Disaster Risk Management Director

**The proposed start date for this contract would be approximately July 1, 2011**

Position Description:
PCI is currently seeking a Disaster Risk Management Director for a P.L. 480 Title II USAID multi-year assistance program (MYAP) in Ethiopia. Pending the availability of funds, this position would have an expected start date of July, 2011. The project aims to reduce chronic food insecurity, malnutrition and poor health of vulnerable rural individuals, households and communities in Ethiopia. Project objectives include: (1) strengthening community resiliency to shocks, (2) improving household livelihoods, and (3) improving health and nutrition of women and children.

The Disaster Risk Management Director will provide overall management of the program’s DRM activities and ensure achievement of set targets to reduce families’ vulnerabilities to disasters and other shocks. S/he is responsible for the administration and financial accountability of all sector activities, and for establishing, implementing and overseeing effective DRM monitoring and information systems, including activities related to, quality assurance, capacity building, integration and institutionalization of DRM systems among the project and collaborating partners. The Disaster Risk Management Director will report to the Chief of Party and will supervise a technical team of engineers and specialists in a range of sectors associated with vulnerability.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Act as technical lead for Disaster Risk Management activities and ensure that these issues are incorporated into the overall program design and implementation effectively and appropriately.
• Provide overall leadership for the design and implementation of an effective Disaster Risk Management strategy and ensure integration with other sector components of the program.
• Design, implement and/or provide technical assistance and training on DRM programmatic interventions.
• Contribute to development of DRM training modules in accordance to international and local best practices, and in collaboration with existing agencies and working groups.
• Oversee the design and implementation of DRM-related baseline assessments, program reviews, mid-term final evaluations and special studies.
• Strengthen DRM capacity of program partners
• Oversee the identification, documentation, and sharing of best and promising practices, including the program’s success stories.
• Analyze findings and outcomes of DRM activities regularly, and provide feedback and updates to COP and other stakeholders, including identification and mitigation of factors which may hinder program from reaching desired outcomes.
• Directly supervise DRM Specialists.
• Cultivate and nurture relationships with partners at the national, district, and woreda levels.
• Collaborate and coordinate activities with program research partners to effectively measure and evaluate the relative impact of various DRM approaches.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Abilities:
• Advanced degree (Masters or equivalent degree preferred) in Disaster Risk Management, Public Health, Biological, Environmental, Social Welfare or Social Science, with broad-based expertise in DRM methodologies.
• At least eight years of experience related to DRM for development programs, and sound experience in program design, implementation and monitoring, including financial management and accountability.
• Experience in Ethiopia preferred.
• Experience managing USAID/USG funding and familiarity with federal regulations and procedures.
• Experienced in integrated approaches to reducing vulnerability
• Extensive experience in handling large scale emergency response
• Experience and capacity in institutionalizing DRM systems and standards.
• Strong experience with data collection and field research, management, analysis and report production.
• Considerable work experience and capacity to collaborate with partners at multiple levels, including Ministry officials, NGOs (local and international), representatives of civil society and USAID partners.
• Proven capacity to effectively manage and mentor DRM staff with various levels of skills and experience; strong negotiation and facilitation skills.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, DRM information technologies and software applications, relational database systems and web technologies.
• Proficient in English, spoken and strong writing skills to prepare reports, promotional materials and oral presentations
• Proven team leadership skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment with both technical and non-technical staff.
• Excellent inter-personal and inter-cultural skills.
• Excellent training and DRM capacity building skills.

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