Emergency preparedness officer

A real-time evaluation of ActionAid Cambodia’s flood response was undertaken in January 2012, which highlighted the need to have emergency preparedness and response plans and tools in place, as well general capacity development in emergency response for all ActionAid staff and partners.

Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) has been requested to work closely with the program team, particularly the human security senior officer, to develop preparedness plans and train staff in emergency response. The main responsibility will be to mentor, advise and transfer knowledge and skills to the human security senior program officer and the function heads, in the areas of in preparedness and response.

The key expected outputs of this assignment are:

• Emergency preparedness plans and tools in place for ActionAid and partners
• Confident staff and partners in emergency response, including technical standards, as a result of capacity building sessions
• Better support national institutions in times of an emergency
• Provide leadership among NGO community in times of emergency at both national and sub-national level
• Contribute towards strengthening the overall response capacity of both government and non-government agencies

Essential

Personal attributes:

• Self awareness and cross-cultural sensitivity
• Commitment to sharing knowledge and skills
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Resilience and ability to manage stress
• Committed to protection of children
• Committed to a rights based approach to development

Skills or experience relevant to assignment:

• Extensive experience and knowledge in emergency preparedness and response
• Experience training and supporting other people to create preparedness and response strategies
• Strong facilitation, mentoring and coaching skills
• Understanding of the Sphere standards
• Experience working with non-government organisations

Qualifications

Degree in related field or equivalent experience

Language skills and level required

Willingness to learn basic Khmer

Desirable

Further attributes, experience, skills or qualifications:

• First aid certificate
• Experience working with Red Cross Red Crescent or other humanitarian aid organisations