Disaster Risk Management Technical Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members - 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide and has started working in Viet Nam since 1978 with its Representation (Country Office) opened in Ha Noi.

At the country level, the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for Viet Nam has been serving as the basis for FAO’s works in Viet Nam for the period of 2022-2026. Climate Change Response, Disaster Resilience and Environmental Sustainability is one of the four FAO strategic priorities under the CPF. As part of this Strategic Priority, Anticipatory Action is an important agenda to enhance the Government’s capacity to better prepare for and respond to disasters. Anticipatory Action is an innovative approach which systematically links early warnings to actions designed to protect families and their assets ahead of a hazard. Acting before a disaster is crucial – it can safeguard lives and livelihoods, build resilience to future shocks, and ease pressure on strained humanitarian resources. This initiative is supported by several resource partners including the European Union, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden.
The DRM Technical Specialist will be responsible for the following specific tasks and responsibilities\:

Reporting Lines

The DRM Technical Specialist will be under the overall supervision by the FAO Representative in Viet Nam, technical supervision by the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) based at the FAO Regional Office in Asia and the Pacific, and day-to-day supervision by the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

Technical Focus

The DRM Technical Specialist will be responsible for leading and coordinating the disaster risk management and Anticipatory Action in Viet Nam within the framework of a project “Increasing capacities and scale for Anticipatory Action including through Social Protection systems” funded by DG ECHO.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the design, planning, operationalization and scale up of DRM/ AA in Vietnam with government and partners, specifically the development of protocols, monitoring of triggers and flexible financing opportunities.
• With support from RAP, organize workshops with government to validate and advocate for the AA approach.
• With support from RAP Cash and Voucher Expert, undertake a Cash feasibility assessment, including market assessment, potential Financial Service Providers, as well as local suppliers and traders.
• Act as FAO Vietnam focal point for anticipatory action, disaster risk management, social protection, cash and voucher assistance (CVA).
• Support the rollout of anticipatory cash and voucher transfers for possible drought response in the Mekong River Delta and typhoon in the Central provinces.
• Support the development and implementation of pilot model to link anticipatory action with the provincial social protection system.
• 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.
• Lead evaluation on the effectiveness of AA to help build the evidence including but, not limited to\: process learning, return on investment and socio-economic benefits.
• Lead resource mobilization efforts on DRM/ AA at the country level and in coordination with RAP AA Experts.
• Represent FAO in the Vietnam Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction, UN Disaster Risk Management Team (UN DRMT), Disaster Management Working Group (DMWG).
• Play the role of the chair of Vietnam Cash Working Group (CWG) to coordinate and promote the cash-based approach in Vietnam and facilitate information-sharing with the AP Regional Cash Working Group.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in Climate change, Disaster risk management, Environmental Management, international development, business administration or related field, specifically in Viet Nam;
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in climate change, disaster risk management, community facilitation, agricultural sector;
• Working knowledge of English
• National of Viet Nam.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Previous experience in humanitarian cash and voucher transfer programming is an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of English is essential
• Good command of computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power point, Internet);
• Good multi-cultural and interpersonal skills with experience in networking with partners in Viet Nam at all levels (Ministries, donors, private sector, NGOs and local community-based organizations);
• Strong analytical and report writing skills;
• Demonstrated experience and good knowledge of the national climate change, disaster risk management, humanitarian response, early warning, resilience, cash transfer programme;
• 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. Ability to interact tactfully and effectively with multiple institutional actors in diverse sectors and at diverse levels;
• Proven capacity to conduct fieldwork and ability to work in teams and establish working relationships central and local government institutions and civil society organizations;
• Good command of computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power point, Internet);

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION