ABOUT WFP

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Having established a presence in Lao PDR in 1975, the World Food Programme (WFP) is supporting the Lao Government’s vision of “a prosperous country, with a healthy population, free from food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty”. In its approach, WFP is gradually shifting from the delivery of services to building the capacity of both institutions, communities, and individuals to address the challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms. As populations are scattered over vast areas where access can be difficult, strengthening the self-reliance of communities for solving their own nutrition and food security problems is central to WFP’s strategy.
WFP is currently implementing its Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2022 – 2026 The current CSP is formulated around the achievement of four strategic outcomes: i) providing sustainable access to food for schoolchildren; ii) reducing stunting levels among children aged 6–23 months; iii) enhancing community resilience to seasonal and long-term shocks and stresses; and iv) crisis response. Strengthening the national, sub-national and community level capacities in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience and emergency preparedness and response are areas of increasing focus for WFP Laos. WFP is currently working alongside the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW) to strengthen the capacities of Central level emergency response partners in rapid emergency assessments and humanitarian supply chain operations, with emerging work areas in shock responsive social protection and anticipatory action. WFP is also supporting Provincial and District Authorities in Northern Laos to improve community level disaster risk management practices and climate and disaster proofing community assets.

A Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Specialist is needed to develop programmatic tools and provide technical advice and project management support to both the community level disaster risk management and central level capacity strengthening components. The role will be responsible for strengthening capacities of the Government and will lead in the design and implementation of disaster risk management -focused activities. The role will also provide technical assistance to WFP Laos senior leadership in times of emergencies and lead emergency response operations at the country level as required.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme, the Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Specialist will undertake the following tasks:

• Coordinate and collaborate with team members to identify and design activities to support WFP’s interventions in disaster risk management (including emergency preparedness, response and recovery), emergency assessments, early warning and anticipatory action, while supporting the identification of DRM linkages to shock-responsive social protection and climate resilience programming.
• Lead activities and provide technical guidance to the country office on issues related to disaster risk management (including emergency preparedness, response and recovery), emergency assessments, early warning and anticipatory action.
• Represent the country office coordination in emergency response, early warning and anticipatory action by leading technical contributions to national technical working groups and the inter-agency standing committee – including the coordination of the food security and logistics clusters.
• Develop strategic partnerships and ensure collaboration with key disaster risk management, anticipatory action and emergency response stakeholders (government, UN agencies, NGOs and private sector).
• Lead the design and delivery of emergency food and cash-based transfer operations to support emergency response and recovery activities.
• Develop technically sound disaster risk management and emergency response training materials, programme resources and implementation tools contextually appropriate to Lao PDR and the organizational needs of WFP and Government.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Concept of Operations (CONOPs), Decision Support Systems (DSSs) for emergency preparedness and response.
• Supervise, guide and coach WFP and Government staff in basic disaster risk management and emergency response processes, practices and principles.
• Contribute to resource mobilization opportunities, in coordination with relevant units, through donor engagement, development of funding proposals and country office communications materials.

STANDARD MINIMUM EDUCATION

Advanced university degree with experience in one or more of the following disciplines: economics, social sciences, agriculture, environmental sciences, rural development, disaster risk reduction and management.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

Experience: 

• At least eight years of professional experience in disaster risk management and/or emergency response;
• Proven programme management experience in delivering outcomes for Government and communities in disaster risk management and emergency response;
• Proven ability to strategically engage and coordinate on thematic programme areas with national partners, including Government, donors and national humanitarian actors;
• Proven experience in delivering accountable, gender sensitive and inclusive programme deliverables in complex operating environments.
• Understanding of rural development, food security and vulnerability and ability to link analysis to programme design;
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated technical expertise and experience in disaster risk management, particularly in emergency preparedness and early warning systems. Additional experience in food security, rural development, emergency communications, and in developing guidelines and training manuals is an asset.
• Fluent in English, knowledge of Lao language is an asset.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Duty Station:                  Vientiane, Laos

Contract type & Level:   International Consultant, Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Specialist, level II

Contract duration:         Regular contract 11 months

Reporting:                      Head of Programme, Laos Country Office

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Opening duration: 2 weeks

Posting date: 25 March 2024

Closing date: 7 April 2024 (Please make sure that you submit your application before 23:59 hours on 7 April 2024 (Laos time).