Programme specialist, disaster risk reduction

The International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) is an international action research and training institute with more than 80 years of grassroots field experience in rural community development in Africa, Asia and Latin America. IIRR works with the poor and their communities to release their potentials to effect meaningful change in their own lives and overcome poverty. At present, IIRR seeks to fill the following posts: Program specialist, disaster risk reduction.

The Program specialist, disaster risk reduction provides technical leadership in conceptualizing, developing and innovating model propositions in disaster risk reduction and climate change mitigation. In line with the program goals and priorities, the post holder is responsible for providing technical inputs for enhancing disaster preparedness and mitigation capacities of communities and partner organizations.

Working with program teams, the post holder coordinates efforts to integrate livelihood, primary healthcare, natural resource management and other programs in disaster risk reduction and climate change mitigation based on needs assessment. The post holder also conducts capacity building and training activities for enhancing multi-hazard early warning systems, technologies and practices in collaboration with partner organizations. The post holder is based in Silang, Cavite, and reports to the Director, Regional Center for Asia.

Key responsibilities

1. Provide technical inputs and facilitate capacity building activities with institutions, staff and communities focusing on disaster preparedness, mitigation and risk reduction and climate change mitigation programs.
2. Design and deliver need-based training programs to increase multi-hazard preparedness and facilitate transfer of technologies and practices at different levels.
3. Mainstream disaster risk reduction in capacity development programs, and integrate livelihood, primary healthcare, natural resources and other related thematic areas in disaster risk reduction approaches and initiatives.
4. Research prospects in mobilizing external resources for disaster risk reduction initiatives, and develop appropriate project or consultancy proposals for generating those resources.
5. Enhance partnerships and networking with relevant agencies and coordinate with project partners and other stakeholders in the target countries for the successful implementation of program activities.
6. Develop decision support tools and liaise with the research community to further develop decision support tools to meet institutional and societal information needs; undertake research to integrate technological advances for decision support tool development.
7. Prepare project progress reports, technical reports, implementation plans, work plans and related documentation.

Requirements

-A degree in environmental science, natural resource management, sociology, geography or other related discipline (master’s degree preferred).
-At least five (5) years of field-based experience working with organizations and communities on emergency response, rehabilitation or disaster preparedness/mitigation.
-Excellent written and oral communication skills in english.
-Strong research, training and presentation skills.
-Demonstrated knowledge and skills in project management, organizational development and community capacity development.
-Knowledge or experience in action research methodologies; familiarity with methods, tools and techniques in participatory planning, monitoring and evaluation.
-Strong analytical abilities and a creative problem-solver.
-Team player and ability to work productively with teams.
-Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural work environment.
-Computer proficient.