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Disaster Preparedness and Capacity Building Specialist

DIVISION/ PURPOSE:
International Programme Department is:
• to contribute to the process of global poverty alleviation and
• to strengthen IR global work through the provision of technical support in cooperation with regional desks and support units

DEPARTMENT / PURPOSE:
The Humanitarian Department is to oversee disaster preparedness, risk reduction and timely and effective response to disasters to reduce suffering and loss of life

JOB PURPOSE:
• Manage developing Islamic Relief’s disaster preparedness and response plans and policies
• Develop Islamic Relief’s Surge Capacity and Roster to effectively respond to disasters and emergencies
• Manage the provision of disaster preparedness and management training to Islamic Relief staff, strategic partners and potential partners and ensure the provision of professional and responsive advice in the field of disaster management
• Act as the principal point of reference for Islamic Relief staff in disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction issues

REPORTING TO: Head of Humanitarian Department
STAFF REPORTING: Project Staff
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITY: Project budget

Position of International Programmes Division within IR

Structure of International Programmes Division

DEPLOYMENT: The post-holder is expected to spend 40 per cent of his/her time actively engaged in field-based operations. This will involve the setting-up and management of disaster preparedness, mitigation and risk reduction programmes

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Identify priorities for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction through assessments of prevailing/ frequent disaster risks, vulnerabilities and capacities.
2. Assist Islamic Relief and local partners in developing disaster preparedness capacity building programmes.
3. Conduct in-depth analysis of the risks, vulnerabilities and capacities in high risk zones and in high risk communities and develop adequate capacity building programs to address those vulnerabilities.
4. Be responsible for the development of training modules for disaster preparedness including the design and preparation of training materials.
5. Manage planning, development and organization of Islamic Relief’s surge capacity and roster.
6. Manage training needs assessment for staff members involved in emergency response and roster.
7. Organise internal and external training events for Islamic Relief staff, local partners and volunteers involved in emergency relief and disaster response and roster.
8. Monitor a training-matrix for humanitarian department staff and volunteers to build overall capacity.
9. Visit field offices to provide support and training in their emergency preparedness planning.
10. Manage the dissemination of “best practices” in the field of disaster preparedness and risk reduction through visits to organisations, private study and attending training courses.
11. Write directives advising divisions and department managers of their staff training and development needs and suggest training activities in the field of Disaster Preparedness and Management.
12. Network with other training professionals and keep up to date with training materials, publications and courses and with changes and developments in training practices.
13. Initiate (in conjunction with the IT dept.) Islamic Relief’s computer and web based learning programme, to provide a flexible service and to promote the learning process within the organisation.
Strategizing and Planning
1. Manage the development and implementation of the Islamic Relief disaster preparedness and response plans and roster and translate this understanding on the training courses offered.
2. Manage preparation of the disaster preparedness and response budget.
3. Lead the preparation of the annual disaster preparedness and response training and development plans.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

Experience
• Knowledge and experience of working with disaster risk reduction, preparedness and development issues and a good understanding of relevant humanitarian and policy issues (A,I)
• A proven track record of effective programme and people management (A,I)
• Theoretical and practical knowledge in establishing and managing emergency operations, including formulation of strategies, plans of action, project proposals, budgets and reports (A,I)
• Managerial skills for the development, implementation, and analysis of technical cooperation programs related to capacity building in disaster preparedness and development of surge capacity (A,I)
• Demonstrated experience and high level of competence in most of the following fields (A,I):
- Advocacy and awareness rising
- Training on disaster management
- Community managed disaster preparedness
- Knowledge on PRA/PLA approaches
- CBO capacity building/training
- Coordination between government departments and CBOs
- Institutional development
- Proven experience of managing a high workload and multiple priorities
- Knowledge of sensitivities and experience of work in humanitarian setting with the national partner organisations, Government, INGOs and UN agencies

Skills
• Strong facilitation, coordination skills and
representation skills
• Excellent spoken and written English
language skills
• Analytical and strategic planning skills
• Proven numeracy and financial management
skills
• Adaptable and flexible
• Strong training delivery and presentation
skills

Qualifications
• At least a Master degree in disaster
preparedness or management or international development
DESIRABLE

Experience
• Experience of work in emergency setting
• Knowledge and experience of work with bilateral and multilateral donors
How to apply
Please email recruitment@irworldwide.org for an application form.