Regional Disaster Risk Management Manager

We are currently seeking to recruit a Regional Disaster Risk Management Manager.

About the Role

In relation to this role Plan has a Global Disaster Risk Management Strategy reflecting a commitment to build our work on disaster risk reduction and disaster response focusing on child-centered disaster risk reduction, child protection and education in emergencies. The purpose of the RDRM is to ensure the implementation global DRM strategy and compliance with the DRM Policy within the work of the regional team and country programme teams. In particular, s/he provides clear leadership on emergency preparedness for response; effective response impacting on children; and, learning from the experiences in the region. Main responsibilities Responsible for overseeing and supporting the implementation of the DRM strategy in 14 countries offices and contribute to global learning and initiatives aimed at strengthening DRM within the wider organization. The post holder manages a team of regional specialists and project coordinators (currently 6) Management of additional teams brought into the region for emergency response work Responsible for a DRM regional budget (FY 12- approx USD 700,000). Coordination of emergency response teams: recruitment and deployment Clear communication to International Headquarters on emergency risk areas, early warning and staff readiness Leadership of rapid assessment and technical support on major responses in the region Representation of Plan on major regional emergency responses The post is a key linkage/coordination point between global DRM work (IH/NOs) and the implementation of the DRM policy at CO level. An effective DRM team is operating in the region: supporting the region and country offices and liaising with IH to support global needs for Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Response Activities include Selection and management of a team of regional specialist (4) and project coordinator (2) to support the implementation of the global DRM policy and a number of regional grants projects across countries. Skills development of the team where needed particularly in relation to child protection, child participation and child rights in emergencies Establishment and facilitation of the DRM focal point network Review of Emergency Roster applicants for regional work Facilitation of peer support processes and inter-country collaboration between countries in the region for improved skills and responses Performance management of all staff on DRM regional work. Take part in international meetings and contribute to international initiatives with the international DRM team Support needs arising in other regions as required Country Office Disaster Preparedness: All 14 COs reach and maintain minimum standard regarding level of disaster readiness through the roll-out of the Disaster Preparedness Process (DPP) and Leadership and Management course across the region Activities will include Support to COs and their teams on the analysis needed Review of preparedness reports Provision of technical support to upgrade CO skills as appropriate Regular reporting mechanism established for review and monitoring of preparedness (through staff changes, situation flux etc) Collated reports for regional readiness and support: scenario planning; personnel TORs etc Roll out and support to the implementation of DRM global assistance tools such as the Emergency Manual DRM is integrated into all Country Strategic Planning analysis Technically sound projects for disaster risk reduction are developed and supported Plan’s Disaster Response work across the COs of the ARO region is timely and effective, impacts positively on children and is in line with HAP, Sphere and other global standards Activities will include Support rapid assessment and strategic response choice in the event of emergency onset through global and regional alert mechanisms Manage a limited regional DRM fund (small/medium scale disasters) and advise DRM Director on allocation of the global disaster fund (medium/large scale disasters) Act as Emergency Program Manager when required providing support and advice to country and regional staff involved in an emergency response Drawing on the preparedness mechanisms and additional support ensure effective deployment of teams to manage emergency programs at the first stage of any large scale emergency. Support of orange and red level (medium and large scale) emergencies. Jointly with the CD/RO/IH identify additional capacity needs and coordinate rapid deployment of additional staff (Admin, Finance, HR, program, comms etc.) as required ARO regional DRM work is coordinated with the work of our peers and well placed for fundraising: Representation of Plan’s DRM work to key forums in the region Analysis and relationship building with key potential donors Partnerships established in advance of responses for effective coordinated response work Support to the DRM CO networks to support coordinated messaging about Plan’s DRM work Personal and team engagement with relevant actors for effective coordination of Plan’s work with other international/regional institutions and agencies, regional IASC clusters, donors in line with the DRM strategy Take an active role in supporting regional grant acquisition for relevant DRM related work and support country applications with advice where required ARO DRM work contributes to continuous learning at all levels of the organisation Support countries in undertaking review and documentation of lessons from all significant disasters, including supporting post disaster reflection workshops. Support and facilitate learning and sharing of DRM related resources/tools/experiences between countries in the region. Report to global initiatives on the basis of all aspects of this work Key End Results All countries in the region are well prepared ( capacity/skills/procedures) and have gone through an intensive preparedness and capacity building process Countries in the region have responded to all significant disasters, as per international acceptable humanitarian standards and received appropriate support Basic DRM training has been carried of RMT and CMTs at country level. All countries have a contingency/Disaster Preparedness Plan in place for managing disasters All new CSP countries have included risks/hazards related to natural disasters, conflict and environment in their child rights analysis and designed programs accordingly An increase in the number of regional grants raised for DRM Plan’s professional profile within the DRM sector has been raised through regular attendance/contributions in coordination meetings and relevant forums and recognized by others Prepared and updated periodically hazard/disaster calendar for the region Monitoring progress towards strategy and regional learning is reflected in global policy and practice About you Knowledge Excellent working knowledge of all key disaster response standards and their implications for response work is essential Knowledge of the key current debates on effective risk reduction, preparedness and response methodologies particularly in relation to children Knowledge of the operational context in Asia and the challenges facing DRM work preferred Experience with integrating DRM with development programming and disaster risk reduction strategies Documented experience from disaster risk management work, including disaster preparedness and managing response programmes Documented experience from at several major disaster events, working in “disaster /high risk” environments Skills Proven skills in the support to teams developing and using emergency preparedness plans at national and local level Management and leadership skills for the development of effective teams able to operate in difficult circumstances across regions and with flexible deployment to different locations Analytical skills for the review of plans and proposals for emergency scenarios and responses Skilled in leading rapid assessments and strategic decision-making for decisions on what is needed & when with limited information Demonstrable skills in leading an emergency response of a significant size Proven communication and facilitation skills to ensure full understanding and buy into DRM strategic needs Excellent written communication skills for situation reports and rapid donor applications Representation and media skills and advantage Behaviours Commitment and adherence to humanitarian values and standards and child protection Willing to make rapid decisions even with inadequate information but ready to reflect and adjust course of action if necessary; Focussed and striving for the delivery of programme; Cross-culturally agile and gender sensitive Aware of own strengths, weaknesses and pro-active in using feedback and self-development Aware of impact on others and uses impact to create positive climate at work Location and Travel: This position is based in the regional office in Bangkok and entails 40-50 % travel both within and outside region, often in hardship locations Type of role: 5 Year contract Reports To: Deputy Regional Director, Programmes Grade: F Salary: US$40–50,000 Closing Date: Wednesday 11th July 2012 This is an accompanied position and full expat benefits will be available.

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.

Your online application form can be saved, reviewed and amended before submission.

		Apply for this Job

Regional Disaster Risk Management Manager