Organization Profile

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Ethiopia is a registered charity operating in the working areas of Rural Infrastructure, Natural Resources Management, Support to Civil Society Organizations and Local Government, Skill Development and Education, and Emergency Responses. See also www.helvetas.org. 

HELVETAS Ethiopia is presently looking for motivated and competent professionals for the Disaster Risk Management – Project Officer position for a project entitled “Semien Gondar Resilience Project-Phase II (SEGORP II)” in Amhara Regional State-North Gonda zone, Debark.

Description

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation (HELVETAS), Concern Worldwide (CWW) and local government of the North Gondor Zone, have formed a strategic partnership bringing together complementary competencies to address the complex nature of poverty in the zone. The overall aim of the project is to strengthen household and community resilience to climate change. This will be achieved through system level change across the following 3 main outcomes: Communities build resilience for climate shocks through early warning, disaster preparedness, and sustainable natural resource management; Increased diversity and productivity of agriculture through climate smart and nutrition sensitive agricultural technologies and practices and Community organizations gained capacities for resilience and adaptation to climate change.

Job Purpose

The Climate Change Disaster Risk Managment (DRM) Officer will work closely with the project team to inform the development of an overarching Climate Change Framework adequately includes DRM and climate action components. The Climate Change Disaster Risk Managment (DRM) Officer will guarantee that DRM and climate action are given sufficient consideration & mainstreamed in planning and programming of SEGORP programme.

The officer will support the implementation of the DRM Framework for Community Resilience that support a multi-sectorial approach for safer and more resilient communities in the project area.

Provide both technical support and coordination services to the project manager/program director in relation to Disaster Risk Management (DRM) programmatic and community resilience related activities under the Climate Change thematic area. The multi-disciplinary DRM programme includes elements as stated below in the job duties and responsibilities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

DRR & Climate Action

• Identify current and emerging risk factors, their underlying causes and actions that could help reduce the impacts of future hazards.

• Assess existing data and plans and liaise with the project team to confirm DRM and climate action priorities and identify any gaps in the planned interventions to guide operational decision-making and planning.

• Ensure DRR and climate action elements are part of the program.

• In coordination with the project team identify the opportunities and challenges to support communities to build community resilience.

• Prepare guidelines related to the management of DRM & Climate Action for the project.

• Elaborate capacity development plan and facilitate training sessions to introduce the climate change topic.

• Coordinate the implementation of the Disaster Risk Managment and Climate Change activities working closely with the Regional, zonal and woreda partners.

• Propose and prepare a community mobilization plan by engaging local decision makers and civil society organizations to ensure their involvement in all phases of DRM planning.

• Ensure follow up of the implementation of the Disaster Risk Managment and Climate Change plan of Action, ensuring integration of gender and social inclusion best practices.

• Support the Preparation of the communication and awareness material regarding community mobilization on Disaster Risk Reduction and climate action along with the Communication Department.

• Revision of expert deliverables regarding DRR planning and risk evaluation.

• Prepare report on activities of DRM and Climate Action for partners /donors

• Ensure the link with the climate change, Gender, diversity and within DRM actions.

• Support the Implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Strategies in the project intervention/project.

Coordination, Cooperation, Networking and Partnership:

• Support effective coordination, collaboration and networking within partners, different DRM task forces and other actors (Meteorological agencies, media etc) in all technical issues related to Disaster Risk Reduction and community resilience, including Climate Change.

• Support coordination with other relevant humanitarian, development and climate partners on the assessment, planning and implementation of DRM and climate action.

• Identify and pursue opportunities for cooperation and partnerships for DRR and climate action.

• Support development of project proposals for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Action toward to increase the Resilience of communities and establish appropriate planning, monitoring, and reporting procedures.

• Undertake any other task as required by the project manager/program director.

Job Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Disaster Risk Management, Development Studies, Natural Resource Management, Natural Sciences, Humanities, or related field. Master’s degree will be an advantage.

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in disaster risk reduction, Environmental, humanitarian or development related field.

Experience

• A minimum of 6 years experience in relevant position. 

• 5 years’ experience in designing and implementing DRM and climate programs.

• Exposure to community mobilization and, social development linked to disaster preparedness programs.

• Experience in training and use of participatory methodologies

• Experience in conducting and analyzing risk assessment on climate hazards in a participatory approach at all stages of the project cycle.

• Awareness of gender issues and ability to facilitate the development of practical strategies.

• Experience of working in an international organization

• Experience of working in the project intervention area is advantageous.

Knowledge, skills, and languages

• Committed to the Helvetas vision, mission, and principles.

• Skills in networking with communities, other agencies and international organizations

• Skills in training of staff and developing team building spirit.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Languages

• Fluent spoken and written in English & Amharic

Terms and conditions for the positions:

• Contract duration: from January 2023 to 31st October 2026

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by sending their application letter and updated CV through HumanResources.ETH@helvetas.org  before/on 29th December 2023.

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Ethiopia is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.

Please make sure you write the position title you are applying for in the subject line. Failure to do so will lead to application disqualification.

Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.