Regional disaster risk management specialist

Purpose of job

The role is responsible for leading the Horn of Africa slow onset disaster preparedness and responses. The role will ensure child-centered Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives strengthen the capacity of children, youth and communities in DRR and in mitigating the impacts of disasters on vulnerable populations through partnerships and linkages with appropriate actors. S/He will ensure that Plan Country Strategic Plans and Country Programs and overalls Plan’s Child-Centered Community Development (CCCD) approach is reflected in disaster preparedness and responses.

Key result areas

Ensure that:

• Plan RESA Countries are better prepared to effectively respond to various types of disasters
• Plan RESA countries have an experienced in house disaster response capacity to be deployed in first days of disasters
• Plan RESA DRM programmes are coordinated from effective networking and fundraising

Competencies/qualifications and experience

• Degree or Post Graduate qualification in a relevant discipline (development studies, rural development, economics, community development, agriculture, public health, disaster risk manager) with experience in disaster prevention, preparedness and humanitarian response, etc
• Training in humanitarian frameworks (Sphere, HAP, People in AID and Good Enough Guide)
• Fluency in English language (writing/spoken/reading)
• Excellent knowledge of computer application software

Desirable skills and competencies

• At least five years experience working for a reputable international humanitarian and development organization in emergencies
• Experience in management of slow onset disasters in a conflict or post conflict environment preferably in the Greater Horn of Africa
• Experience in working in multi-country DRM programming
• Direct experience of working with children and young people and in understanding and responding to their needs and rights
• Strong coordination skills in programming, resource management and safety and security
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication and persuasion skills. Flexible, reliable, culturally sensitive, positive attitude, ability to work under pressure, and a feel for the way Plan operates and our target groups
• Savvy, aggressive excited and energized by challenges/opportunities, contribute to positive changes and not be part of the problem complaining about the challenges
• Commitment to continuous learning and willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field (DRM and humanitarian issues in general)