National DRR/Anticipatory Action Specialist

National DRR/Anticipatory Action Specialist

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

August 9, 2026September 23, 2026Home Based Online
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to combat hunger. With a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, FAO ensures that people have regular access to sufficient high-quality food for active, healthy lives. The organization has 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union, and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. FAO Viet Nam collaborates with national ministries, local authorities, and development partners to identify priorities and design programs that enhance food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. The office plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources from bilateral and multilateral partners, facilitating project formulation, donor coordination, and technical implementation. FAO Viet Nam's assistance is multidisciplinary, evidence-based, and aligned with government policies, serving as a focal point for translating FAO's global expertise into practical actions that address the evolving agricultural and rural development needs of Viet Nam.

Job Overview:
The National DRR/Anticipatory Action Specialist will play a pivotal role in implementing the anticipatory action agenda in Viet Nam, which is an innovative approach that connects early warnings to proactive measures aimed at safeguarding families and their assets before hazards occur. This position involves working closely with the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA) and other stakeholders to institutionalize a nationally led, multi-level anticipatory action system. The specialist will ensure that project activities are executed in a timely, technically sound, and well-coordinated manner, adhering to the approved work plan. The role encompasses various aspects, including project inception, site selection, baseline assessments, policy advocacy, legal frameworks, technical standards, capacity building, and activation of anticipatory actions. The specialist will be responsible for developing methodologies, conducting assessments, drafting technical standards, and facilitating workshops to promote early warning systems and anticipatory action.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National DRR/Anticipatory Action Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of tasks during the first year of project implementation. These include providing technical support for the development of a self-assessment capacity assessment tool, assisting in the methodology and Terms of Reference for the Baseline Capacity Assessment, and participating in the assessment to evaluate existing government systems. The specialist will also support the preparation of the final assessment report, including formulating clear recommendations and providing logistical support for project kick-off workshops. Additionally, the specialist will provide technical assistance for the inclusion of anticipatory action in the revision of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, assist in drafting contextualized technical standards, and support the identification of approaches for institutionalizing anticipatory action. The role also involves enhancing forecast systems, commune risk mapping, and developing multi-hazard risk maps using GIS tools. Furthermore, the specialist will support capacity-building efforts for local and national partners, organize workshops, and assist in reviewing forecast information and trigger thresholds for timely activation of anticipatory actions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Disaster Risk Management, Agriculture, Public Policy, or a closely related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation, and/or emergency response in Viet Nam is required, with specific experience in anticipatory action being essential. Candidates must have a working knowledge (Level C) of English and fluency in Vietnamese. Additionally, candidates must be nationals of Viet Nam.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Disaster Risk Management, Agriculture, Public Policy, or closely related disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of disaster risk reduction and anticipatory action.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation, and emergency response, specifically within the context of Viet Nam. This experience should include hands-on involvement in anticipatory action initiatives, demonstrating a strong understanding of the local context and the challenges faced in implementing effective disaster risk management strategies.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge (Level C) of English, alongside fluency in Vietnamese. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders, partners, and local communities involved in disaster risk management and anticipatory action initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on collaboration with various stakeholders in Viet Nam. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that may involve travel to project sites as needed. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's standards and policies, ensuring that the selected candidate is adequately supported in their role.
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