Technical advisor for disaster risk reduction

ASEAN-UN/ISDR technical cooperation for the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action in ASEAN.

Job Description 

1.   ASEAN Secretariat is seeking for a full-time, short-term Technical Advisor to facilitate the implementation of activities under the project and ensure availability of technical expertise to ASEAN Member Countries and the ASEAN Secretariat. Reporting to and under the direct supervision of the Head of Environment and Disaster Management Unit of the Bureau for Resources Development of the ASEAN Secretariat, the Technical Advisor will:

2.   Promote, facilitate and monitor the implementation of the HFA Priorities for Action at regional and national levels in consultation with the relevant countries, and report on the progress made to the second meeting of the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) in 2009. The following main specific outputs are expected:

3.   Multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral National Platforms for DRR in ASEAN Member Countries developed or existing national coordination mechanisms for disaster management strengthened with DRR capacity;

4.   Comprehensive national strategies for disaster risk reduction outlining agreed national DRR priorities in the context of the HFA and the Beijing Action Plan for DRR enhanced or developed;

5.   Sub-regional report on DRR implementation in ASEAN countries produced by August 2008 and submitted to the UN/ISDR Asia and Pacific. Provide technical inputs to the implementation of AADMER and ARPDM, particularly the DRR components;

6.   Facilitate overall information management on disaster risk reduction, including the coordination of databases, country profiles and sustainable information management mechanisms at the sub-regional and country levels, including through PreventionWeb;

7.   Design and implement one regional, and in consultation with relevant Member Countries conduct national consultative meetings and capacity-building workshops in line with the implementation of HFA Priorities for Action;

8.   Assist ASEAN Secretariat and UN/ISDR Secretariat in mobilising financial and technical resources for the identified consultative meetings and capacity building programmes;

9.   Provide technical support to the ACDM in the development and implementation of DRR related programme activities;

10. Assist in preparing technical papers and facilitate presentations on DRR in ACDM and other relevant meetings;

11. Assist ASEAN to contribute to Regional Platform for DRR meetings and discussions;

12. Promote closer collaboration and partnership between and among ACDM, other ASEAN relevant bodies, UN/ISDR Secretariat, UN systems, and other regional and international organisations and initiatives.

Qualifications

The candidate should possess the following qualifications:
1.   Advanced degree in fields related to disaster management gained from a reputable institution; 
2.   At least ten (10) years of experience in the fields of DRR, humanitarian affairs, policy development, and project planning and management; 
3.   Extensive exposure to and comprehensive knowledge of a wide-range of disaster related issues as well as DRR initiatives particularly in the ASEAN region, both at technical and policy levels; 
4.   Good knowledge of environmental issues and challenges in the ASEAN region; 
5.   Sound knowledge of the institutions of the UN and ASEAN systems; 
6.   Relevant experience working for governments and/or international organisations on consultancy assignments in related subjects; 
7.   Excellent command of English both written and oral; 
8.   Proficiency in standard computer applications; 
9.   Ability to work as a team in a multi-cultural environment; 
10. Ability to multi-task and work irregular and long hours;
11. Ability to travel as required.