Disaster Management Program Advisor | ReliefWeb

Management and Engineering Technologies International, Inc. (METI) seeks a part-time Disaster Management Program Advisor to be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to support USFS/IP programs, in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The Advisor will support USFS/IP Ethiopia program activities, which focus on disaster risk management and technical capacity building for national institutions. This position will collaborate closely with in-country partners.

1. Background:

The US Forest Service (USFS), through its Office of International Programs, has provided technical assistance and exchange opportunities to partners in Ethiopia for almost a decade. Through a long term partnership with USAID/Ethiopia, USFS programs focus on strengthening institutional and technical capacity in disaster risk reduction, preparedness and coordination to strengthen emergency management and deliver effective humanitarian response and enhance preparedness and interagency cooperation.

2. Position Description:

The Program Advisor will support the implementation of USFS disaster management activities in Ethiopia. Specifically, the Advisor will:

· Advise on program design and direction, working closely with the US-based USFS/IP program manager;

· Communicate with USAID and partners on programmatic matters. Coordinate activities with USAID and conduct routine meetings and briefings with USAID to update them on program activities and resolve outstanding issues

· Maintain a strong knowledge and awareness of disaster management and emergency coordination in Ethiopia, including relevant stakeholders, national policies and legal framework, to ensure the relevance and complementarity of ongoing USFS work.

o Provide in-depth briefing information to the USFS/IP program manager;

· Work closely with the Ethiopia-based USFS/IP disaster management program specialist and visiting USFS experts

· Provide technical assistance to program implementation

· Assist the USFS/IP in-country disaster management program specialist in preparing monthly, quarterly and annual reports for the disaster management program;

· Provide thorough program analysis and work planning recommendations on disaster management to the USFS/IP program manager;

· Maintain close communication with partners in country, including USAID, to ensure technical assistance is meeting needs and expectations;

o Initiate contacts with other organizations in Ethiopia working on similar issues in the field of disaster and emergency management;

· Cultivate strong working relationships between USFS and USAID, government partners, and other key partners in Ethiopia;

· Ability to represent the US government at meetings and in interactions with international donors, local governments, international NGOs, and civil society;

3. Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in disaster risk management, international affairs, humanitarian assistance, international development, engineering or related field;

o Master’s degree preferred

· Minimum 10 years’ experience working on disaster management issues in Ethiopia with international organizations and/or funding;

· Knowledge or prior experience with components of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), including ICS.

· Professional written and spoken proficiency in English and Amharic required;

· Proven ability to work well with multi-level stakeholders; strong interpersonal skills; and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;

· Familiarity with disaster management and development issues in Ethiopia;

· Strong writing, organizational, and communication skills;

· Demonstrated capacity to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks to ensure their efficient and timely accomplishment;

· Strong ability to work independently in difficult conditions while maintaining productivity;

· USAID or other donor experience strongly preferred.

Position Location: Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with potential for travel in support of project activities. Relocation allowances will not be provided.