Project Officer (Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Change Adaption)

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Micronesia in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the direct supervision of the IOM Head of Sub-office in Majuro, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI), and in close coordination with the Emergency and Preparedness Coordinator based in Pohnpei, the Project Officer (Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation) will apply theoretical knowledge and administrative skills in supporting the interrelated administrative and program functions in contributing to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Disaster Risk Management (DRM), Emergency Preparedness and Response, Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Resilience Programming in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI).

Within the RMI country strategy Resilience Pillar, IOM in RMI works with national and local governments, local NGOs and communities to increase coping capacities to various community development challenges and crises exacerbated by climate change. Towards achieving this goal, IOM works across multiple levels, partnering with national, state, and municipal governments as well as vulnerable communities to develop necessary knowledge, skills and resources. Working on multiple levels allows for a holistic response which integrates increased resilience of communities with strengthened government response. IOM works with partners to assess context and needs, and develop multi-sectorial interventions. Working with government partners, IOM supports the development and strengthening of climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness and response policies, standard operating procedures and operational plans. IOM also works with National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to enhance preparedness and strengthen local capacities through technical support including strategic and policy level support.

The successful candidate will work as part of a team that provides support and technical expertise at both a community and a governmental level regarding CCA, DRR, emergency preparedness and response through technical support, capacity building, Emergency Communications and Climate Change Adaptation strategies, protecting well-being of those affected by climate change and disasters and support preparedness efforts.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Assist the Emergency and Preparedness Unit Coordinator in the coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of program activities and deliverables under Resilience project component 1 and 2 by compiling general background information from readily available sources and providing administrative and technical assistance.
2. Engage and closely coordinate with relevant stakeholders, local authorities, other partners, and community leaders as appropriate to assist with the implementation of the capacity building initiatives.
3. Assist in organizing various trainings including on Essentials of Humanitarian Assistance (EHA), Initial Situational Overview (ISO), and resource mobilization.
4. Under close supervision, draft specific sections or components of technical documents to support the implementation and coordination of emergency preparedness and response, DRM, early warning and capacity building activities in RMI.
5. Support RMI Government agencies’ disaster management departments by compiling and disseminating relevant information for the development and review of hazard preparation and response SOPs/Terms of Reference (TORs). Participate in Tabletop Exercises (TTX), simulations and drills, and assist in after action review.
6. Support monitoring and evaluation of the project activities by applying data collection methods and maintaining adequate documentation and records of project activities, data, and reports in coordination with Project Manager and Project Staff.
7. Liaise with the Country Office’s (CO) Gender Focal Point in relation to gender inclusivity and improvements to women’s and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community participation in the DRR cycle, including Emergency Communications and Community Consultations on Climate Change Adaptation.
8. Work closely with the Programme Manager to assist with mainstreaming the participation and protection of persons with disabilities in project activities.
9. Under close supervision, draft specific sections or components of documents for project development and reporting processes. Provide administrative and logistical support for travel to remote outer islands in RMI and FSM for coordination and implementation of the project activities.
10. Coordinate the collection and verification of documents, data and other inputs required for emergency radio communication, emergency preparedness and response, and Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRM) activities.
11. Strictly comply to IOM’s policies and procedures including prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and promotion of a respectful work environment.
12. Travel as required to both neighboring islands and internally to participate in monitoring visits and for training purposes.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, Business Administration, Climate Change, Sustainability, Migration Studies, International Relations, Humanitarian Affairs, Development Studies, Public Policy/Administration, or any related field of studies; or,
• University degree in the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience and knowledge of the broad range of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation project is required.
• Experience in capacity building/training is essential.
• Emergency response and/or logistics experience is an advantage.
• Working experience with an international organization, UN agency, or NGO; and,
• Regional experience, especially in the Pacific region is an advantage.

Skills

• Proven ability to multi-task and accomplish multiple deliverables within the limited allowable timeframe.
• Excellent analytical, writing and reporting skills are preferred;
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming; and,
• Knowledge of curriculum development and implementation.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Marshallese is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.