Disaster Preparedness (DP) Officer at ZOA International

ZOA is an international relief and recovery organization supporting vulnerable people affected by violent conflicts and natural disasters in fragile states, by helping them to realize dignified and resilient lives. ZOA operates in more than 15 countries, in difficult locations where our field staff directly provides assistance to the most vulnerable victims of displacement. The countries in which ZOA is present are Afghanistan, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Liberia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uganda and Yemen. ZOA is active in insecure and volatile regions: serving Syrian refugees in the Middle East, uprooted people in war-torn South Sudan, displaced Yezidis in Northern Iraq and South Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia, to name a few.

ZOA started operations in Nigeria December 2016, supporting IDPs and returnees of Boko Haram affected states. In the selection of the beneficiaries, we pay careful attention to include the most vulnerable households. Continuously promoting community governance, inclusion, peace, and stability in these fragmented and traumatized communities is a challenging but essential part of ZOA's programme. ZOA currently has full team in Borno State, respond to the critical needs in Food Security and livelihood and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Education as well.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Disaster Preparedness (DP) Officer 

Location: Ngala, Borno
Employment Type: Full-time

Summary
Internal:

• The Purpose of the Project Officer for Disaster Preparedness is to support the planning, coordination, and implementation of disaster preparedness and risk reduction activities in the selected vulnerable communities. 
• The Project Officer will work closely with local government agencies, as well as humanitarian organizations, to strengthen local disaster management systems, enhance community resilience, and ensure effective response to emergencies. 
• This role will focus on conducting vulnerability assessments, facilitating capacity-building training, improving early warning systems, and developing contingency plans.
• The Project Officer will be responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of disaster preparedness interventions at the LGA level, mobilizing resources, and ensuring alignment with standards and local needs.
• The ultimate goal is to reduce the impact of disasters on vulnerable populations through proactive preparedness and community-driven actions.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Manager in developing detailed implementation and procurement plans for the project in consultation with relevant team members.
• Support the preparation of monthly and annual work plans
• Work directly with Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs), Ward Disaster Management Committees (WDMCs) and Local Disaster Management Committees (LDMCs) to ensure effective project execution.
• Facilitate to update local DRM plans/policies and develop guidelines for local governments to improve disaster response ensuring alignment with national and international DRR standards.
• Lead DRR interventions including disaster preparedness training; first aid, search and rescue (SAR) operations and establishing Early Warning Systems (EWS) at the community and LGA levels .
• Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and training sessions at the local and ward levels to enhance capacity and awareness on DRR.
• Develop hazard maps for risk visualization to identify and prioritize areas of high risk and enhance community awareness.
• Ensure the functionality of Local Emergency Operation Centers (LEOCs) at the local government level supporting their operation and integration into community-based disaster management efforts.
• Identify areas for the implementation of small-scale mitigation schemes through rapid DRR assessments and coordination with local government to ensure effective execution.
• Coordinate with LGA and community level stakeholders to ensure smooth project implementation and build synergies with other initiatives.
• Collaborate with the DP specialist for technical backstopping and overall guidance on DRR related interventions including planning, EWS localization and capacity enhancement for disaster response.
• Ensure timely and high-quality implementation of project activities in line with the project work plan.
• Maintain a comprehensive database for effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of project activities, tracking progress and outcomes at all levels.
• Support the design and collection of data for case studies, and success stories related to DP initiatives.
• Assist in developing IEC materials that educate communities on disaster preparedness.
• Support to Draft periodic reports (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual) and other required documentation in coordination with the Project Coordinator and project team.
• Ensure that lessons learned are documented and shared within the project manager and other team members
• Build and maintain working relationships with local governments, private sectors, NGOs, and other stakeholders for effective project delivery and resource mobilization.
• Assist in resolving conflicts or challenges in project areas, working collaboratively with local stakeholders and authorities.
• Actively participate in relevant meetings, and events.
• Lead capacity-building initiatives for CEWMs, LEMCs, volunteers, and community groups in disaster preparedness.
• Promote awareness-raising activities in communities particularly through radio broadcasts and workshops and to enhance disaster preparedness.
• Assist the Project Manager with administrative tasks as required.

Competencies

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree or HND (or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in managing DRR, Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and community-based projects with a focus on vulnerable populations
• Affinity with humanitarian work and International NGO’s;
• Excellent spoken and written command of English and developing sound memos for both internal and external;
• A good understanding of local languages such as Hausa and Kanuri is an added advantage
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), ArcGIS and basic statistical analysis.

Skills / Attitude:

• Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation and negotiation skills
• Good skills in project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting Good numerical skills
• Proven experience in DRR, emergency preparedness and response,
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to adapt and find solutions in dynamic environments
• Accuracy;
• Service oriented attitude but strict when it comes to keeping up to the ZOA policies and procedures;
• Able to work under pressures and meet deadlines;
• Result-oriented in a team approach;
• Participative leadership;
• Ability to work individual as well as in a team;
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural setting.

External contacts:

• Community members, Volunteer Groups, Vendors & Suppliers, and community-based organizations;
• Relevant government authorities at local level;
• National and international NGOs working in ZOA’s target areas;
• Any other stakeholders in project implementation at the community level;
• Professional Networks and Working Groups.

Internal contacts:

• ZOA NL, Country office, deep field offices and ZOA staff.

Application Closing Date
19th May, 2025.