Disaster Preparedness (DP) Officer at ZOA International

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.