Special Note: This is a 3-months volunteer assignment for Pakistani nationals. Please apply only those who are willing to volunteer, with minimum 25 years of age and have at least 5 years of professional experience.
This post is a United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme assignment and based on the values of free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism. Volunteering brings benefit to both society at large and the individual volunteer. It makes important contributions, economically as well as socially. It contributes to a more cohesive society by building trust and reciprocity among citizens.
The United Nations Volunteers programme is the UN Organization that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilization of volunteers. It serves the causes of peace and development through enhancing opportunities for participation by all peoples. It is universal, inclusive and embraces volunteer actions in all its diversity.
1. Background
The 8 October 2005 earthquake has caused massive disruption to public infrastructure and houses in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the North West Frontier Province. The Government of Pakistan reports an estimated death toll of 73,300 with around 69,400 injured. Some 38,500 sq km of areas were affected with hundreds of towns and villages, particularly around Muzaffarabad, Manshera, Balakot and Batagram, being most seriously hit. Assessments indicate that 70% of houses have been destroyed, and the remaining 30% damaged. The latest estimates indicate that around 3.5 million people have been affected by the disaster.
In order to support implementation of the National Disaster Risk Management Framework, UNDP Pakistan has launched a five year project titled, ‘National Capacity Building for Disaster Risk Management’. Overall objective of the project is to establish appropriate institutional structures and capacities at national, provincial and local levels for dealing with disaster risks and vulnerabilities effectively. This will be achieved by implementation of interventions under the twelve (12) output areas which are based upon the priorities identified in the National Disaster Risk Management Framework.
Under the Project Workplan for 2008, Australian Government (AusAID) has provided support for two critical interventions. These include; i) the operationalization of District Disaster Management Authorities, and ii) local and community level programme implementation on disaster risk management. These interventions are strategically important, since they would directly and immediately contribute to reduction of disaster risks through local institutional and capacity development in selected high risk districts. Given the short time available for implementation of this intervention, and to ensure effective use of available resources, interventions will be implemented in the districts of Badin, Thatta, Quetta and Kech in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan respectively. Districts of Badin, Thatta and Quetta fall under the category of very high risk districts due to their exposure to cyclones, flooding and earthquake hazards respectively. Severe socio-economic losses have been suffered in these districts every now and then due to natural disasters. Kech has also suffered from severe flooding in 2007, that was caused by cyclone Yemyin and further aggravated by the overflow of Mirani dam and the Nehang and Ruskhan rivers. Given the associated risks and the preference of provincial governments, NDMA initiated the process of training and planning in the districts of Badin and Thatta in 2007.
The selected districts would provide an opportunity to all stakeholders including DDMAs, PDMAs and NDMA to implement similar activities in other areas based upon the lessons learnt during this demonstration intervention. It would help to identify issues and challenges and to devise strategies for more effective interventions in future.
1. Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Community and Local Programming Expert and DDMA Focal Point, the Disaster Risk Management Coordinator will perform the following:
-
Assist Community and Local Level Programming Expert in implementation and monitoring of project activities.
-
Assist DDMA Focal Points in organizing monthly coordination meetings of concerned stakeholders.
-
Conduct 6 capacity building trainings on DRM for local communities on CBDRM at Union council level.
-
Design and print a poster for community awareness campaign on household level safety measure for floods and cyclones.
-
Conduct 6 DRM sessions for students and teachers on School Safety Measures.
-
Develop biweekly media briefs for local press on DRM activities in the district.
-
Support in establishing Information Management Cell at District level. Provide basic Computer trainings to designated government officials.
-
Any other task assigned by Project Manager.
2. Competencies
-
Excellent knowledge on Disaster Risk Management and multi-disciplinary development approach
-
Commitment to UNV`s vision and values
-
Excellent people management skills
-
Excellent facilitation and writing skills
-
Excellent team building, team leadership and management skills, preferably in working with district administration
-
Good physical health and ability to travel to local areas with basic travel facilities
3. Reporting
National UNV Disaster Risk Management Coordinators will be based in the District Headquarters and report to Community and Local Programming Expert based in CPRU- UNDP Islamabad. At district level, they will work closely with District Focal Point for Disaster Management Authority. S/he will be also a part of UNV team and will cooperate with UNV Country Office Team and join their efforts in promotion of volunteerism.
4. Qualification and Experience
Education
-
Masters degree in social sciences or discipline relevant to disaster management.
-
Recognized contributions to the theory and practice of disaster management through professional associations.
Experience
-
At least with a minimum of 3 years of increasingly responsible experience in disaster management, emergency response and post-disaster recovery.
-
At least 2 years of experience in designing and implementing trainings and awareness raising activities.
-
Extensive field experience in disaster environments and an in-depth knowledge of disaster management issues.
-
Excellent facilitation skills and knowledge of adult learning principals
Language Requirements
This position is open to applicants of either sex. Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates. Only short listed candidates would be contacted
| Education |
Must |
Degree |
Degree Level |
Country |
Description |
 | Social Sciences | Masters Degree | Pakistan | Recognized contributions to the theory and practice of disaster management through professional associations. |
| Skills |
| Must |
Title |
Level |
Description |
| Computer Skills | Good | Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet |
| Communication Skills | Good | Fluency in Urdu and English is essential. Ability to communicate in respective local language is desirable. |