Disaster Preparedness (DP) Assistant at ZOA International

Internal

• The Purpose of the Position for the Project Assistant 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 Assistant 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 Assistant 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
Project Implementation and planning
The PA will contribute to the effective implementation of the Disaster Preparedness and Response interventions, ensuring that activities are implemented as laid out in the project document. This entails:

• Ensure community mobilization and sensitization of beneficiaries is conducted
• Work closely with community leaders, and government structures during registration and verification of beneficiaries ensuring the laid-out selection criteria are carefully followed
• Attend workshops on disaster preparedness and response coordination meetings organized by the Consortium, government, and other partners at the at local level whenever required
• Ensure implementation of project activities according to work plan, and share project progress Reports with the Project Manager/DP Specialist
• Maintain an open dialogue with the beneficiaries to promote transparency and accountability including contributing to and implementing the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS)
• Identify, document, and disseminate best practices gained from DPR interventions in the areas of operation
• Promoting active participation of community structure and beneficiaries, and intermediaries in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Project activities as required
• Assist the Project Manager/ DP Specialist in developing detailed implementation and procurement plans for the project in consultation with relevant team members.
• 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.
• Support to develop hazard maps for risk visualization to identify and prioritize areas of high risk and enhance community awareness.
• 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, semi-annual, and annual) and other required documentation in coordination with the 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/DP specialist with administrative tasks as required

Competencies:

• 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.