Disaster Risk Management Specialist

Plan International Cambodia and Australia are preparing for the upcoming Asian Development Bank (ADB) Project in Cambodia on Second Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project from March 2017 to February 2019. The project will support the progressive mainstreaming of climate change adaptation and disaster risk management into rural water supply and sanitation.

Job Description

The International Disaster Risk Management Specialist will lead and facilitate the mainstreaming of disaster risk management (planning, response, recovery) directly into Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) initiatives at national and sub-national levels. 

This position will provide strategic direction and technical assistance on disaster risk management integration in the ADB-funded project, as well as support the development and roll-out of disaster risk management plans and programs for RWSS at national, provincial, and local levels. 

The incumbent will coordinate with the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) under MRD and the Provincial Project Teams(PPT). S/he will ensure effective implementation by responding to emergent needs, providing backstopping support, and facilitating other technical specialists to provide assistance to key stakeholders. The Disaster Risk Management Specialist will commit to the well-being of children and to support the Convention of the Rights of the Child and will not tolerate child abuse.

Responsibilities

The International Disaster Risk Management Specialist will be responsible for supporting the project’s outputs by (i) developing model disaster risk management plans for the central and provincial levels based on the identified climate change risks and impacts on the rural population in the selected provinces; (ii) developing model disaster risk management plans specifically for application at commune and village levels, relevant to water supply, sanitation, flooding, drought, and related issues; (iii) supporting the development of trainings for central, provincial, commune, and village levels relevant to disaster risk management; and (iv) contributing to the planned trainings.  S/he will not directly manage staff but will work closely with the National Disaster Risk Management Specialist.

• Input disaster risk management perspectives into assessments to identify climate change risks and the impacts on the rural population in the selected provinces
• Develop model disaster risk management plans for the central and provincial levels based on the identified climate change risks and impacts on the rural population in the selected provinces
• Contribute to and support the development of training for central, provincial, commune, and village levels relevant to disaster risk management;
• Provide, facilitate, and/or coordinate ongoing technical support regarding disaster risk management after training for key stakeholders
• Facilitate development and roll-out of model disaster risk management plans specifically for application at MRD, provincial, commune, village, and school levels, relevant to water supply, sanitation, flooding, drought, and related issues
• Present and facilitate understanding of disaster risk management at project orientation workshops and other events at national and subnational levels, as needed
• Support the reporting process with clear data, deliverable and outcomes
• Ensure all staff and consultants are oriented and apply the Child Protection Policy and code of conduct throughout project planning, implementation and evaluation
• Handle interactions and troubleshooting with the project team, key stakeholders and other agency counterparts in a professional manner
• Advocate, share, and influence government officials and others to raise Plan’s profile, scale up Plan’s programmes and best practices

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in engineering, environmental sciences or a related discipline (e.g., economics, public policy, international cooperation, international development, natural sciences or a related field)

Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge in disaster risk management theory, policy, and practice
• General knowledge of rural development in Cambodia
• Knowledge of best practices and lessons learned for disaster risk management in Cambodia
• Knowledge on key cross-cutting issues including gender, equality, and right based approach
• Understanding of government ministries/departments and other stakeholders in the water and sanitation sectors including their capacity, strengths and weaknesses

Skills

• Excellent facilitation skills
• Excellent coordination skills
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required
• Ability to respond on short notice and plan and execute several activities at once
• Ability to work under pressure, as part of a team or independently, and meet deadlines consistently
• Proven leadership, inter-personal and cross-cultural skills, and ability to build and motivate diverse teams
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in environmental engineering/science projects, including disaster risk management for infrastructure projects
• At least 5 years of experience in rural development, rural water, and related fields
• Extensive experience working with local communities is required
• Previous experience on TA/loan projects with multilateral development agencies is preferred
• Experience working with government partners

Attitudes and Behaviours

• Results and performance oriented
• Flexibility and adaptability 
• Team work spirit and responsiveness
• Abide by Plan’s values and principles
• Humble and mature individual
• Approach work interdependently
• High self-esteem and respect of others.
• Gender sensitivity, inclusion, and support team work.
• Open to feedback

Other Information

The position is based in Phnom Penh and requires frequent travel to provinces to oversee project implementation. 

• Office base 60-70%
• Travel 30-40%