing with a range of sectors and cross-cutting themes such as economic impacts, housing reconstruction, urban and rural infrastructure, education and health, transport and energy, agriculture, income support and cash transfer schemes, disaster and climate risk management, and others. (iii) Assist regional and country management teams in client dialogue, and provide hands-on advisory service for (a) Post Disaster Needs Assessments, (b) reconstruction and recovery planning, (c) recovery financing strategies, (d) preparation of emergency recovery projects, (c) management and supervision of multi-sectoral reconstruction projects, (d) coordination mechanism between government institutions, International Finance Institutions (IFI), International Organizations (IO) , bilateral donors, non-governmental organizations (NGO), and civil society groups (CSG). (iv) Provide strategic leadership in identifying and delivering high quality knowledge services and capacity development programs in the area of Post Disaster Needs Assessment, emergency preparedness, reconstruction and recovery planning, and risk mitigation which responds to client demands and needs. (v) Enhance and manage a global surveillance system for natural disasters which provides just in time information and reporting to the regional DRM teams, GFDRR secretariat and Bank management. (vi) In close coordination with the GFDRR Manager, the regional DRM teams and in response to client demand, ensure the timely deployment of the Quick Response Team(QRT) and Global Expert Team(GET) in the aftermath of natural disasters. (vii) Acting as Deputy Program Manager, assist the Program Manager with other tasks as required.

Selection Criteria

Candidates must meet the generic criteria for international GH level position. In addition to having Bank-wide Grade GH level clearance for the position, it is expected that the incumbent meets the following selection criteria:

• Advanced university degree (Masters or PhD) in a relevant discipline with Sustained record of achieving high-quality substantive results over an extended period (typically at least 10 years).

• Prior substantive and sustained work experience in achieving results on the ground in more than one world region (including both pre-Bank experience and Bank experience). Experience in Fragile States is highly valued and desirable.

• Be a recognized leader in emergency response & disaster risk management with the ability to lead and coordinate complex and diverse teams.

• Proven track record in more than one region on preparation and supervision of large multi-sector emergency reconstruction and recovery loans, disaster risk mitigation projects, and damage and needs assessment

• Proven ability in Disaster Risk Management policy formulation at regional level and development of strategic country risk management frameworks.

• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively with client countries at central and local levels as well as international organizations, NGOs, and private sector.

• Deep knowledge of Bank operations.

• Strong operational skills combined with innovative and programmatic problem solving attitude.

• Demonstrated ability to actively shape, drive and deliver high quality outputs while working under pressure and within tight time schedules.

• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to manage teams and coordinate a large portfolio of activities.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills -- both verbal and written in English. Knowledge of other languages will be an advantage. 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.