Technical Specialist - Climate Resilience

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. The National DRM mainstreaming guideline was developed and launched in 2018. Guided by the strategy and guidelines, 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 finalizing its policy reform agenda and a 10-year strategic plan considering the complex humanitarian situations, risk management dynamics, and global system change. A virtual working platform and operating system that integrates the EalyWarning System (EWS) and Emergency Coordination Centers (ECCs) are being implemented by EDRMC in close collaboration with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and other stakeholders. This will be implemented as part of the overall enhancement of shock-responsive and proactive Early Warning systems (EWS) and the operationalization of Emergency Coordination Centers (ECCs) at various levels.

EDRMC in partnership with ADPC is currently implementing a program, “Improving Coordination Capacity for Preparedness and Emergency Response in Ethiopia (ETCOR)” with funding support from Bill & Melinda Gates 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 National DRM policy and implementation strategy.

The program is looking to recruit a qualified consultant as a Technical Specialist with knowledge and experience in Disaster and Climate Risk Management 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. Support the implementation and monitoring of ETCOR project addressing Disaster and Climate Risk Reduction in the agriculture sector in Ethiopia;
2. Contribute to the planning, implementation, and coordination of projects under the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) related to Disaster and Climate Risk Reduction, particularly in capacity development, emergency preparedness, risk assessment, contingency planning, emergency response coordination, early warning systems, and risk-sensitive development in agriculture sector;
3. Contribute to the planning and development of projects and programs under the MoA related to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in agriculture sector and ensure linkages with climate change adaptation (CCA) initiatives and DRM policies and strategies at the national and regional levels;
4. Support the development of partnerships and networks, inter-sectoral coordination, and information communication;
5. Support linking the disaster risk profile exercise of EDRMC with that of agriculture-related disaster mitigation and adaptation.

This position is open for Ethiopian Nationals only. The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Provide technical support in establishing and strengthening agromet advisory service, tools, and systems, integrating with national early warning system under EDRMC, and promoting indigenous knowledge;
• Analyze climate and disaster risks in agriculture sector. This includes analyzing hazards, vulnerability, and adaptive capacity of climate-sensitive livelihoods to develop risk atlas and design appropriate climate risk reduction and adaptation interventions to suit all levels (state to community level);
• Review the WDRP and build agriculture staff awareness of the profile and promote its application for agriculture sector DRR and CCA planning.
• Develop tools, guidelines, SOPs for emergency coordination and disaster risk management.
• Conduct capacity and gaps assessment of agromet advisory from the data collection, analysis, forecasting, and dissemination to end-users.
• Technical contribution to strengthening the application of ICT for accurate, reliable, and timely information, communication, and decision-making.
• Assist MoA in strategy development and mainstreaming DRM into agriculture sector planning cycle.
• Conduct technical training based on the training needs.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Manager.

Working Principles and Reporting Relationship

Overall Supervision and Reporting:

In performing the duties and responsibilities indicated above, the consultant will be under the overall guidance and supervision of MoA and work in close coordination with ADPC Program Manager and team based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The consultant will closely work with the Crop Directorate, Livestock Development, Natual Resources and Climate Change Unit, and Food Security Unit of the MoA and maintain strong linkages with EDRMC.

Administrative, Coordination, and Liaison:

In performing the above-stated services, the consultant will liaise with the ADPC program team based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and all administrative reports and requests, including travel authorization, timesheets, and related forms be counter-endorsed by ADPC Program Manager based in Addis Ababa, if charged to the project resources.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Disaster/Climate Risk Management and/or a related field with working experience in Ethiopia is essential. Ph.D. in a related field would be an added advantage.

Work Experience:

• Previous experience in mainstreaming climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction into sectoral development strategies and plans, strong analytical skills, including climate risk assessments. Experience in remote sensing and geographic information system will be preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience with 3-4 years in the field of eco-system-based adaptation, risk management, environment/climate impact assessment, natural resource management, water resource management, and/or a related field in Ethiopia and/or the Africa region.
• Knowledge and experience on impacts of multi-hazards and climate change on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture/food security, water, etc.
• Experience in design, implementation, and management of projects related to climate resilience in climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture/food.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding related to international agreements, practices, and policies in the field of disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, and smart agriculture and agricultural transformation;
• Experience in emergency response coordination across the government and humanitarian sector and information management.
• Proven experience in capacity building, including system improvement, technical skills, and the ability to facilitate/conduct technical training. Ability to work both in an advisory and a hands-on implementation capacity.
• Excellent English proficiency in oral and written communication, including a demonstrated track record in training material development, technical report writing, and the ability to communicate technical matters effectively to a general audience. Proficiency and communication skills in Amharic will be an added qualification.
• Proven experience in the application of technical information and data into training and capacity-building programs is essential.
• 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, proactive, and takes initiative.
• 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, be a creative problem-solver, and have self-confidence.
• Willingness to work in a multi-tasking environment, good sense of humor but seriousness about the quality and excellence of work.

General Requirements:

• Represent ADPC to the highest of professional and scientific standards at all times;
• Operating within all ADPC Guidelines & Procedures/Policies.

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Duration: July 2023 to December 2023

How to apply

Interested Candidates can submit the completed ADPC application form (downloadable from www.adpc.net, resume, and copy of degrees/certificate(s) together with a cover letter, to: adpcjobs@adpc.net

Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.