JOB DESCRIPTION FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION OFFICER (DRRO)

Job Title: Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Officer

Project: Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) Project

Location: Achham

Reporting to: Project Coordinator

Organization: WAC Nepal

Coordination with: DRR Coordinator at WVI Nepal for technical guidance and support

Job Summary

The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Officer will lead the implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) component of the CBDRR Project, enhancing the resilience of vulnerable populations particularly in flood/landslide prone and disaster-affected areas. Reporting to the Project Coordinator, the DRR Officer will support the project team in planning, execution, monitoring, coordination, documentation, and reporting on DRR initiatives. The role includes managing project resources efficiently, building relationships with donors and collaborating with local governments, private sectors and communities. The DRR Officer will also coordinate with the DRR Coordinator at WVI Nepal for technical guidance and support to ensure the smooth integration of disaster preparedness, early warning systems (EWS) and community-based interventions for mitigating disaster impacts.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

1. Project Planning, Implementation, and Coordination

• Assist the Project Coordinator in developing detailed implementation and procurement plans for the project in consultation with relevant team members.
• Support the preparation of monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual work plans coordinating closely with project team.
• Work directly with Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs), Ward Disaster Management Committees (WDMCs) and Local Disaster Management Committees (LDMCs) to ensure effective project execution.
• Facilitate to update local DRM plans/policies and develop guidelines for local governments to improve disaster response ensuring alignment with national and international DRR standards.
• Lead DRR interventions including disaster preparedness training; first aid, search and rescue (SAR) operations and establishing Early Warning Systems (EWS) at the community level.
• Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and training sessions at the local and district levels to enhance capacity and awareness on DRR.
• Develop hazard maps for risk visualization to identify and prioritize areas of high risk and enhance community awareness.
• Ensure the functionality of Local Emergency Operation Centers (LEOCs) at the local government level supporting their operation and integration into community-based disaster management efforts.
• Identify areas for the implementation of small-scale mitigation schemes and safe shelters through rapid DRR assessments and coordination with local government to ensure effective execution.
• Coordinate with district and local-level stakeholders to ensure smooth project implementation and build synergies with other initiatives.
• Collaborate with the DRR Coordinator at WVI Nepal for technical backstopping and overall guidance on DRR related interventions including planning, EWS localization and capacity enhancement for disaster response.
• Assist in integrating DRRM measures identified in local DRM Plans into local level annual plan and budgeting process.

2. Monitoring and Quality Control

• Ensure timely and high-quality implementation of project activities in line with the project work plan.
• Facilitate to revise DRR strategies and interventions based on feedback from DMCs, stakeholders and communities especially during the budget review process.
• Monitor the project’s budget and ensure activities are carried out within the allocated resources.
• Provide continuous support and feedback to field-level staff ensuring that capacity-building needs are addressed.
• Maintain a comprehensive database for effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of project activities, tracking progress and outcomes at all levels.

3. Data Collection, Research, and Report Writing

• Support the design and collection of data for research, case studies, and success stories related to DRRM initiatives.
• Assist in developing knowledge products (blogs, reports, info sheets, etc.) and ICT materials that communicate the project’s results to stakeholders and donors.
• Draft periodic reports (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual) and other required documentation in coordination with the Project Coordinator and project team.
• Ensure that lessons learned are documented and shared within the project with partners and beyond.

4. Communication, Linkages, and Networking

• Build and maintain working relationships with local governments, provincial and federal institutions, private sectors, NGOs, and other stakeholders for effective project delivery and resource mobilization.
• Participate in cross-project learning and exchange events to share DRR experiences and best practices.
• Assist in resolving conflicts or challenges in project areas, working collaboratively with local stakeholders and authorities.
• Actively participate in relevant meetings, events, and platforms to represent the project and share key findings with external audiences.

5. Capacity Building and Community Engagement

• Lead capacity-building initiatives for CDMCs, WDMCs and community groups in disaster preparedness and response, EWS operation and search and rescue techniques.
• Promote awareness-raising activities in communities particularly through radio broadcasts and workshops and to enhance disaster preparedness.
• Engage school children and youth in DRR initiatives nurturing them as leaders in disaster resilience and preparedness through targeted awareness programs and competitions.

6. Administration and Financial Management

• Assist the Project Coordinator with administrative tasks such as financial management, human resources and performance evaluations of the field staff.
• Support the efficient management of project resources ensuring compliance with organizational financial protocols.

7. Other Tasks

• Contribute to other projects and initiatives of the organization as assigned by the Project Coordinator.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in managing DRR, Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and community-based projects with a focus on vulnerable populations.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience in DRR, emergency preparedness and response, community adaptation planning and early warning systems (EWS).
• Demonstrated experience working with government, non-government and private sector stakeholders.
• Ability to lead teams, coach field staff and build capacity in DRR and climate change adaptation.
• Excellent skills in project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to adapt and find solutions in dynamic environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), ArcGIS and basic statistical analysis.
• A valid motorbike/scooter driving license is preferred.