Anticipatory Action and Climate Risk Management Specialist

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 are committed to its mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for positions within its ranks.

Job Overview:
The Anticipatory Action and Climate Risk Management Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing anticipatory action and climate risk management systems across the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). This position is designed to support governments and partners in the region to proactively respond to predictable hazards by utilizing early warning information, risk analysis, and pre-arranged financing. The specialist will be responsible for linking climate and hazard risk analysis with effective delivery mechanisms, ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected from the impacts of climate-related shocks. The role requires a strong understanding of climate variability, disaster risk management, and the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders to implement effective anticipatory action strategies. The position is roving, necessitating frequent travel within the Pacific region to facilitate collaboration and support across multiple countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Anticipatory Action and Climate Risk Management Specialist will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting governments in designing and operationalizing integrated climate risk management systems that leverage early warning information and national delivery mechanisms for timely cash and emergency assistance.
• Ensuring coherence across pre- and post-shock interventions, including harmonized targeting approaches informed by climate risk and vulnerability analyses.
• Leading the development and application of climate and hazard risk analysis, forecasting, and risk models to inform anticipatory action and disaster risk financing.
• Contributing to regional anticipatory action frameworks by strengthening linkages between climate risk management, early warning systems, and disaster risk financing mechanisms.
• Coordinating with meteorological services and disaster management agencies to enhance risk analysis and preparedness planning.
• Strengthening the integration of climate risk management within national policies and programs.
• Supporting the operationalization of feedback mechanisms to ensure community perspectives inform design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design.
• Conducting simulation exercises and assessments to evaluate system performance and inform improvements.
• Providing technical assistance and training to government institutions and partners on climate risk management and anticipatory action.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in climate risk management, environmental sciences, economics, public policy, social protection, disaster risk management, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant professional experience will be considered. Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in climate and disaster risk management, anticipatory action, disaster risk financing, or related areas. Demonstrated experience in designing and operationalizing programs related to anticipatory action and climate risk management is essential. Proven experience working with government systems and partners in climate and hazard risk analysis, vulnerability assessments, and policy development is also required. Experience in multi-country or regional contexts, particularly in humanitarian or development settings, is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as climate risk management, environmental sciences, economics, public policy, social protection, disaster risk management, or development studies. A first university degree combined with relevant professional experience may also be acceptable. The emphasis is on candidates who have a strong academic foundation in areas related to climate risk and disaster management, as well as practical experience in these fields.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as climate and disaster risk management, anticipatory action, disaster risk financing, and resilience programming. Candidates should have a proven track record of designing and operationalizing programs related to anticipatory action and climate risk management. Experience working with government systems and partners in climate and hazard risk analysis, vulnerability assessments, and policy development is crucial. Additionally, familiarity with multi-country or regional contexts, especially in humanitarian or development settings, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Pacific region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role with a duration of 8 months, based in Suva, Fiji. The role is classified at the level of Consultancy II, indicating a mid-level consultancy position. The successful candidate will be expected to travel frequently within the Pacific region as part of their responsibilities. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which will be detailed in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and supports individuals with disabilities by offering reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.