Capacity Development Lead

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), established in 1986, is a regional non-profit foundation with headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand supporting the advancement of safer communities and sustainable development, through implementing programs that reduce the impact of disasters upon countries and communities in Asia and the Pacific. The primary geographical focus of ADPC’s activities is Asia with the South, Southeast and East Asia being the primary sub-regions.

ADPC has more than 28 years of working experience in Asia along with the national and local Government of its charter member countries as well as countries of the Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) on Disaster Management. ADPC works to build preparedness at all levels, from regional, to national, sub-national and even to individual communities. Further details on ADPC and its programs can be found at www.adpc.net

SERVIR is a global program that provides scientific and technical know-how to help developing countries use geospatial information and technologies to achieve sustainable development. SERVIR-Mekong will promote the use and availability of publicly available satellite imagery and related geospatial decision-support tools/products to help key stakeholders and decision makers in Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam better predict and manage floods and other natural disasters, improve agricultural risk management, manage land-use more sustainably, and help governments and communities increase resilience to the negative effects of climate change. Funded by USAID, and with lead scientific and technical support from NASA, SERVIR-Mekong is being implemented by ADPC with inputs from consortium partners Spatial Informatics Group, Stockholm Environment Institute, and Deltares. Further details on SERVIR-Mekong can be found at www.adpc.net/servir

Statement of Intent:

The Capacity Development Lead is primarily responsible for hub activities that develop and increase the capabilities of regional government and other stakeholders for the SERVIR-Mekong project.

Required Qualifications / Selection Criteria:

• A Master’s level degree in International Development, Sustainable Development, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Adult Education, or other field related to this position
• At least seven years of experience in international development approaches relevant to this position, including development of training or capacity building programs, assessment and strengthening of institutional capacities, and/or development of multi-stakeholder knowledge sharing platforms.
• Knowledge of / or experience with GIS and/or Remote Sensing topics, programs and/or trainings
• Project management experience overseeing training, capacity building, knowledge sharing, or other related activities desired.
• Proven record of productive engagement with government institutions, NGOs, and scientists.
• Knowledge of the political, social, cultural, environmental and development context of the Lower Mekong region.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Personal Qualities and Competencies:

• Self-motivated, pro-active, and takes initiative.
• Self-directed, dynamic, pays attention to details, independent with excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize work and time independently.
• Ability to coordinate, motivate, and lead diverse teams to accomplish complex goals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, team-oriented work style, and experience in working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Strong desire to learn, undertake new challenges, must be a creative problem-solver, must have self confidence, willingness to work hard.
• Ability to provide training for staff, course participants and consultants.
• Willingness and availability to travel periodically.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Capacity Development Lead will:

• Take primary responsibility for achieving Objective 1 of the SERVIR-Mekong project – i.e. building and institutionalizing the technical capacity of decision-makers in the Lower Mekong Region.
• Provide curriculum development support for University partners in the region, with a focus on GIS courses and topics.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge sharing events, and ensure appropriate tailoring of communications and knowledge management products.
• Assist the Knowledge Management Specialist to achieve components of Objective 2 focused on sharing of information about knowledge products and services.
• Coordinate needs assessment exercises and market studies.
• Carry out other tasks as assigned by the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party of the SERVIR-Mekong Program.

Reporting and Working Relationships:

• Reports directly to the SERVIR-Mekong Chief of Party.
• Works closely with other staff at ADPC and the SERVIR-Mekong team.
• Coordinates with and maintains partnerships with various SERVIR-Mekong partner institutions.

Contract Duration:

One (1) year contract with possibility of extension.