Disaster Risk Management Specialist

Background

The Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Initiative aims to provide additional financing to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) that are most vulnerable to the impact of climate and weather extreme events to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity. The overall objective of the CREWS Initiative is to significantly increase the provision of weather and climate services and the capacity to generate and communicate effective impact-based multi-hazards, gender-informed early warning systems (EWS) to protect lives, livelihoods, and assets in LDCs and SIDS.

Duties and Accountabilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the CREWS Secretariat, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. Assist the Head of the CREWS Head of Secretariat in his/her interaction with the WBG, WMO, UNISDR regional project teams on the issues related to support for preparation and implementation of CREWS grants. This will include identification, concept note development, facilitation of technical review and approval, monitoring and performance evaluation of CREWS grants, and ensuring CREWS requirements are met.
2. Assist the Head of the CREWS Secretariat on the preparation of progress reports, briefs and other communication material. 
3. Support the Secretariat’s overall coordination with the CREWS Trustee (World Bank, DFi) on financial issues, as required.  
4. Participate, if so required, in field missions of Implementing Partners to support the evaluation of progress of CREWS-funded projects, addressing portfolio or other issues deemed necessary by the Implementing Partners; 
5. Participate in knowledge management activities, including communication, development of analytical papers and guidance notes on good practices emerging from CREWS operations; promote and facilitate knowledge exchange and dissemination aimed at improvement of CREWS and early warning systems in general.
6. Interacting with Implementing Partners, Steering Committee members and other development partners as requested by the Head of the CREWS Secretariat.
7. Perform other duties and functions as assigned by the Head of the CREWS Secretariat.

Selection Criteria

• A minimum of Masters’ degree in public policy, international development studies, social science, disaster risk management, or related fields.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, development of EWS or hydromet programs or related areas. 
• Demonstrated track record of working independently, seeking guidance on complex projects/issues from senior specialists. 
• Experience with portfolio management, program monitoring and evaluation systems particularly in multiple donor-funded programs.
• Strong ability to analyze and resolve issues in cross cutting areas of specialization, with an understanding of how solutions affect the overall work program strategy.
• High degree of motivation, initiative, flexibility, reliability, and responsiveness to changing demands; capacity for effective multi-tasking, with demonstrated ability of being an independent starter with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication and inter-personal skills and proven ability to work in a team and intercultural environment. Demonstrated skills and experience in speaking and writing to management, government officials, donor partners, etc.
• Knowledge of French or another UN language desirable.

Required Bank Competencies

• Lead and Innovate
  
  Contributes new insights to understand situations and develops solutions to resolve complex problems. Adapts as circumstances require and manages impact of own behavior on others in context of WBG's values and mission. Identifies and pursues innovative approaches to resolve issues.
  
   
• Deliver Results for Clients 
  
  Adds value by constantly looking for a better way to get more impactful results; sets challenging stretch goals for oneself. Immerses oneself in client experiences and perspective by asking probing questions to understand unmet needs. Demonstrates accountability for achieving results that have a development impact and financial, environmental and social sustainability. Identifies and proposes solutions to mitigate and manage risks.
  
   
• Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries 
  
  Appropriately involves others in decision making and communicates with key stakeholders. Approaches conflicts as common problems to be solved. Actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches displaying a sense of mutuality and respect. Integrates WBG perspective into work.
  
   
• Create, Apply and Share Knowledge 
  
  Leverages department's expertise and body of knowledge across WBG to strengthen internal and/or external client solutions. Seeks to learn from more experienced staff to deepen or strengthen their professional knowledge and helps others to learn. Builds personal and professional networks inside and outside the department unit.
  
   
• Make Smart Decisions 
  
  Seeks diversity of information and inputs, researches possible solutions, and generates recommended options. Identifies and understands risks and proposes recommendations. Based on risk analysis makes decisions in a timely manner within own area of responsibility, considering the interests and concerns of stakeholders.