ETC Preparedness and Response Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is a leading humanitarian organization that works to combat hunger and promote security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, providing assistance to millions of people in need. The organization focuses on emergency response, resilience building, and nutrition, particularly in regions prone to disasters. WFP's mission is to eradicate hunger and improve nutrition, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to food and the means to sustain themselves. In the Pacific region, WFP collaborates with local governments and partners to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities, particularly in the face of climate change and natural disasters.

Job Overview:
The ETC Preparedness and Response Officer will play a crucial role in enhancing emergency telecommunications resilience across the North Pacific, which includes the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, and Kiribati. This position involves working closely with National Disaster Management Offices (NDMOs) and relevant communications authorities to implement initiatives that strengthen telecommunications systems and coordination in response to disasters. The officer will lead projects aimed at improving preparedness and resilience, ensuring that local systems are capable of effectively managing and mitigating the impacts of disasters. The role requires a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement, project management, and capacity building, with a focus on harmonizing emergency telecommunications preparedness across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) preparedness and resilience projects across the North Pacific, ensuring alignment with national disaster risk management priorities.
• Develop and refine tools for emergency telecommunications preparedness, including assessment methodologies and national guidelines.
• Establish effective coordination mechanisms for emergency telecommunications among North Pacific countries, fostering interoperability and information sharing.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including government agencies and humanitarian partners, to ensure collaboration on preparedness initiatives.
• Conduct telecommunications assessments and support project implementation through workshops and training exercises.
• Manage multi-country ETC preparedness initiatives, contributing to planning and reporting processes.
• Design and deliver training programs and workshops to build national capacity in emergency telecommunications.
• Facilitate capacity building for national stakeholders, promoting peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products to document best practices and lessons learned. 1
• Perform additional duties as required to support ETC objectives across the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong project management skills, with a proven ability to lead initiatives in emergency telecommunications or disaster management. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for engaging with diverse stakeholders. A solid understanding of telecommunications systems and disaster risk management frameworks is required. Candidates should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in challenging environments, with a commitment to building local capacities and promoting regional collaboration. Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop and implement strategic plans are also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in telecommunications, disaster management, emergency management, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant areas will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a strong academic background that supports their understanding of emergency preparedness and response frameworks.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in emergency telecommunications, disaster management, or related fields is required. Experience working in the Pacific region or with international organizations is highly desirable. Candidates should have a track record of successfully managing projects and engaging with government and non-governmental stakeholders in emergency contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the organization. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the North Pacific region would be considered an advantage, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance engagement efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, which is a remote island duty station. The living conditions are modest, and candidates should be prepared for a high cost of living due to reliance on imported goods. The role may involve travel across the North Pacific for project implementation and stakeholder engagement. The position is full-time, and candidates should be adaptable to the unique challenges of working in a remote environment.