Disaster risk reduction advisor

Job Reference no.: INT5679

Job profile

Oxfam GB is seeking a dynamic and an experienced Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor to provide technical support and guidance to Ethiopia-Somaliland Cross-border Drought Preparedness Project. The DRR Advisor will directly support the Somaliland component and will have close working relations with the Ethiopia side as well. This cross-border drought preparedness project is designed to be a complementary component to the longer term Somaliland pastoral development program that began in May 2004 is part of Oxfam GB's wider 15-year regional pastoral program, which covers six countries in the Horn and East Africa. The project will be implemented in partnership with a local NGO, HAVOYOCO.

Dimensions

• This role requires extensive expertise in the design and implementation of community based drought preparedness activities and mainstreaming DRR
• This role requires skills and experience in technical backstopping and capacity building of programme staff, local partners and government institutions
• This role requires proven, diverse and complex problem-solving ability,professional knowledge and field experience and deep understanding of development and humanitarian programming
• This role requires strategic thinking of linking up the achievement of project objectives to the wider Oxfam GB pastoral development programming
• Ability to relate changing livelihoods context to vulnerability and risk and ultimate impact on poverty

Key responsibilities

• Maintain a link between the drought preparedness project and the Somaliland pastoral programme and frame project activities in such a way that they logically and coherently fit into pastoral programme
• To provide support to local implementing partners to effectively deliver the programme in a quality manner
• To encourage unique, innovative and experimental solutions to complex problems using sound judgement to manage risks
• To support the National Environmental Research and Disaster Preparedness Authority (NERAD) implement its disaster preparedness and management strategy, plans and coordinate with others whom their work related to disasters
• To lead the development of national disaster preparedness plans and organisational emergency contingency plans for both Oxfam GB Somaliland and HAVOYOCO
• To design and organise appropriate capacity building programmes on DRR, contingency planning and EWS for HAVOYOCO, NERAD and communities

Skills and competence

• Extensive understanding and experience of programming in humanitarian and/or development sector, particularly on disaster risk reduction, drought risk management or climate change adaptation
• Advanced degree in disaster management, development studies or a related field
• Experience with Somali culture and context is desirable
• Good experience in strategic planning and proposal development
• Proven analytical, coordination, influencing and negotiating skills with diverse audiences
• Experience with managing EC/ECHO funded proposals
• Understanding of research methodologies and approaches
• A proven ability to manage complex partner relationships respecting partners' autonomy while ensuring project delivery
• A proven ability to manage complex partner relationships respecting partners' autonomy while ensuring project delivery
• Excellent team work skills and the ability to build good relations both internally and externally
• Good written and spoken English is essential.
• Willingness to travel at short notice and stay in the field, often in difficult circumstances