Disaster Risk Technical Officer – Bajhang

Disaster Risk Technical Officer (Bajhang district)

Description

Location: Thalara Rural Municpality and Kedarseu Rural Municipality

Duration: May 2024 to March 2025

Reports to: Project Manager

Openings: 1

Deadline for application : May 19, 2024

Introduction

People in Need (PIN) is a non-governmental, non-profit, international organization founded in the Czech Republic in 1992. PIN arrived in Nepal as part of a humanitarian response to the April 25, 2015 earthquake. Since its inception in Nepal, PIN has had a strong role advocating and addressing the needs of marginalized populations. This includes people who live in geographically remote areas of Nepal, people who are from historically marginalized ethnic groups, and those marginalized because of their age and/or gender identity (women and girls). PIN has also supported Nepal’s post-earthquake reconstruction efforts ensuring that the most vulnerable people are not left behind with resilience (focused on shelter and resettlement) and inclusive education programming. PIN-Nepal is strongly committed for safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, including persons with disabilities, in line with its safeguarding framework and child protection policy.

Pratibaddha III is 2 years project (2024 – 2026) which builds on the successes of EU-funded projects “Pratibaddha 1: Risk-Informed Landslide Management in Nepal’s Hill Areas” and “Pratibaddha 2: Together for Disaster Preparedness and Early Action in Landslide Affected Hill Areas of Nepal”. It focuses on Nepal’s Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudhurpaschim provinces, targeting areas recently impacted by earthquakes (EQ), predicted EQ impacts, and susceptible to landslide risks. The proposed action aims to strengthen at-risk communities’, local and provincial governments’ leadership and joint risk ownership in disaster mitigation, preparedness, and early action using a whole-of-society approach. Incorporating Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and environmental considerations aligned with NEAT+, the action adopts a system strengthening approach aiming to build capacities of provincial governments (PG) and local governments (LG) to lead on developing a landslide disaster preparedness (DP) and early action (EA) framework, increasing the scope for its replication in non-targeted LGs in the case of future disasters. The action consists of three results: Result 1 (R1) reduces hazard exposure, Result 2 (R2) enhances multi-hazard EA for at-risk communities, LGs, and PGs, Result 3 and Result 3 acts as a crisis modifier (CM). With a total target of 183,169beneficiaries, the People in Need (PIN)-led consortium, comprising Community Self Reliance Centre (CSRC), Scott Wilson Nepal (SWN) and Save the Children (SC), will implement the action in DRR and early action.

Scope of work

Reporting to PIN’s Project Manager, the Disaster Risk Technical Officer will support the implementation of PIN’s ECHO-funded Pratibaddha-III project. He/She/they will work closely with Project Manager, consortium partners, municipalities and other key stakeholders to implement Disaster Preparedness, mitigation and early action, with a special focus on geo-hazard assessment, CAT II (in need of mitigation) and CAT III households (in need of relocation)’ activities and works and supports Local disaster management committee (LDMC) Ward Disaster Management Committee (WDMC) and Committee Disaster Management Committee (CDMC). He/she/they will make sure that activities are implemented in a timely fashion and to a high standard. He/she/they will be responsible for collecting lessons learned during the project implementation, closely collaborating with MEAL and the Project Manager and consortium partners.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Support Project Manager in the project management, budget management and oversee the implementation of all outputs and mainstreaming agenda (Gender and Inclusion, Safeguarding, project visibility, education resilience etc).
Provide guidance and support to Disaster Risk Technical Officers, Provincial DRM coordinators and Early Action Coordinators (EACs), that include but not limited to planning, budgeting, budget forecasting, implementing and monitoring of planned activities, reviewing the progress including preparing periodic reports, developing case studies/transforming the lives/success stories, and documenting entire process.
Support EACs in the rapid implementation of Result 3: Crisis Modifier with support from Emergency and Anticipatory Action Lead.
Support PM in preparation of all project reports-internal and external (quarterly and annually) such as internal quarterly report (IQR), quarterly project report (QPR), trackers (QPT) and other project deliverables such as annual newsletter, project briefs and other communication and visibility materials within given timeline.
Support PM to lead monthly, quarterly or (bi) annual learning review meetings with relevant departments and partners to track progress against targets, review project outputs and outcomes, and make necessary adjustments to ensure that the project meets its stated objectives.
Assess the capacity building needs of partners, prepare plans and support for implementation and monitor on regular basis.
Provide technical support to DRTOs to carry out the capacity development and community engagement plan and activities with/for partners, communities and local stakeholders that are directly linked with project activities.
Effectively mainstreams cross-cutting issues in the project, including safeguarding, protection, gender, and environment across project planning, implementation and MEAL components.
Ensure safeguarding of children, vulnerable groups (including people with disabilities) and those in fragile and conflict-affected states at all times.
In cooperation with the MEAL team, i) oversees the development and monthly updating of MEAL plans & activities in the Project Management Plan, including Results Frameworks (RF), Indicator Tracking Tables (ITT), M&E workplan, CFRM system and database, and ii) support external evaluators to plans mid-term and final evaluations.
Work with finance to make sure that all finance-related work follows the financial requirements of the project, including quality and timely reporting from partners.
Coordinate with relevant government and non-government agencies/ organizations to ensure optimum elaboration, reducing duplication and maximizing the result.

Project Management

Support Project Manager in operational management of the project including following financial, admin, logistics, communications tasks to ensure full compliance with PIN’s and donor’s financial and procurement procedures, especially at provincial/district level.
Management and operation of field office including that for vehicle movement and other logistic, financial and administrative tasks.
Ensure and monitor all field staff and partners’ adherence to PIN’s policies and internal procedures, protocols, PIN’s Code of Conduct, with special attention to Safeguarding, Duty of Care.
Standards and Procedure, Case Handling Framework, Child Protection and Do No Harm policies; immediate reporting and redress of any complaints and issues based on its severity.
Support HR department with relevant i) HR processes related to the project team, including recruitment, performance management, professional growth, capacity building and mentoring of national PIN and partners’ staff, including the identification of training needs, development of training plans and ensuring the delivery of appropriate training; ii) day-to-day team management such as leave and time management of the team (planning, approval of leave requests, time / attendance sheets approval process), handling disciplinary issues in cooperation with HR in the field.
Coordinate with finance department for financial management of direct costs, project drawing forecast (project staffing, activities, partners’ costs etc.).
Support logistic department with i) project procurement planning (annual/monthly procurement plan) in line with project work plan, and ii) project documentation & archiving in the internal databases – ELO, Navision, Sharepoint etc., according to PIN and donor guidelines.
Coordinate to ensure communication and visibility requirement are fulfilled in line with PIN Media Policy and donor requirements.
Ensure safety, security and risks measure of staff and asset in the field office; and update risk register
Support programme manager and country mission in developing contingency planning and emergency response
Lead on adaptive management and facilitation approach, ensuring the largest impact of the HP project in line with the developments in the programme areas and across the three tiers (especially provincial and local level) of the Nepali government, with at-risk citizens at the center of the project interventions;
Lead the project team, provide guidance and support and ensure quality of project delivery and its understanding among the team;
Coordinate with and ensure that MEAL team and external evaluator develop robust MEAL framework, and Impact evaluation studies and collects adequate evidence;
Together with GEDSI and Protection Lead identify GEDSI and Protection issues and mainstream GEDSI and Protection throughout the project cycle management. Together with Accountability and Safeguarding Lead, identify related risks & challenges, update risk registers and pro-actively mitigate them; gather and share security information

Disaster Risk, Mitigation and Planning

Lead on establishing relationships with municipality officials and other representatives in the target areas (including LDMCs, and WDMCs);
Support the revision of DPRP plans to include the priorities for CAT II and CAT III households
Support the relocation of CAT III households;
Support the DR and mitigation work with municipality for CAT II households; with a focus on nature-based solutions;
Support implementation of RRCG (Rural Road Construction Guidelines) in the target municipalities; engaging with private sector
Ensuring environmental and Climate Change aspects of the project;
Support advocacy efforts in disaster mitigation, preparedness and early action.
Support the municipalities, partners and other key stakeholders to leverage the governmental grants for DR and mitigation
Documenting evidence from the field, and contributing to cost-benefit analysis for nature-based solutions;
Represent PIN and the project in relevant forums and towards major stakeholders.

Project Management and MEAL

Provide by-weekly written updates to PIN’s Project Manager to report on project implementation progress, and participate in Consortium Coordination meetings;
Ensure that all activities are implemented in alignment with the humanitarian principles, ensure ”do not harm” and protection mainstreaming (with support from PIN’s GEDSI team);
In collaboration with the MEAL department DRTO will ensure that beneficiaries have access to PIN’s CFRM;
Where necessary, provide recommendations as to how activity implementation can be improved to ensure utmost project implementation quality;
Report any additional community needs to PIN’s Project Manager during the project implementation progress to support future needs assessments and fundraising efforts;
Collect lessons learnt throughout the project;
When requested, support the project manager in the development of donor reports;
Collaborate with PIN’s Communications team to promote the project’s activity implementation;
In collaboration with the Project Manager, ensure adequate donor visibility during the implementation of project activities.

Requirements
Professional experience

• 2-5 years of professional experience in implementing DRR, humanitarian or environment projects or governance project in Bajhang district.
• Knowledge and familiarity with developing and operationalizing of DPRP, DRRM fund mobilization guidelines, geohazard assessment, community-based disaster management and social mobilization etc.
• Strong interpersonal, networking, coordination, and organizational skills and familiar with local and district-level government stakeholders, development partners, and private sectors.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Nepali. Fluent written English language.
• Sound knowledge for the preparation of advocacy tools for mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into local government plan.

Education

• A bachelor’s Degree in social science, emergency response, governance, environment science or in a relevant field.

Core Values

• Respect diversity and inclusion
• Have a high level of commitment and integrity

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS AND BENEFITS

• Salaries are according to People in Need Salary Scale. Candidates will be informed about the salaries in the beginning of the recruitment process
• Health insurance for both in-patient and out-patient care with maximum benefit limit of NPR 300,000.00 per year per person (Including dependents)
• Accident insurance for all injuries during work time NPR 3,000,000 per year (For Staff only)
• Compensation leave for working overtime when requested by the Line Manager
• Maternity, Paternity and mourning leave as per the labour law
• Communication or internet allowance on monthly basis (Reimbursable)
• Capacity Building program, both internal and external trainings – Induction training, internal online opportunities, such as access to e-learning platform and live webinars
• International environments with opportunities to learn from other country programs and HQ office in Prague
• Per diem for working outside of the duty town depending on the location. Full reimbursement of accommodation and transportation during business trips (as per the organization’s policy)
• Friendly and fair environment in small collective structure where everyone knows each other
• Work hours are from 9:00 am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday with 30 mins break for lunch

How to Apply

Submit an updated CV and Motivation letter via our application form. Please note, that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and should a suitable candidate be found before the official closing date, the advertisement might be withdrawn before the deadline of May 19, 2024 thus early submissions are strongly encouraged. No phone calls will be entertained.

PIN promotes equal opportunities. Women, Dalits, Minorities (ethnic, sexual & gender), Janajati, persons with disability, and candidates from Local Province(s) are strongly encouraged to apply!

People in Need is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity, and financial misconduct, and is committed to promoting the welfare of children and adults with whom People in Need is involved. People in Need expects all staff to perform job duties and responsibilities following the People in Need code of conduct and key policies (available at: https://www.peopleinneed.net/key-policies-4142gp). People in Need Staff will undertake the appropriate level of training.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Note- If you need reasonable accommodation (especially for people with disability) to proceed with our recruitment process, please mention so in the cover letter.