Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on April 7, 1948, as the directing and coordinating authority in global public health within the United Nations system. With a workforce of over 7000 staff members, WHO operates at three levels: global, regional, and country. The organization collaborates with the governments of 194 Member States and various partners to achieve its founding vision of ensuring the highest possible level of health for all people. In the Western Pacific Region, WHO employs more than 600 staff across 15 country offices and the Regional Office in Manila, Philippines, to support nearly 1.9 billion people in 37 countries and areas in achieving better health outcomes. In Vietnam, WHO has been a member since May 17, 1950, and has played a significant role in supporting the Vietnamese health sector since the end of the war. The WHO country office in Hanoi was established in 1977, with a sub-office in Ho Chi Minh City added in 200

• The mission of WHO in Vietnam is to assist the government in achieving universal health coverage, ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality health services, while addressing the country's unique challenges as it transitions to middle-income status.

Job Overview:
The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Specialist position is part of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific's Humanitarian Emergency Response (HER) Roster, which aims to facilitate the rapid recruitment of qualified UN Volunteers for emergency response assignments. Candidates will be pre-screened based on their qualifications and experience, and those shortlisted may remain in the roster for up to six months. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee recruitment, as selection will depend on the occurrence of emergencies and the availability of candidates. The DRR Specialist will work closely with national and local authorities, humanitarian and development partners, civil society organizations, and affected communities to enhance disaster preparedness, risk assessment, early warning systems, emergency response planning, and capacity-building for disaster risk management. The role will also involve supporting the implementation of national and local DRR strategies aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Expected outcomes include improved coordination among stakeholders, enhanced resilience of vulnerable communities, and effective integration of disaster risk reduction into development planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks under the direct supervision of the Technical Officer on Disaster Risk Management. These tasks include:

• Supporting the collection, analysis, and reporting of information related to disaster risks, hazards, vulnerabilities, and emergency preparedness.
• Assisting in the assessment of health risks associated with natural hazards, climate-related events, and public health emergencies.
• Aiding in the development, implementation, and monitoring of disaster risk reduction and resilience-building initiatives.
• Contributing to preparedness activities, including contingency planning, risk assessments, simulations, and training exercises.
• Supporting coordination and communication with government counterparts, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other partners.
• Facilitating health sector coordination by assisting WHO in organizing meetings, workshops, consultations, and capacity-building activities for stakeholders.
• Contributing to the preparation of technical documents, presentations, situation reports, briefing notes, and other project materials.
• Supporting monitoring, evaluation, and documentation of project activities, lessons learned, and good practices.
• Assisting in awareness-raising and community engagement activities related to disaster preparedness and risk reduction. 1
• Performing other related tasks as required to support effective implementation of disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Specialist position should possess a strong background in disaster risk management, public health, or a related field. They should demonstrate a solid understanding of disaster risk reduction principles, emergency preparedness, and resilience-building strategies. Additionally, candidates should have experience working with government agencies, UN entities, and non-governmental organizations in disaster management contexts. Strong analytical skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and excellent communication skills are essential for this role. Candidates should also exhibit adaptability and flexibility in dynamic environments, as well as a commitment to accountability and professionalism.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Specialist position. Candidates should ideally hold a degree in public health, disaster management, environmental science, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in disaster risk reduction or emergency management will be considered an asset. Continuous professional development and training in relevant areas will also be beneficial for candidates seeking this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of several years of experience in disaster risk management, emergency preparedness, or related fields. Experience working in international settings, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the UN system and its operations, as well as experience in coordinating with various stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society organizations, will enhance a candidate's suitability for this role. Proven experience in project management, capacity-building initiatives, and community engagement activities will also be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Specialist position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN system. Knowledge of Vietnamese or other languages relevant to the region would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Hanoi, Vietnam, which offers a comfortable living environment for international staff. The cost of living is moderate, with various accommodation and dining options available. The role is a National UN Volunteer assignment, and the selected candidate will receive a Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of VND 32,804,373, along with comprehensive health, life, and malicious acts insurance coverage. The living conditions in Hanoi are favorable, with reliable access to essential services such as healthcare, banking, and telecommunications. The city experiences a hot, humid climate in the summer and cooler temperatures in the winter, providing a diverse cultural and historical backdrop for the assignment.