Technical Specialist (Disaster Risk Management/Anticipatory Action) – SB-4

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, and through four Betters (Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life) and leaving no one behind.

Anticipatory Action (AA) in the context of the FAO refers to a proactive approach taken to prevent or mitigate the impacts of disasters and crises on agriculture, food security, and livelihoods. Instead of waiting for a disaster to strike and responding reactively, anticipatory action involves taking measures in advance based on early warning systems, forecasts, and risk analysis to reduce the negative consequences of an impending hazard. The aim is to protect vulnerable populations, especially smallholder farmers, from the adverse effects of disasters, such as droughts, floods, and other climate-related events.

FAO is actively involved in promoting anticipatory action in agriculture and food security. The organization collaborates with various partners, governments, and communities to develop and implement AA strategies. In Cambodia, FAO has been working on the approach, primarily for drought, to pilot test how the system works in the country, and critically supporting the government to make links with its social protection portfolio.

FAO's AA initiatives aim to enhance the resilience of communities, prevent food and livelihood losses, and reduce the overall humanitarian and economic impacts of disasters. By proactively addressing vulnerabilities and risks, the FAO contributes to building more sustainable and secure food systems, particularly in regions prone to climate-related challenges.

Technical Specialist (Disaster Risk Management/Anticipatory Action) is recruited to lead and coordinate AA in Cambodia within the framework of a project “Scaling up Early Warning Early Action for Agriculture and Food Security funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO)

Reporting Lines

The Technical Specialist (Disaster Risk Management/Anticipatory Action) reports directly to Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and works under the technical oversight of Lead Technical Officer (LTO) in the FAO regional office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) and relevant technical units at FAO headquarters. Under the overall supervision of FAO Representative (FAOR) in Cambodia, and in close collaboration with FAO Representation team, governmental counterparts and other technical specialists, the incumbent will carry out the tasks listed below.

Technical Focus

Design, lead and coordinate the work on anticipatory action – including specific focus on early warning and integration/linkages to overall disaster risk management and support coordination with government’s line ministries and authorities (Disaster Management, Water Resources and Meteorology, Agriculture, Social Affairs and Social Protection etc.), as well as key AA actors in Cambodia. Further coordinate the potential to link AA via Social Protection systems in the country.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Technical Specialist (Disaster Risk Management/Anticipatory Action) will\:
Support the design, planning and operationalization of AA initiatives\:
• Support the design, planning, operationalization and scale up of AA in Cambodia with government and partners. Specifically. support the development of protocols, monitoring of triggers and flexible financing opportunities.
• Develop workplan for GFFO Phase 2 programme from Q4 of 2023 to Q4 in 2025, based on the agreed activities with the donor.
• Prepare and submit proposals and provide operational support to the activations funded by the AA window of the FAO Special Fund for Emergencies and Rehabilitation Assistance Fund (SFERA).
• With support from RAP, organize workshops with government to advoate for and explore integration of the AA approach into existing structures and systems.
• With support from RAP Cash and Voucher Expert, explore options and modalities for anticipatory cash transfers and their potential link to existing social protection systems.
• With the RAP Social Protection Experts, lead the design and potential implementation of AA through Shock-Responsive Social Protection systems (integration of triggers and releasing funds prior to impact).
• Act as FAO Cambodia focal point for areas of work related to AA such as disaster risk management, social protection, cash and voucher assistance (CVA) and liaise with relevant colleagues in RAP and HQ on these thematic areas.
• Support the rollout of anticipatory cash and voucher transfers for possible drought.
• Lead and support the post-distribution monitoring of anticipatory cash transfers and in-kind AA support in close collaboration with the M&E and the RAP CVA and AA teams.
• Conduct field missions and advise on operational arrangements for any pre-selected AA, and conduct beneficiaries targeting.
• Work closely with government counterparts to implement the ASEAN Framework on AA in Disaster Management.
• Map out and explore potential entry points for mainstreaming AA into government systems and strategies.
• Lead evaluation on the effectiveness of AA after each activation in the country to help build the evidence including but, not limited to\: process learning, return on investment and socio-economic benefits.
• Lead resource mobilization efforts on AA at the country level and in coordination with RAP AA Experts.

AA coordination with government and partners\:
• Coordinate with relevant government’s line ministries and authorities and other partners to co-organize the establishment and logistical arrangement of a Working Group (WG) on AA and develop a TOR for the group. Explore potential co-leadership of government for the WG.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of the minimum training package on AA with the Asia Pacific TWG on AA (tentatively December 2023 or January 2024).
• Participate to the meetings of any related initiatives (EW4all, Green Climate Fund, Global Environmental Facility, Dialogue Platforms etc.) relevant to AA;
• With communication experts, document key outcomes through mixed media (video, photography) to advocate and lobby for the approach in Cambodia.

Support to the DRM programme of FAO Cambodia to integrate AA\:
• Join coordination meetings as required by the Cambodia FAO Representative, related to disaster management, climate resilience or climate adaption or mitigation as it relates to AA;
• Explore with the country teams how AA can fit into the Country Programming Framework, ongoing project development and strengthen areas of preparedness and response to natural hazards.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of Cambodia
• University degree in agro-meteorology science, disaster management, environmental/agricultural science, international development or similar
• At least five years of relevant experience in management of drought or flood disasters or linking weather service providers and users in the agricultural sector
• Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Previous experience in project management.
• Previous experience in humanitarian cash and voucher transfer programming is an asset.
• Technical experience in disaster management, early warning, resilience of agri-food systems is an asset.
• Experience working with hydro-meteorological agencies, governments and partners to establish early warning systems and response to disasters is highly desirable.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Depth of knowledge of agricultural threats and crises.
• Ability to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION