Anticipatory Action and Disaster Risk Reduction Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP's mission is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes, and it is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security.

Job Overview:
The Anticipatory Action and Disaster Risk Reduction Expert will play a crucial role in spearheading WFP’s engagement with government counterparts and partners to institutionalize Anticipatory Action and strengthen national systems for climate and Disaster Risk Management in Tanzania. This position is vital in addressing the intersecting issues of climate extremes, food insecurity, and disaster risk management. The expert will be responsible for implementing Anticipatory Action and Disaster Risk Reduction programs at both national and district levels, working closely with the Prime Minister’s Office – Disaster Management Department (PM-DMD). The role requires a proactive approach to disaster risk management, focusing on forward-looking risk management strategies that are closely linked to climate science and services. The expert will also be involved in developing and implementing emergency preparedness and response plans, contingency plans for various hazards, and ensuring that climate services are accessible to the most at-risk communities. Frequent travel to Dar Es Salaam and project districts will be necessary to fulfill these responsibilities effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The expert will undertake a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Anticipatory Action and Disaster Risk Reduction lead, including: conducting district-level Hazard, Exposure, Capacity, and Vulnerability Assessments; collaborating with PMO-DMD to develop District level Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans (EPRPs); creating Disaster Risk Management (DRM) programs that integrate social protection and anticipatory action; supporting the development of contingency plans for various hazards; providing technical input for policy and strategy formulation related to DRR; participating in donor working groups; liaising with ESARO DRR colleagues; supporting the Prime Minister’s Office in coordinating the Anticipatory Action system design process; developing multi-hazard anticipatory action plans; defining impact-based triggers for anticipatory action; providing technical support to field teams; and engaging with government and partners on anticipatory action and disaster risk financing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, climate change, environment, earth sciences, geography, climatology, disaster risk reduction/management, or related fields. Additionally, a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in disaster risk reduction, disaster risk management, or related areas is required. The candidate should have demonstrated ability to provide technical assistance and capacity building to stakeholders involved in disaster risk management, as well as experience working on programs related to food security, agriculture, or rural development. Experience in managing projects focused on capacity strengthening for climate action programs is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in relevant fields such as meteorology, atmospheric science, climate change, environment, earth sciences, geography, climatology, or disaster risk reduction/management is essential for this position. This educational background will equip the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively address the challenges associated with climate change and disaster risk management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of post-graduate experience in disaster risk reduction, disaster risk management, or related areas. Candidates should have progressively responsible experience and a proven track record of working closely with government entities. Experience in providing technical assistance and capacity building to stakeholders involved in disaster risk management is crucial. Additionally, familiarity with programs related to food security, agriculture, or rural development is considered an asset, as is experience in managing projects focused on climate action.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of WFP. Knowledge of Kiswahili is highly desirable, given the location of the position in Tanzania. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly if they relate to the local context or the communities served by WFP.

Additional Notes:
This position is a contract role classified as SC9, with a duration of one year, renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The role is based in Dodoma, Tanzania, and will require frequent travel to Dar Es Salaam and various districts involved in the project. WFP offers an attractive compensation package and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. The organization emphasizes the importance of reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.