Disaster Risk Reduction Officer

Organization summary:

Qatar Charity (QC) is a Doha-Qatar based International Non-Governmental Organization. Since the inception of QC services in Pakistan early 1992, the organization reflect its greater scope of work to respond to extreme poverty and the Government’s priorities. QC through its field offices enabled itself to strategically address the developmental and humanitarian needs at the very local level. QC is undertaking programmes associated with the socio-economic development of the Country. The projects are categorized under six programme pillars: Youth Leadership & Social Protection, Education, Provision of WASH, Health (with a focus on MNCH), Economic Empowerment & Sustainable Livelihood (EESL) and Disaster Response & Preparedness (DRP), along with its Seasonal Programs like meat distribution, Ramadhan program etc. In Pakistan, Qatar Charity is having its country office in Islamabad and field offices in KPK, Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, and AJK.

Project Summary:

Under the project, with support from WFP, QC will specifically focus on integrating water resources management, including flood water management through water ponds and piloting hydrological initiatives in 10 villages of Rajanpur. At a broader level, the project will also provide trainings, communal assets, and livelihoods support to enhance resilience against economic challenges. The project activities would result in quantifiable indicators such as increased water availability, improved agriculture related activity in target villages through water supply, and household income enhancement. This role involves planning, preparing, and delivering high-quality DRR and climate adaptation activities in selected communities of Rajanpur. A strong understanding of water supply management/practices, DRR, vulnerability assessments, preparedness and climate resilient modelling would be required for this position.

1.     Job Summary:

The DRR Officer position will be based in QC field office in Rajanpur and will report to the Project Manager in the field office. Extensive local (district) level travel is envisaged for this position to the targeted areas within Rajanpur district. In the project, the role of a DRR officer is multifaceted, requiring a combination of technical expertise, communication skills, and a strong commitment to building safer and more resilient communities in the face of natural and man-made disasters. Coinciding with project’s focus on water management, the DRR Officer will be required to lead thorough assessments of potential hazards and vulnerabilities within targeted villages in Rajanpur. Specifically for the construction of community water ponds and reservoirs, DRR officer will be collecting and analysing data, produce maps, and create historical records to identify risks such as natural disasters and human-made hazards.

2.     Job Responsibilities:

a.     Contextualization

• Lead accurate data collection system, monitor data for accuracy, and respond appropriately with programmatic changes as needed to integrate DRR approaches in project.
• Identify and address gaps to promote a culture of preparedness, by integrating GIS and spatial planning in construction of community water ponds and reservoirs.
• Assist in identifying key stakeholders for broadening and deepening the DRR agenda in Rajanpur and Southern Punjab.
• Develop thematic approaches to DRR in collaboration with WFP and other UN agencies.
• Integrate and adapt international DRR terminology and approaches in the project.
• Identify district government’s strategies, plans, and programs that can contribute to DRR mainstreaming within the district.
• Conduct regular visit of project sites for first-hand knowledge of the needs, data collection and project’s implementation.
• Support the VDMCs (village development and management committees) and facilitation of DRR training events.
• Collect data, conducting assessments, and analysing feedback to identify areas for improvement and refine disaster management strategies in the project.
• Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and other stakeholders involved in disaster management at the district level.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Project Manager or the Country Office.

b.     Coordination & Networking

• Engage with communities to raise awareness about disaster risks and resilience-building measures.
• Build the capacity of VDMCs and stakeholders to effectively respond to disasters.
• Facilitate coordination efforts at community level to ensure a cohesive response during any future emergencies and to share best practices in risk reduction.
• Contribute to periodic visits, assessments and research led by WFP and represent QC at required projects related coordination meetings.
• Establish and maintain good relationships strong & linkages with WFP, district authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders in South Punjab within the framework of the project.
• Remain flexible to adapt and learn from others according to the contextual requirements and the needs of the project.

c.      Programme Development

• Monitor the effectiveness of disaster risk reduction initiatives and evaluating their impact on community resilience.
• Establish and maintain a database for information on DRR activities in Rajanpur.
• Provide inputs in the fundraising efforts under the DRR and climate resilience thematic area, by leading the development of technical parts of funding packages (proposals, concept notes).
• Engage in lobbying efforts to influence decision-makers at local level to prioritize risk reduction measures and allocate resources accordingly.
• Promote the development of climate resilience and hydrology related projects by offering creative ideas and new approaches to solving problems in the thematic areas.

3.     Job Requirements:

a.     Education 

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field, such as disaster management, hydrology or water management.                      

b.     Relevant experience

At least 5-6 years of experience working in result-oriented teams, preferably with international organization.

Proven technical knowledge and capacity of integrating DRR in water management activities, projects and programs.

Familiarity with GIS mapping software and approaches is an advantage.

c.      Computer knowledge    

MS Office (Word, Excel PowerPoint), Outlook

4.     Skills and Personality:

a.      Communication skills  

Proven capacity to negotiate and work with governments at different levels.

Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Fluency in local languages is often required.

b.     Technical skills                     

Budget tracking and reporting, HR management and reporting.

Qatar Charity’s Core Values and Commitments: Qatar Charity Pakistan is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults, and beneficiaries with whom QC engages. Qatar Charity Pakistan expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

           i.               All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks.

         ii.               Qatar Charity Pakistan sees diversity of nationalities, genders, beliefs, profiles, and statuses among its Human Resources as a major asset and therefore compels itself to the strict observance of the principle of non-discrimination throughout its recruitment process.

       iii.               Qatar Charity Pakistan applies a policy of zero tolerance towards exploitation, sexual abuse, and mistreatment, in all its forms, of women, children and all other vulnerable persons.

       iv.               By applying, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

         v.               Qatar Charity Pakistan is an equal opportunities employer.