Project manager - support for a disaster management information network

Organization Profile

Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) has contributed to the advancement of disaster risk management practice and promotion of the culture of safety in different thematic areas in Asia. During the last 20 years, in addition to capacity building initiatives, ADPC implements programs and projects at national and regional level under various thematic areas.

Urban risk reduction is also increasingly being recognized as an integral part of development process and governance rather than the traditional relief, response and rehabilitation interventions. ADPC with the support of several Donors has carried out pioneering work in the field of Urban Risk Management and was the first organization to develop and implement programs in the thematic area of ‘Urban Disaster Risk management’ in Asia. One of the significant successes was the implementation of Asian Urban Disaster Mitigation Program (AUDMP) funded by USAID/OFDA in 10 countries in Asia during the period 1995-2005.

Team Profile

Urban Disaster Risk Management (UDRM) Team of ADPC is currently implementing a program in Bangladesh to promote earthquake risk reduction interventions in three cities namely Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and interventions to help creating awareness of urban communities. The program consists of four projects namely:
• Seismic hazard and vulnerability mapping
• Contingency planning with regard to earthquake hazard
• Training, advocacy and awareness
• Design, test and demonstrate a Disaster Management Information Network

Job Purpose

The Project Manager will function directly under the Team Leader –Earthquake Preparedness Program in Bangladesh, and will be responsible for the management of the activities related to seismic hazard and vulnerability mapping project, through managing and providing strategic direction to the major components of seismic hazard assessment, vulnerability assessment, risk Assessment

Required Qualifications / Selection Criteria:

• Masters degree in a field related to disaster management & mitigation, urban planning and development, Communication and Information management or an equivalent field. Any other postgraduate degree in a related field will be an added qualification

• Technical Skills in conducting scenario assessments, conducting assessment of effectiveness of early warning dissemination, Urban Disaster Risk/Hazard assessment, Emergency Response planning, spatial planning, disaster preparedness, mitigation related to Earthquake and/or hydro-meteorological risk management at National, Urban Local Government and community levels

• More than Ten years of relevant experience, of which at least five years must be in a project management capacity

• Minimum of three years international experience in a similar capacity, preferably in Bangladesh and South Asia

• Demonstrated understanding of, and experience related to Event planning, Training, Advocacy and disaster management information dissemination

• Experience with budgeting and accounting systems

• Excellent communication skills specifically software related to word-processing, spreadsheets, accounting and project management software, and internet

• Excellent written and spoken English. Competency in written and Spoken Bangla language is an added qualification

• Excellent interpersonal skills, team-oriented work style, interest and experience in working in a multi-cultural environment

• Willingness and ability to travel to various project sites under sometimes adverse conditions

• Preference will be given to Bangladesh citizens and to candidates working in Bangladesh

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Developing strategic approach for achieving project goals within the project period and to ensure sustainability of program efforts

• Development of Inception reports, activity reports, monthly and quarterly progress reports, activity plans, work schedules, Final Project report, etc.

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to Project staff, implementing institutions and their local partners

• Supervise and actively participate in project activities to achieve the Progress as per the work plan

• Coordinate and liaise with multi-disciplinary teams of subject experts, consultants, ADPC staff, and national partners

• Liaise with the Client and the Government institutions for obtaining information and Reporting of project progress

• Conduct program monitoring and evaluation activities through periodic visits to project sites

• Organize meetings with Client, Technical Advisory committee and government agencies to facilitate progress reporting and M&E

• Ensuring the compliance with the terms of the donors and contract agreement

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the team leader of the Earthquake Preparedness Program