Disaster Risk Technical Officer - Jajarkot

Disaster Risk Technical Officer (Jajarkot district)

Location: Barekot Rural Muncipality and Nalgad Municipality, Karnali Province

Duration: May 2024 to March 2025

Reports to: Project Manager

Openings: 1

Deadline of the application: May 19, 2024

Introduction

Welcome to our job posting! We're excited to have you here and we appreciate your interest in this role. Let's dive into the details and see if this opportunity is the perfect fit for you.

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:

We are looking for a dynamic individual to take charge of the exciting and challenging responsibilities that come with this role. As a valued member of our team, you will tackle a wide range of tasks that will push your skills to new heights. You will be responsible for driving the success of various projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and developing innovative solutions to complex problems.

Reporting to PIN's Project Manager, the Disaster Risk Technical Officer will provide support in implementing PIN's ECHO-funded Pratibaddha-III project. The Technical Officer will closely collaborate with the Project Manager, consortium partners, municipalities, and other key stakeholders to carry out Disaster Preparedness, mitigation, and early action activities. They will have a specific focus on conducting geo-hazard assessments, addressing CAT II (requiring mitigation) and CAT III households (in need of relocation). The Technical Officer will also provide support to Local Disaster Management Committees (LDMC), Ward Disaster Management Committees (WDMC), and Committee Disaster Management Committees (CDMC). They will ensure that activities are executed in a timely manner and meet high-quality standards. Additionally, the Technical Officer will actively collect lessons learned throughout the project implementation, fostering strong collaboration with the MEAL team, 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 the Project Manager in the operational management of the project, including handling financial, administrative, logistic, and communication tasks. Ensure strict compliance with PIN's and donor's financial and procurement procedures, particularly at the provincial and district levels.
• Manage and operate the field office, overseeing tasks related to vehicle movement, logistics, finance, and administration.
• Ensure that all field staff and partners adhere to PIN's policies and internal procedures, protocols, and Code of Conduct, with special emphasis on Safeguarding and Duty of Care.
• Uphold the standards and procedures related to Case Handling Framework, Child Protection, and Do No Harm policies. Immediately report and address any complaints or issues with due seriousness.
• Assist the HR department in relevant matters, including HR processes for the project team, such as recruitment, performance management, professional growth, capacity building, and mentoring of national PIN and partners' staff. This includes identifying training needs, developing training plans, and ensuring the delivery of appropriate training. Also, manage day-to-day team activities, such as leave and time management (planning, approval of leave requests, time/attendance sheets), and handle disciplinary issues in cooperation with the HR department in the field.
• Coordinate with the finance department for the financial management of direct project costs, project drawing forecasts (project staffing, activities, partners' costs, etc.).
• Assist the logistic department in project procurement planning (annual/monthly procurement plan) aligning with the project work plan. Also, ensure proper project documentation and archiving in internal databases (ELO, Navision, Sharepoint, etc.), following PIN and donor guidelines.
• Coordinate to meet communication and visibility requirements in line with PIN's Media Policy and donor requirements.
• Ensure the safety, security, and risk management of staff and assets in the field office, and regularly update the risk register.
• Support the program manager and country mission in developing contingency plans and emergency responses.
• Take the lead in employing an adaptive management and facilitation approach to ensure the maximum impact of the HP project in line with developments in the program areas and across the three tiers (especially provincial and local level) of the Nepali government, with a special focus on at-risk citizens.
• Lead the project team, providing guidance, support, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality project outcomes and understanding among the team members.
• Collaborate with the MEAL team and external evaluator to develop a robust MEAL framework, impact evaluation studies, and collect adequate evidence.
• Work closely with the GEDSI and Protection Lead to identify GEDSI and Protection issues and mainstream them throughout the project cycle management. Along with the Accountability and Safeguarding Lead, identify related risks and challenges, update risk registers, and proactively mitigate them. Also, gather and share security information as needed.

 Disaster Risk, Mitigation and Planning

• Establish strong relationships with municipality officials and other representatives in the target areas, including Local Disaster Management Committees (LDMCs) and Ward Disaster Management Committees (WDMCs).
• Assist in updating Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans (DPRPs) to give priority to households categorizd as CAT II and CAT III.
• Provide support in relocating households categorized as CAT III.
• Assist in disaster response and mitigation efforts with the municipality, specifically focusing on nature-based solutions for households categorized as CAT II.
• Collaborate with the private sector to support the implementation of Rural Road Construction Guidelines (RRCG) in the target municipalities.
• Ensure that environmental and climate change aspects of the project are adequately addressed.
• Support advocacy efforts in disaster mitigation, preparedness, and early action.
• Assist the municipalities, partners, and other stakeholders in utilizing government grants for disaster response and mitigation.
• Document evidence from the field and contribute to cost-benefit analysis for nature-based solutions.
• Represent PIN and the project in relevant forums and in front of key stakeholders.

Project Management and MEAL

• Provide regular written updates to the Project Manager at PIN on the progress of project implementation, sharing information every two weeks.
• Ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with humanitarian principles, giving primary consideration to 'do no harm' and protection mainstreaming. Support from PIN's GEDSI team will be provided.
• Collaborate with the MEAL department to ensure that PIN's CFRM is accessible to all beneficiaries.
• Offer recommendations on how to improve activity implementation to ensure the highest quality.
• Report any additional community needs to the Project Manager at PIN, supporting future needs assessments and fundraising efforts.
• Collect and document lessons learned throughout the duration of the project.
• Assist the Project Manager in preparing donor reports upon request.
• Collaborate with the Communications team at PIN to promote the activities of the project.
• Work with the Project Manager to ensure sufficient visibility for donors during the implementation of the project.

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 - 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday with 30 mins break for lunch

How to Apply

Submit an updated CV and Motivation letter before the deadline of May 19, 2024. 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 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.

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