DRM Research and Training Advisor

This consultant position is open for Ethiopian Nationals only. The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Purpose and Objectives

The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC) is mandated to lead Ethiopia’s Disaster Risk Management work in the country. The commission in collaboration with its partner had developed the “DRM Strategic Plan and Investment Framework (DRM-SPIF)” approved by the Federal Government in 2013. Accordingly, the National DRM mainstreaming guideline was developed and launched in 2018. Guided by the strategy and guideline, the EDRMC has embarked on an initiative to mainstream disaster risk management across all line ministries as well as regional states. The EDRMC is currently in the process of finalizing its policy reform agenda and a 10-years strategic plan taking into consideration the complex humanitarian situations, risk management dynamics, and global system change. The DRM research and training strategy has been developed and serves as an operational framework prioritizing DRM training and research agenda. The establishment of a system for inter-and intra-sectoral knowledge and information sharing and the development of a research and training database will facilitate knowledge and information sharing, south-south learning, and strengthen partnership and collaboration in DRM research and training in Ethiopia.

EDRMC in partnership with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)[1], is currently implementing a program namely “Improving Coordination Capacity for Preparedness and Emergency Response in Ethiopia (ETCOR)” with funding support from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (The Foundation). The program aims to improve the institutional capacity of EDRMC and key sectoral ministries including Agriculture and Health by enhancing systems, capacity, and coordination mechanisms for preparedness and response, and improving information and knowledge management system.

Initially, the program will focus on supporting the relevant Government institutions in the effective coordination of emergency relief, humanitarian coordination, emergency preparedness, and early recovery in the conflict-affected areas in Northern Ethiopia and other vulnerable regions where the respective sectoral stakeholders are involved. The medium- to long-term focus will be on enhancing the inter-and intra-sectoral coordination capacity of the Government system for overall preparedness and emergency response in Ethiopia through technical and leadership capacity development support to the relevant agencies within the framework of Ethiopia National DRM policy and implementation strategy.

The program is looking to recruit a qualified consultant as the DRM Research and Training Advisor to be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The consultant will be responsible for leading the implementation of identified activities in this TOR. The key objectives of the position include:

1. To provide technical support to the EDRMC, Study, Research, and Training Directorate in the review of the strategic framework, prioritization, and design of curriculum for DRM training courses, and DRM research agenda.
2. To support the establishment of a system for inter-and intra-sectoral knowledge and information sharing, and the development of international standard DRM research and research database through effective use of south-south learning exchange and collaborative effort.
3. To build DRM research and training partnership, networking, and collaboration with leading national, African regional, international DRM research and training institutions and stay abreast of the state of- the art knowledge and skills of the field.
4. To support technical capacity building of the Study, Research, and Training Directorate and other EDRMC Directorates in the development of methods and tools for integration of action research and tailored DRM training, program evidence gathering, analysis, and documentation in program design, and implementation.

Responsibilities and Tasks

1. Provide technical assistance to SRT Directorate in organizing research strategy and curriculum review, action planning involving key government and non-government stakeholders, and documentation of the outcomes.
2. Provide backstopping support to the SRT Directorate Director on the development of research partnership, develop protocols and standard requirements, design research projects, impact analysis, budget preparation, and evaluation of results.
3. Support the SRT Directrectorate in establishing and operationalizing multi-stakeholders DRM Research and Training Advisory Committee.
4. Liaise with ICT and Documentation, M&E, Planning, and Governance, Resource Mobilization Directorates on prioritizing DRM Research training areas, knowledge management, fundraising, and development of impact evaluation, documentation, and dissemination of best practices and research results.
5. Develop research methods, tools, and techniques for integration of action research into the various directorates programs and DRM implementation of EDRMC.
6. Support the establishment of a research and training database, documentation of lessons and best practices, development of knowledge products, publications, conference reports, evidence gathering methods and tools, communication products.
7. Develop concept notes, facilitate structured learning visits and south-south knowledge exchange with relevant institutions in various African, Asian, and other countries, and build networking and collaboration in the areas of DRM research and training.
8. Design and organize training and other technical capacity building on various aspects of DRM research and training for EDRMC, lead sector ministries, regional government and other partner organization experts, and senior management.
9. Facilitate internal review and stakeholder's lesson sharing events related to knowledge development and exchange practices, promote collective innovation, expertise, insights, and perspectives for effective humanitarian and DRM systems in the country.
10. Stay abreast of current development and trends
11. of DRM and Climate change international, regional, and national agenda, strategy, research priorities, debates, and inform program design and decision making at EDRMC.
12. Support SRT Directorate to be center of excellence in DRM Professionalism and knowledge management with the support of Higher Institutions of the country.

Working Principles and Reporting

In performing the duties and responsibilities indicated above, the consultant will report directly to the Deputy Commissioner at EDRMC and will work closely with the Study, Research and Training Directorate, staff, and coordinate with other EDRMC Directorates as well as research and training stakeholder organizations.

Qualifications

Education

• MSc in Disaster Management, applied science, social science, research and development, curriculum research design, and training planning with working experience in Ethiopia is essential. Ph.D.in a related field with a Disaster risk management background would be an added advantage.

Work Experience

• At least 10 years of proven experience in research design, training curriculum design and development, education/training curriculum management, academic leadership, innovation management, in a collaborative environment.
• Proven experience in supervising and coordinating multi-hazard research initiatives in both rural and urban settings.
• Proven experience in research methods, tools, quality management, and advisory skills, including literature reviews, spatial and temporal data handling, and complex data analytical skills.
• Proven experience in DRM/CCA training module development and delivery in different parts of the country.
• Familiarity and experience in the DRM, Climate Resilient, and/or humanitarian context.
• Practical knowledge of Ethiopia and Horn of Africa regional and international disaster risk management, socioeconomic, policies, practices, research, and development context and implications on DRM research agenda setting and capacity building.
• Proven experience in multi-hazard and multi-sectoral approaches to DRM research strategy analysis and development and training needs assessment on DRM and CCA and course design.
• Proven high-level experience in leading a diverse group of professionals and organizations, facilitation of professional discussion and technical dialogues, workshops and conferences, and achieving high-profile results.
• Proven experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams for conducting surveys and data analysis, synthesis, and report writing skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills to fully understand the evidence and learning needs and identify practical solutions to challenges, including the use of new technologies.
• Demonstrable experience of collaboration, including forging and maintaining effective new relationships and partnerships, networking often across other organizational boundaries and international institutions.
• Proven experience in publishing peer-reviewed international journals and have a good skill of the same.

Personal Qualities

• Self-motivated, pro-active, and takes initiatives;
• Demonstrated ability to plan, and organize work & time independently;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, facilitation skills, leading and inspiring team-oriented work style, and mediating conflicting ideas and personalities
• Strong networking capacity and understanding of humanitarian and development nexus at local and regional levels;
• Strong desire to learn, undertake new challenges, must be creative problem-solver, and must have self-confidence;
• Willingness to work hard, good sense of humor but with seriousness about the quality and excellence of work.

Languages

• For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Verbal and written communication skills in Amharic are essential. Knowledge of another language is an advantage.

General Requirements

• Operate within all EDRMC and ADPC Guidelines & Procedures/ Policies;
• Operate within specific program needs.

Duration: 12 months from March 2022 to February 2023 with the possibility of extension based on the performance and technical requirement of the position and duration of the project.

How to apply

Interested Candidates can submit the completed ADPC application form, (downloadable from www.adpc.net or ADPC Website), resume, copy of degrees/certificate(s) together with a cover letter, to: adpcjobs@adpc.net on or before 9 February 2022, Ethiopia time.

Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.