USAID/OFDA Support Relief Group (SRG) – Hydrometeorological hazard advisor

Background

The Support Relief Group (SRG) is a program developed by OFDA to satisfy its growing need for surge capacity. In response to numerous disasters worldwide, it became clear that OFDA could not find, in a timely manner, adequate staff to cover all positions in the field and in Washington, and to backfill for permanent staff deploying to the field. The SRG program brings on board select candidates who could work on a part-time intermittent basis, for no more than 250 days per calendar year, and who can be deployed within hours to facilitate OFDA’s response to disasters, or to backfill staff in Washington and other locations. SRG positions are contracted for an initial period of one year with the option to extend up to five years.

Activation of the Hydrometerological Hazard Advisor will be coordinated with OFDA/TAG. USAID/OFDA activities are intended to minimize the adverse impacts of natural hazards by reducing vulnerability to disasters, increasing regional, national and local capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters, and enhancing the resiliency of vulnerable groups and communities to recover from recurrent natural disasters.

Objective

OFDA requires a Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor to provide expert technical advice and assistance for the analysis of hazard potential and risks to populations. This person will also be expected to provide expert advice on disaster response and risk reduction strategies for hydrometeorological disasters world-wide such as floods, droughts, tsunamis, wind storms, climate variability and change, dam breaks, and other climate-, weather- and water-induced hazards.

Duties and responsbilities

The Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor's responsibilities will include the following:

- Provides expert technical advice and assistance for the analysis of hazard potential and risks to populations. Expected to provide expert technical advice on disaster response and risk reduction strategies for natural and human-caused disasters world-wide such as floods, droughts, tsunamis, wind storms, climate variability and change, dam breaks, and other climate, weather and water-induced hazards. Exercises independent judgment and decision-making related to hydrometeorological activities, both in the U.S. and in the field.

- Serves on Response Management Teams (RMTs), Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and assessment teams. Travels to disaster or potential disaster situations to conduct assessments, identify, monitor, and evaluate projects and provide expert technical assistance in disaster response and risk reduction.

- Reviews proposals, concept papers and other documents submitted by various partners, including NGOs, UN agencies, and other organizations, and prepares background documents, briefing papers, and other relevant documents in order to ensure relief effort proposals are consistent with OFDA sectoral guidance.

- Travels to project locations and provide expert technical advice, assessment, evaluation and guidance to OFDA projects and partners and may be responsible for leading teams or guiding and coordinating the work of other technical staff in the hydrometeorology sector.

- Coordinates hydrometeorological activities for DCHA/OFDA, collaborating with OFDA Regional teams, USAID Bureaus and missions, other U.S. Federal Agencies, International Organizations, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, National Disaster Management Agencies, Universities and Research Institutes, NGOs, PVOs and the private sector. Represents OFDA’s activities and policies to these same entities.

- In collaboration with the OFDA Hydrometeorological Advisor, writes handbooks, guidelines, funding documents, position papers, and promotional materials on behalf of OFDA. Develops strategies and implementation plans for hydrometeorology and water resources sectors to lessen impacts of hydrometeorological disasters/emergencies. As appropriate, applies new developments in the hydrometeorology sector to OFDA programming.

- In collaboration with the OFDA Hydrometeorological Advisor, works to prepare briefing materials for Congressional testimony and for senior USAID staff.

Education/Experience required for this position

(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

A bachelor’s degree in relevant technical field (including, but not limited to, civil engineering, hydrology, meteorology or hydrometeorology), plus a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian relief and response, of which at least five (5) years have been in the sector of hydrometeorology as it relates to disasters or disaster risk reduction or

A master’s degree/doctorate in relevant technical field (including, but not limited to, civil engineering, hydrology, meteorology or hydrometeorology), plus a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian relief and response, of which at least four (4) years have been in the sector of hydrometeorology as it relates to disasters or disaster risk reduction.