Senior Disaster Risk Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a leading multilateral development bank established in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB is owned by 69 members, with 50 from the Asia-Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. ADB's mission is to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development, working collaboratively with its members and partners to address complex challenges. ADB employs a diverse workforce and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women, and aims to ensure that its workforce reflects the diversity of the region it serves.

Job Overview:
As a Senior Disaster Risk Management Officer, you will play a pivotal role in implementing ADB's Disaster Risk Management (DRM) policy and operational framework. This position is strategically located within the Climate Change, Resilience, and Environment Cluster (CCRE) of the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD) at the Pacific Subregional Office in Suva, Fiji. Your responsibilities will include supporting Fiji and engaging with key regional organizations to advance policies on disaster risk reduction (DRR), disaster preparedness, disaster risk financing (DRF), and post-disaster recovery. You will also be involved in developing operational projects that enhance investment in these critical areas, utilizing ADB's crisis response toolbox. The role requires active participation in policy dialogues, knowledge exchange, and representing ADB's DRM team at various regional and international forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties will encompass several key areas: 1) Policy and Strategy Development: You will contribute to the formulation of DRM policies and their integration into country partnership strategies. This includes participating in regional policy dialogues and knowledge-sharing platforms to harmonize DRM approaches across Pacific Developing Member Countries (DMCs). You will also support the development of disaster risk financing instruments and resilience-building programs, as well as policy reforms that enable risk-informed budgeting and innovative financing instruments such as catastrophe bonds and parametric insurance. 2) Project Design and Implementation: You will lead technical inputs for DRM in projects, conducting feasibility studies and risk assessments while ensuring compliance with ADB's safeguards and climate resilience standards. You will track project progress, prepare periodic reports, and ensure timely delivery of outputs, promoting innovative solutions that leverage GIS and digital platforms for risk assessment and monitoring. 3) Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: Organizing training and workshops for government counterparts and stakeholders will be a significant part of your role. You will prepare policy briefs, technical notes, and case studies that showcase best practices in DRM and disaster risk financing, contributing to ADB's knowledge platforms, including Resilience Learning Month and regional forums. 4) Coordination and Partnerships: You will foster collaboration across departments and with external partners, liaising with key regional organizations such as the Pacific Islands Forum and the Pacific Community to align DRM initiatives. Supporting multi-donor trust fund operations and reporting will also be part of your responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you will need a Bachelor's degree in Disaster Risk Management, Economics, Actuarial Sciences, Climate Policy, International Relations, Statistics, Environment, Urban Planning, Engineering, or related disciplines, preferably with a Master's degree or equivalent. You should have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk management, including a minimum of 4 years in a supervisory role. A strong understanding of regional policy on climate and disaster risk management is essential, along with experience working in multilateral banks, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, or national governments in the Pacific region. Knowledge of DRM and climate change, particularly adaptation in a development context, is also required. Proficiency in written and verbal English is mandatory, and you must have two years of relevant experience outside ADB within the past five years, with ADB-engaged consultancy or contractor roles considered as experience outside of ADB.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Disaster Risk Management, Economics, Actuarial Sciences, Climate Policy, International Relations, Statistics, Environment, Urban Planning, Engineering, or related disciplines. A Master's degree or equivalent is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk management, with a minimum of 4 years in a supervisory capacity. This experience should ideally be gained in contexts related to multilateral banks, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, or national governments, particularly within the Pacific region. A strong understanding of DRM and climate change, especially in relation to adaptation strategies within a development framework, is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, both written and verbal. This is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external partners. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Pacific region may be considered advantageous but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment with the option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years or until the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes first. The role is crucial to the Workforce Rebalancing Framework (2022-2027), aimed at enhancing ADB's in-house expertise. The position is open to nationals and permanent residents residing in the duty station, Australia, and ADB member countries in the Pacific region. The compensation package is local, and the role may involve short-term assignments in other departments or offices as required. ADB offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, medical and health benefits, life and other insurance plans, staff development opportunities, a retirement plan, and housing and education allowances if applicable.