GeoHazards International Representative

GeoHazards International (GHI) seeks to hire a full-time Representative for a project to assess local earthquake risk, develop earthquake scenarios, build earthquake risk management capacity, train engineers, masons and carpenters, and improve school earthquake safety in the 14 PAHAL project districts (Achham, Baitaidi, Bajhang, Bajura, Dadeldhura, Dailekh, Darchula, Doti, Jajarkot, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Rukum, Salyan, and Surkhet), located in the former Far Western and Mid-Western development regions. The Representative will be based in the PAHAL (Promoting Agriculture, Health and Alternative Livelihoods) project office in Kathmandu. Mercy Corps leads a consortium implementing PAHAL, which is funded by USAID. The duration of the GHI portion of the project is expected to be 30 months.

GeoHazards International (GHI) is a not for profit organization working to reduce loss of life and suffering around the world in communities most vulnerable to natural hazards. We envision of a world in which all communities can develop their economies, governments and cultures unimpeded by setbacks from natural disasters. To attain this, we work to create a world that devotes as many resources to preparing for and preventing the consequences of natural disasters as it devotes to responding to and recovering from them.

Goals

GHI is adding the following major activities to the current PAHAL program:

• Identify opportunities to improve the earthquake resilience of rural communities in western Nepal
• Develop earthquake scenarios and recommendations for selected municipalities in the Far Western and Midwestern Regions to support planning and preparedness
• Build earthquake risk management capacity at district level
• Train engineers, masons and carpenters on good design and construction practices -Improve school earthquake safety and disaster preparedness

Role

The GHI Representative will be based in Kathmandu and work with two Field Officers, one based in the former Far Western region (Dadheldura), and one based in the former Midwestern region (location to be confirmed).

Tasks

The GHI Representative will be expected to perform the following functions to achieve the larger objectives of the project:

• Assist with the management of GHI’s operations in Nepal;
• Represent GHI and the project in Nepal;
• Provide oversight for two local field officers (to be hired); assist in recruiting and training of those officers;
• Coordinate with Mercy Corps to visit the 14 PAHAL districts in Nepal, by setting up meetings, arranging local travel logistics, coordinating with government agencies and PAHAL partners;
• Determine translation needs (what needs to be translated, for whom, and when), and check translations of documents as needed;
• Contribute to program performance reports;
• Work with GHI staff (based in and outside of Nepal) and consultants (based in and outside of Nepal) to execute selected project technical activities, including:
• Introduce GHI team members to local partners and stakeholders, and identify potential local DRR champions, so GHI better understands the human resources on the ground;
• Determine on ground status of past, current and planned efforts in disaster risk management in districts, to determine gaps and potential synergies with existing work, especially planned PAHAL efforts on floods and landslides;
• Participate in broader GHI organizational activities including: participating in bimonthly staff skype calls; and contributing ideas and feedback on proposals in the region and in areas of experience/expertise.
• Provide disciplinary knowledge and experience to other GHI projects as requested by Chief Operating Officer (time spent on other projects will be charged to those projects, rather than to this project).

Successful applicants will meet the following criteria

• Native of Nepal with authorization to work in Nepal
• Four-year university degree in a technical field relevant to earthquake safety (for example, geology, seismology, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, urban planning, architecture, geography, public policy, sociology) or any related sciences.
• At least five years of work experience in disaster management, public policy, or community mobilization.
• Have excellent Nepali and English writing skills, which should be demonstrated through a writing test. In addition, the successful applicant will have excellent verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent computer skills and comfort with electronic collaboration