Disaster Risk Management Specialist- USAID Ethiopia Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Activity

Job Description

Global Communities works at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and financial inclusion to save lives, advance equity and secure strong futures. We support communities at the forefront of their own development in more than 35 countries, partnering with local leaders, governments, civil society and the private sector to achieve a shared vision of a more just, prosperous and equitable global community. We work with government, non-government, private sector, and community stakeholders to promote transparency, foster accountability, and access the channels they need to make their voices heard, promote change, and realize their full potential.  

Global Communities is seeking a Disaster Risk Management Specialist for the anticipated USAID Ethiopia Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Activity. The purpose of this five-year $25-50M activity is to enable timely anticipatory and early action to preempt crises and reduce the impact of shocks in Ethiopia by strengthening disaster risk management (DRM) planning and preparedness, improving DRM coordination, and enhancing resource mobilization and management. The activity will also strengthen gender in emergencies {GiE) capacity, increase private sector engagement in DRM, and expand local organizations’ capacity to engage in DRM.

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate strong DRM technical and strategic experience and skills. The position will require a strong working knowledge of the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (NDRMC) and relevant policies and strategies from national down to community levels. We are looking for passionate, dedicated professionals to help us build the world we envision: one of expanded opportunity, where crises give way to resilience and all people thrive.

• Work alongside colleagues to support and deliver project strategies: develop implementation plans, technical guidelines, and learning tools; identify and resolve challenges; promote learning and quality improvements throughout the project.

• Provide technical support and strengthen capacities of program teams and partners (public, private, non-profit) to ensure project activities are effectively delivered and continually improved.
• Promote the implementation of USAID’s Localization Agenda, Local Capacity Strengthening Policy and New Partner Initiative in order to expand local organizations’ engagement in the DRM system in Ethiopia and support responsible and effective involvement of local stakeholders in emergency response and DRM more broadly.
• Experience working with government responsible DRM structures and building consensus among diverse actors, including NGOs (local and international), representatives of civil society, the private sector and donors as it relates to disaster risk planning, preparedness and coordination.
• Ensure strong linkages and integration with cross cutting areas (gender in emergencies, private sector engagement, and building local capacity).
• Prepare technical briefs, case studies, lessons learned, and contribute to project activity monitoring, including quarterly and annual reporting.

• Represent Global Communities at Technical Works as well as donor and stakeholder engagements.

The position will be based in Addis Ababa but will require extensive field travel and supervision across the program areas.

• An advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in an area relevant to Disaster Risk Management and resilience building, plus a minimum of seven years of relevant Senior Management work experience, Professional experience should demonstrate progressively increasing responsibilities.
• Minimum 5 years demonstrated experience with USG or other similar emergency response, early recovery, DRR and/or resilience, with understanding of the Ethiopian context.
• Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and local government, donors, community-based organizations, and the private sector.
• Knowledge of DRM ecosystem including early warning systems, early action protocols, community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM), disaster response coordination and ex-ante DRM financing.

• Understanding of quality monitoring and evaluation with a commitment to championing program learning and contributing to After Action Reviews.
• Experience applying community-based approaches that promote gender equality, women’s economic empowerment and youth engagement.
• Proven leadership skills and demonstrated experience developing, mentoring, and building the capacity of staff and partners in DRM sector.
• Excellent analytical and self-motivation skills; excellent advocacy and persuasion skills; able to think critically.
• Fluency (verbal and written) in English

About the Organization

As an organization working to advance public health, Global Communities has an obligation to model best practices and to do all we can to protect each other, our partners and the communities where we work. To ensure the continuity and effectiveness of our business operations, Global Communities is adopting a policy to safeguard the health of our visitors, employees, families, and the larger global community from COVID-19. Effective January 3, 2022, all U.S.-based Global Communities employees are required to provide proof of having received full dosage of COVID-19 vaccine that is FDA approved, approved for emergency use authorization, or have an approved medical or religious exemption on file with Global Communities, as a condition of employment.

Global Communities holds strict safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. In the process of recruitment, selection, and appointment, Global Communities will conduct robust reference and background screening checks, including international vetting as a signature of the Global Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded, and abuse is prevented. The incumbent is required to carry out their duties in accordance with Global Communities Safeguarding policy and the Standards of Conduct.

Global Communities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.