Disaster Preparedness (DP) Specialist - Sokoto at ZOA International

Job Summary
External:

• The Disaster Preparedness Specialist plays a critical role in enhancing disaster preparedness, resilience, and response capacities in vulnerable communities across Borno and Sokoto state.
• The Disaster Preparedness Specialist will provide technical support to the project team and consortium members in delivering disaster preparedness. DP specialist will provide strategic guidance in project management to ensure the achievement of project objectives, working closely with the partner. 
• The role will require close collaboration with relevant government agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to build disaster resilience, implement risk reduction strategies, and promote sustainable preparedness measures at all levels.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement emergency response protocols and procedures
• Conduct risk and vulnerability assessments of potential disasters
• Conduct State and LGA-level disaster preparedness capacity assessments, including analysis of existing Early Warning Systems (EWS).
• Facilitate workshops at State and LGA levels to review findings and strengthen preparedness structures.
• Train consortium partners, community-level teams (CEWMs, LEMCs, volunteers, traditional leaders) on disaster preparedness.
• Build capacity of government officials on risk analysis and preparedness, Disaster response, situation reporting (SITREP), incident management, and humanitarian standards.
• Train Community Preparedness and Response Teams (CPRTs) in evacuation drills, first aid, emergency communication, and disaster response protocols.
• Facilitate simulation exercises to practice localized early action plans.
• Lead the development of communication and awareness-raising protocols linked to localized hazard impacts.
• Facilitate contingency planning workshops at State and LGA levels to develop multi-hazard contingency plans.
• Conduct climate-induced conflict analysis where needed
• Support to position rapid response Non-Food Items (NFIs) including WASH and Shelter kits at strategic locations, and enhance logistics preparedness (including warehousing and emergency boats).
• Support rapid multi-sectoral needs assessments when an alarm risk trigger is activated.
• Facilitate the activation of crisis modifiers when needed and to provide necessary life-saving assistance.
• Coordinate and lead emergency response and recovery efforts
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local emergency management requirements
• Establish and maintain relationships with local, state, and federal emergency management agencies
• Review and revise emergency management plans regularly
• Analyse post-disaster data and generate reports for stakeholders
• Conduct post-response reflection reviews with local partner and community disaster committees to improve future preparedness and response.
• Ensure the mainstreaming of protection, gender, disability inclusion, and conflict sensitivity principles across all preparedness and response activities.
• Engage community leaders, women’s groups, youth networks, and marginalized groups throughout planning, implementation, and monitoring phases.
• Actively participate in relevant meetings, events, and platforms to represent the project and share key findings with external audiences.

Competencies
Knowledge / experience.

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Disaster Management, Emergency Management, Public Safety, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field.
• Proven minimum 5 years experience as an Emergency Preparedness Specialist or similar role in emergency management, particularly in disaster risk reduction or preparedness.
• Knowledge of emergency response planning and risk management
• Experience working with National, international NGOs or UN agencies.
• Strong knowledge of project cycle management (PCM) and community-based disaster risk management.
• Familiarity with Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (EVCA), contingency planning, and early warning systems.
• Proficient in writing clear, concise reports and technical documents in English.
• Fluent in local languages such as Hausa and Kanuri (both spoken and written).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and digital data collection tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK).
• Experience in conducting training, simulations, and community mobilization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to cultural sensitivity, protection, gender inclusion, and conflict sensitivity.

Skills / Attitude:

• Strong communication and training skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
• Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Flexibility and adaptability in dynamic environments.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proactive and initiative-driven with a pioneering mindset.
• Results-oriented with a collaborative team approach.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable working in a multicultural and diverse environment.

External contacts:

• Government Agencies
• Humanitarian Organizations
• Partners organizations
• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Volunteer Groups
• Private Sector Partners:
• Academic and Research Institutions
• Donors and Funding Partners
• Media and Public Awareness Channels
• Professional Networks and Working Groups.

Internal contacts:

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