Disaster Risk Management Specialists at the World Bank Group

The World Bank, a member of the World Bank Group, is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. Our mission is to fight poverty with passion and professionalism for lasting results and to help people help themselves and their environment by providing resources, sharing knowledge, building capacity and forging partnerships in the public and private sectors.

In 2015, the World Bank Group launched a recruitment mission to attract Sub Saharan African professionals to its work force. The initiative was the first of its kind for the institution and resulted in numerous hires into business areas such as Education, Health, Development Economics, Information Technology Systems, Social Urban/Rural & Resilience and Governance. The World Bank Group continues its commitment to hiring Sub-Saharan African professionals and announces its latest recruitment mission to again attract highly qualified Sub-Saharan African professionals who are looking for an exciting career, where their effort will contribute to the institution's goal of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity.

Applications are invited for the position below:

Job Title: Disaster Risk Management Specialist

Location: Africa
Area: Disaster Risk Management

Job Summary

• The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), established in 2006, is a multi-donor partnership and grant-making financing mechanism. The Facility provides on-the-ground technical assistance to help developing countries integrate disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation into development strategies, policies and investment programs, including post-disaster recovery and reconstruction.
• GFDRR draws upon a wide range of sector-specific expertise, and has an extensive geographic and operational presence. In fiscal year 2015, GFDRR helped leverage over $3 billion in financing from the World Bank Group, catalyzing resilient recovery in 12 countries and supporting disaster risk management capacity in 89 countries. The current portfolio of projects under implementation consists of 280 grants worth approximately $216 million, with Sub-Saharan Africa being the largest recipient.
• Five pillars of action provide GFDRR’s operational framework: (1) risk identification; (2) risk reduction; (3) preparedness; (4) financial protection; and (5) resilient recovery. GFDRR’s work is structured around three programs supported by various trust funds: (i) country programs; (ii) thematic programs; and (iii) advocacy, partnership and knowledge programs. In addition, GFDRR is responsible for managing and administering two special programs: the Japan-World Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries - financed by Japan - and the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP)-European Union (EU) Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Program - financed by the EU.
• The GFDRR Secretariat is hosted by the World Bank in Washington D.C. with satellite offices in Brussels and Tokyo. The Secretariat is responsible for awarding and managing grants, reporting on results, and carrying out outreach and partnership development. It also acts as the support hub for a decentralized network of DRM experts in the World Bank and provides a global platform for knowledge-sharing and capacity building.
• GFDRR is seeking a Disaster Risk Management Specialist who help to carry out the work of the Resilient Recovery thematic program. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision and oversight of the GFDRR Resilient Recovery Team Leader, in close coordination with other GFDRR teams, and with regional experts forming the DRM Community of Practice.

Duties and Accountabilities
General:

• Under the overall supervision of the GFDRR Resilient Recovery Team Leader, the DRM Specialist will provide assistance to development and implementation of the strategic approach to disaster prevention and resilient recovery in all disaster-prone countries.
• S/he will work in close collaboration with the Bank’s Regional Coordinators for DRM, GFDRR Team Leaders, and relevant network focal points in the Bank.

Specific tasks:

• Lead the review of grant proposals, consultation on technical issues, preparation of progress reports, project briefings and other relevant monitoring information for GFDRR support of post-disaster/conflict assessments and recovery frameworks.
• Participate in post-disaster emergency missions, as required, including the organization of Post -disaster Damage and Needs Assessments (PDNAs) and support to authorities in the mobilization of recovery resources and design of recovery plans/frameworks, including Emergency Recovery Loans.
• Manage relations with external partners such as UN agencies and the EU, and develop and manage joint programs for strengthening of recovery and preparedness systems.
• Undertake research and knowledge management activities, including analytical papers and guidance notes for Bank staff, on best practices for Bank’s DRM-related operations, promote and facilitate knowledge exchange and dissemination, and regularly contribute to conducting trainings on PDNAs and disaster recovery frameworks (DRFs).
• Provide cross-support to regional task teams for the preparation and supervision of DRM and disaster recovery projects, including drafting and processing of project concept notes, project appraisal documents and Board packages, operations manuals, fiduciary arrangements, and participation on missions.
• Perform other duties and functions as assigned by supervisor and/or task team leader.

Selection Criteria

• A Masters’ degree in Public Policy, International Development Studies, Social Science, Disaster Risk Management, or related fields.
• At least five years of relevant experience in disaster risk management, post-disaster/conflict recovery or related areas. Direct work experience in post-disaster situations is preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of working independently, seeking guidance on complex projects/issues from senior specialists.
• Demonstrated experience in sharing of best practice, knowledge and lessons learned across units and with clients and partners, articulating ideas verbally and in writing in a clear and compelling way across audiences of varied levels.
• Highly developed communication and advocacy skills, including ability to write concisely and clearly in English and synthesize complex documentation and ideas for a range of audiences. Demonstrated skills and experience in speaking and writing to senior management, government officials, donor partners, etc.
• High degree of motivation, initiative, flexibility, reliability, and responsiveness to changing demands; capacity for effective multi-tasking, with demonstrated ability of being an independent starter with minimal supervision, and a high capacity to persevere for results.
• Deals sensitively in multi-cultural and matrix environments.
• Written and spoken fluency in English is required. Fluency in French or Spanish is desirable.
• Strong ability to analyze and resolve issues cross cutting areas of specialization, with an understanding of how solutions affect the overall work program strategy.
• Ability and flexibility to travel to remote countries and regions.

Recruitment Timeline
End of July - September 2016 - Review applications and update application status to candidates
August - September 2016 - Contact all shortlisted candidates and conduct interviews in Washington, D.C. and locations in Africa

Application Closing Date
7th August, 2016.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Shortlisted candidates may be contacted as early as August 2016 for interviews which may be conducted in Washington, D.C. or locations in Africa. Interviews will be conducted through September 2016. Based on the availability of interviewers and candidates some interviews may be conducted virtually.
• Candidates who have previously submitted applications through the Recruitment Drive for African Nationals in 2015 must submit a new application to be considered for opportunities in this year's campaign. We apologize that we are unable to consider previously submitted applications.