MIS Expert on EW and ECCs

This consultant position is open for Ethiopian Nationals only.

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. As part of the enhancement of the Early Waring system (EWS) and the operationalization of Emergency Coordination Centers (ECCs) at various levels, a virtual working platform and operational system that integrates the EWS and ECCs are being implemented by EDRMC in close collaboration with Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and other stakeholders.

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 MIS Expert on EW and ECCs 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 assistance for harmonization and automation of the National EWS and development of tools for data collection, analysis, and generating automated warning information.
2. To lead the development of EW bulletins, alerts, and virtual EW messages, decision information, communication, and feedback system in close collaboration with the MIS Expert for Digital Library& Web Portal Management of EDRMC.
3. To lead the development of effective and up-to-date scientific approaches and methods for information gathering, analysis, generate EW messages on a timely basis.
4. To support regional EWS technical capacity building on automated EW system & application of ICT system including the operationalization of ECCs at various levels using a virtual working platform that integrates EWS and ECCs for effective preparedness and response.
5. To provide technical assistance to EWS to trigger evidence-based activation of ECC at times of emergency at any given time and space.
6. To conduct inventory by:
7. Identifying the EWS gaps along the line of preparedness and response and provideing recommendations.
8. Assessing and mapping the different initiatives of strengthening EWS along with the achievements and facilities plus recommendations.
9. To support and ensure synergies created among the Federal ECC and all other ECCs activated in any part of the country.

Responsibilities and Tasks

1. Technical assistance for harmonization and automation of the National EWS and development of tools for data collection, analysis and generate automated warning information.
2. Develop, organize and manage databases, spreadsheets, and other data tools; understand, document, and ensure the quality of Early warning information and high-value humanitarian data for accuracy, consistency, and comparability consolidate operational information on a regular schedule to support analysis.
3. Supervision of data entry and data quality: Oversee the MIS data collection process and make sure the collected data is transferred into the MIS server online, Monitor the quality and completeness of MIS data entered into the system, and provide regular feedback to field teams.
4. Regularly uploading Early warning information knowledge products, policy documents, plans, emergencies, and EW alerts, bulletins, events reports, program documents, audiovisuals, maps application software.
5. Organize and document ECC’s regular meetings, emergencies to date information and specify gaps and unmet requirements.
6. Leads the development of effective and up-to-date scientific approaches and methods for information gathering, analysis, generate EW messages on a timely basis.
7. Monitors analyze and reports on humanitarian response and developments, disaster relief/management programs, or emergencies in the country.
8. Leads and/or participates in working groups related to Early warning information management to prepare situation reports and information products uploading on the web portal for all users.
9. Conduct capacity gap analysis, plan and facilitate tailored training for various users - virtually or in person, plan and organize workshops for EDRMC and key regional, zonal, and woreda DRM staff.
10. Management of IMS, analysis, and assessment of teams/networks.
11. Provide monthly system improvement progress updates and quarterly reports.
12. Any other duties as assigned by EDRMC for the overall objectives of the position.

Working Principles

In performing the duties and responsibilities indicated above, the consultant will report directly to the Deputy Commissioner at EDRMC, work closely with the Early Warning and Response Directorate and staff, and coordinate with other EDRMC Directorates.

Qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Information Management, Information Systems, Database or Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, GIS, Disaster Risk Management, Humanitarian Affairs, or related field with working experience in Ethiopia is essential. Ph.D.in a related field would be an added advantage.

Work Experience

• At least 10 years of proven experience in Information Management, Information Systems, Data Science, database/computer science, Statistics, GIS, Disaster Management, Humanitarian Affairs, and related field.
• Familiarity and at least 5 years of experience in working with government agencies.
• Knowledge of the working ethics of national government agencies, International NGOs, National NGOs, private organizations, and international organizations would prove to be an added advantage.

Personal Qualities

• Self-motivated, pro-active, and takes initiatives;
• Demonstrated ability to plan, and organize work & time independently;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and team-oriented work style
• 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 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.