Disaster Risk Financing Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP has been operational in Cambodia since 1979, and its mission is to support the government in achieving zero hunger through various initiatives, including social protection, climate and disaster risk management, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition. WFP operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce committed to its values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. The organization is recognized for its inclusive and multicultural work environment, investing in the professional development of its employees through training, mentorship, and internal mobility opportunities. WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts globally.

Job Overview:
The Disaster Risk Financing Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the WFP Cambodia Country Office in implementing the national Disaster Risk Financing strategy (DRF-S). This position involves providing technical assistance to the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) to enhance their capacity in disaster risk financing, particularly in the context of climate change and social protection. The specialist will engage with various stakeholders, including government institutions, to promote risk-informed decision-making and sustainability of systems. The role requires designing and delivering tailored capacity strengthening programs for government officials, conducting investment case studies, and facilitating workshops to enhance understanding of disaster risk financing concepts and instruments. The position is expected to contribute significantly to the operationalization of the DRF Strategy and the Shock-Responsive Social Protection Framework, ensuring that vulnerable communities are better prepared for climate shocks and disasters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specialist will be responsible for several key assignments, including: 1) Designing and delivering tailored capacity strengthening programs for government partners, focusing on enhancing the technical capacity of the Insurance Regulator of Cambodia (IRC) and other relevant ministries. This includes conducting training series on innovative CDRFI models, preparing orientation workshops, and developing training modules on foundational knowledge of CDRFI. 2) Conducting an investment case study to demonstrate how disaster risk insurance can alleviate the government's fiscal burden during climate shocks, which will involve desk reviews, key informant interviews, and data analysis. 3) Supporting technical working groups and stakeholder engagement to promote ownership and sustainability of disaster risk financing systems. 4) Providing evidence pieces to support the integration of CDRFI into social protection frameworks. The specialist will work closely with the Integrated Risk Team Lead and other officers within WFP Cambodia, ensuring effective collaboration and communication throughout the assignments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in disciplines such as economics, social sciences, agriculture, environmental sciences, agricultural insurance, social protection, disaster risk management, or development studies. Additionally, candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in climate and disaster risk financing, insurance, digital financial inclusion, or social protection. Proven experience in designing and facilitating workshops and training on financial instruments and insurance is essential, along with familiarity with CDRFI tools and mechanisms. Strong analytical and project management skills, excellent writing and presentation abilities, and knowledge of the Cambodian context and relevant government policies are highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: economics, social sciences, agriculture, environmental sciences, agricultural insurance, social protection, disaster risk management, development studies, or other related fields. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of disaster risk financing and its integration into broader social protection and climate resilience strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in areas related to climate and disaster risk financing, insurance, digital financial inclusion, or social protection. Candidates should have a proven track record in designing and facilitating workshops and training sessions, particularly focused on financial instruments and insurance. Familiarity with CDRFI tools and mechanisms, as well as experience in engaging with multiple stakeholders in participatory processes, is essential. Previous experience working in Cambodia or similar contexts is highly desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's understanding of local challenges and opportunities.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in disaster risk financing initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Consultant (When Actually Employed) and is expected to last up to 80 days over 11 months, from 15 September 2026 to 14 August 202

• The role is open to non-Cambodian nationals only. The selected candidate will be required to work both remotely and on-site in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, depending on the specific tasks and assignments. The WFP offers an attractive compensation package, and the position is part of a broader effort to enhance disaster risk management and social protection systems in Cambodia.