Executive Director

Introduction

As the most hazard prone region in the world, Asia-Pacific must proactively manage its disaster risk. For 30 years, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) has been contributing in making Asia-Pacific safer by strengthening disaster resilience at all levels. Established in 1986, ADPC is as an independent non-governmental organization. It works in a number of countries in the region extending from Saudi Arabia in Western Asia to Fiji in the Pacific as well as all the way to Mongolia in the north. With headquarters located in Bangkok, Thailand, ADPC has country offices in Bangladesh, Lao PDR and Myanmar. ADPC's well-established networks with government line agencies and strong partnerships with regional organizations and development agencies provide the foundation for its work.

ADPC deploys disaster risk management (DRM) information and systems to reduce local, national and regional risk across Asia-Pacific. Its portfolio focuses on DRM capacity building, improving DRM for cities and climate change, mainstreaming DRM into national and local development, improving DRM systems and undertaking disaster risk assessments. To achieve its aims in disaster risk reduction, ADPC works closely with local, national and regional governments, governmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and development partners. ADPC is looking for a dynamic and forward looking Executive Director to lead the center through the challenging tasks of the coming years.

Task and Responsibilities

The Executive Director will report to the Board of Foundation, and will be working closely with the Regional Consultative Committee on Disaster Management, and ADPC management staff. Executive Director’s primary responsibilities include:

Operational Management and Delivery

• Ensure that the ADPC’s organizational structure, operational policies and other business processes are sound and able effectively to deliver on the strategic objectives as defined in ADPC Strategy 2020;
• Exercise authority over personnel and human-resource matters and further strengthen performance management by tracking key performance indicators across the organization;
• Ensure meaningful monitoring and evaluation of ADPC programs and performance and the provision of accurate analysis and routine reporting on the impact and performance;
• Effectively manage operational and financial matters to deliver on the mandate of the ADPC;
• Maintain a positive work environment that facilitates collaboration and information sharing and is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating diverse talent;
• Lead internal management committees (including chairing of the Executive Committee) as the mechanism for ensuring internal cooperation.

Financial Management

• Present annual financial budgets and work plans to the Board for approval, and provide updates on fiscal and multiyear resource projections for the transparent management of resources;
• In close coordination with the Finance department, ensure that there are strong fiduciary controls in place to monitor the use of resources;
• Oversee the management and implementation of all organizational contracts according to corporate procurement systems and practices.

Strategic Leadership

• Operationalize, lead and monitor the implementation of the ADPC 2020 strategy, and ensure the effective implementation of new business models and instruments to deliver on the strategic objectives;
• Represent the ADPC at the highest level, ensuring its role within the global disaster risk reduction community is well understood, through direct engagement with policy-makers and the execution of an effective communication strategy.

Partner Engagement and Mobilizing Resources

• Build and maintain effective alliances and operational collaboration with public and private partners, such as governments of implementing countries, United Nations agencies, bilateral donors, nongovernmental organizations, the business sector, and civil society actors;
• Lead mobilization of public and private sector funds to support the mission of the ADPC through strategic guidance for resource mobilization and the implementation. This includes oversee and advance the development of new funding streams for the ADPC, broadening the donor base and encouraging increased investment in programs from implementing countries themselves, and engage with other regional organizations.
• Interact with governments at the highest political level to advocate for an appropriate level of national resources to be directed to disaster risk reduction work;
• Mobilize ADPC staff to support business development and partner engagement;
• Maintain effective communications with all internal and external stakeholders.

Reporting to the Board of Foundation

• Report to the Board on the operational, administrative, and financial aspects of the ADPC at each Board Meeting;
• Ensure that the Board is made aware, in a timely way, of key strategic and other material operational challenges the ADPC is encountering in the course of its work;
• Communicate Board decisions to the ADPC’s staff, and other relevant stakeholders in timely manner.

ADPC Revitalization Process

The Executive Director will implement ADPC’s revitalization plans (ongoing) which may include, but are not limited to, revision of the institutional structure, HRA and Financial Policies, partnership engagement strategies etc,. It is expected that the Executive Director will provide input to shape and improve the planning and implementation process. The scope shall be based on the timing which the Executive Director comes on board.

Qualification

The Executive Director will have:

• An established reputation and experience in senior management including managing a development and research institution;
• A broad understanding of the drivers of change, particularly disaster risk reduction and sustainable development;
• An MSc or above degree in a relevant discipline;
• Working experience in the Asia-Pacific region;
• In-depth knowledge of the main global and regional development and policy issues related to disaster risk reduction and climate change;
• Demonstrated success in raising international funds;
• Long-term strategic vision and openness to develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities;
• An understanding of ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that his or her own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards, and aligns with the values of the organization;
• The skills to work cooperatively and effectively with others to mentor, set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness; and
• The ability to positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.

Reporting

The Executive Director’s term will run for a 4-year period with a review period to be conducted by the Board at the end of each year.