This will be a two years contract in a Grade E position based in Senegal or in any
Plan Country Office in West Africa. A full Job Description is attached.
Please note this post is also being advertised externally. Internal candidate are
encouraged to apply.
Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Program Specialist
In 2009 Plan adopted a new Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Strategy reflecting a
commitment to build our work on disaster response and disaster risk reduction. The
strategy established child protection in emergencies as one of three areas for focus
and investment. The others are education in emergencies and disaster risk reduction.
Under the supervision of Regional DRM Manager, the Disaster Risk Management
(DRM) Program Specialist will support the implementation of the global DRM
strategy in WARO countries. This is a proactive role to support Plan WARO countries
in enhancing disaster preparedness and response capacity for timely and effective
responses to child protection needs. It could also be for reactive response to rapid
onset and in conflicts and post conflict emergencies in unexpected localized
disasters.
ABOUT THE JOB ROLE:
The Regional Office of Plan in West Africa is looking for a Disaster Risk
Management (DRM) Program Specialist to ensure the implementation of the
global DRM strategy (with COs, IH, NOs and ROs) at the regional and country levels
with the overall aim of strengthening disaster preparedness, management and
response; and the integration of Disaster Risk Reduction and Response within
country and regional level program. S/He will ensure that all Plan WARO Country
Strategic Plans (CSP) have included risks/hazards related to natural disasters, conflict
and environment in their child rights analysis and designed programs accordingly
and have a contingency plans in place for managing disasters
TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Disaster Preparedness

Responsible for providing support for the implementation of the DRM strategy in
the 12 countries in WARO

prepare, and periodically update, a disaster/hazard monitor for the region;
undertake an analysis and recommend use of existing early warning systems for
Plan’s programming, building on existing national systems and information

Design a roll- out schedule with country DRM staff in the region to support the
implementation of the disaster preparedness assessment/training packages to all
countries in the region.

Document the disaster preparedness processes and learning from the countries
and share with RO and IH to further refine the training tools/procedures

Work with the RDRM, countries and IH to establish a system for monitoring the
readiness level of countries.

Support capacity building initiative and monitoring related to the implementation
of the global DRM strategy
Key
end
result:
All
countries
in
the
region
are
well
prepared
(capacity/skills/procedures) to respond to medium size level disasters
2. Disaster Response

The DRM Program specialist will support countries with the response to
emergencies and could be deployed for all significant disasters within the region.

Support countries in the implementation of DRM strategy in the region, with
particular focus on disaster preparedness and response capacity.

Jointly with the CO/RO/IH
identify additional capacity needs and coordinate
rapid deployment of additional staff (Admin, Finance, HR, programme, comms
etc.) as required and per the demand of the countries in emergency situations

Support countries in undertaking review and documentation of lessons from all
significant disasters

Support disaster reporting processes and ensure timely and quality reporting on
emergency situations to relevant audiences
Key end result: Countries in the region have responded to all significant disasters,
as per international acceptable humanitarian standards and received appropriate
support
3. DRR Mainstreaming
Key end results: Increased media exposure of Plan’s DRM work in the region.
ABOUT YOU:
Knowledge, Skills, Behaviors, and Experience Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:
Gained through education, training, & experience
1. Knowledge
Essential

Graduate qualification in a relevant discipline (development studies, child rights, education,
community development, disaster risk management. Social and human science) with experience
in humanitarian response.
Desirable

Post graduate qualification in the relevant discipline above listed

Training in humanitarian frameworks (Sphere, HAP, People in AID and Good Enough Guide)
2. Experience Required
Essential


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 West Africa region.

Documented experience from disaster risk management work, including
disaster preparedness and managing response programs\









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.
Ability to think strategically, but also result oriented and get things done.
Strong planning, monitoring and organizational skills with good knowledge of the use of logical
and result-based monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Knowledge and experience in a range of participatory and child/gender sensitive approaches.
Very strong analytically and excellent proposal and report writing skills, with close attention to
details.
Documented experience as a trainer/facilitator in humanitarian assistance issues and staff
mentoring.
Experience of working with institutional donors/fundraisers in DRM

Experience of strategy, i.e. analysing relevant factors from both the internal
and external environments, identifying crucial issues that have to be
addressed, setting objectives and developing plans of actions;

Relevant program experience from either / or education / protection in
emergencies, food crisis or flood management is desired
Desirable

Experience of working in post-conflict situations, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel or
similar environments.

Documented experience from at least 2 major disaster events, working in
“disaster /high risk” environments
Skills

Ability to priorities and manage complex and varied workload, often to tight
deadlines

Excellent communication skills, written and verbal in order to present arguments
clearly and powerfully to a variety of audiences;

Works with the DRM Specialist in the RESA, ARO and ROA regions for learning,
coordination and consistency.

Energetic and motivated individual, with a proven track record of undertaking
similar assignments successfully

Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a dynamic environment with
multiple stakeholders at different level.
Behaviour

Coaches and builds capacity of both program and support staff in RO, COs and
PUs

Communicates clearly and effectively

Strong team building and motivational skills

Strong negotiation, facilitating and influencing skills
Next Steps
Please forward all applications to WARO.Recruitment@plan-international.org
Your application should include:
A covering letter

A comprehensive CV

Your most recent performance appraisal (for internal candidates only)
The closing date for applications is 29th january 2014.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Plan is an equal opportunities employer, committed to the protection of children
and gender equity and our recruitment procedure reflect this.