CONSULTANCY SERVICES

EXPERT ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT

ASEAN-UNHCR Project on Strengthening the Emergency and Response Capacities of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management

Background

The ASEAN-United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Project on Strengthening the Emergency and Response Capacities of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) was initiated in mid 2004. The project has provided the impetus for revitalising ACDM, initiating various regional activities, and sustaining the critical momentum for improving disaster management and emergency response in ASEAN. It has helped provide support for the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Programme on Disaster Management (ARPDM), and facilitated the development of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). The ASEAN Secretariat is currently implementing the fourth phase of the project covering the period 1 January – 31 December 2008 to further support the ACDM in implementing the ARPDM and the AADMER.

Job Description

The ASEAN Secretariat is seeking for a full-time, short-term Expert on Disaster Management to provide relevant technical expertise to facilitate the implementation of activities under the project. Reporting to and under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director, Disaster Management of the Bureau for Resources Development of the ASEAN Secretariat, the Expert will:

1. facilitate the finalisation of ASEAN Standard Operating Procedures for ASEAN Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations (SASOP), including providing technical inputs, facilitating consultations with Member States, relevant partners and stakeholders, and supporting related workshops and meetings;

2.  facilitate the submission of database of earmarked assets and capacities for the ASEAN Standby Arrangements for Disaster Relief and Emergency Response, including development of the database, liaising with Member States, and operationalising the system for use by Member States;

3. facilitate the planning and conduct of the third ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise (ARDEX-08), including facilitating the planning and evaluation meetings, supporting the host country in the development of exercise scenario and other technical details for the exercise, liaising with participating countries/agencies in the planning process, and supporting other related activities;

4. facilitate the establishment and operationalisation of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre), including the setting up and operationalisation of start-up facilities, development of detailed operational requirements, and other related activities;

5. facilitate the development of modules on camp management/shelter planning to address the immediate needs of people affected by disasters, design and implement relevant training/workshop, and liaise with Member States and partner agencies to gather inputs for module development and workshop planning;

6. promote and facilitate the implementation of priority training activities under the ASEAN-Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) Regional Capacity Development Programme in Disaster Response and Preparedness, and other related capacity building programmes of the ACDM;

7. facilitate and support other ACDM regional events, assist in preparing relevant technical papers and facilitate presentations in ACDM meetings and other relevant events;

8. provide technical support to the ACDM members; and

9. promote closer collaboration and partnership between ACDM, United Nations systems, and other regional and international organisations and initiatives.

Qualifications

The candidate should possess the following:

• Advanced degree in fields related to disaster management gained from a reputable institution;  

• At least ten (10) years of experience in the fields of disaster management, humanitarian affairs, and project planning and management;

•  Extensive exposure to, and comprehensive knowledge of a wide-range of, disaster management issues particularly in the ASEAN region, both at technical and policy levels;

• Good knowledge and experience in the areas of disaster relief and emergency response, civil-military coordination in disaster emergencies, camp management/shelter planning, and protection of the vulnerable groups;

• Sound knowledge of the UN institutions and ASEAN systems;

• Relevant experience working with governments in Southeast Asia and/or international organisations on consultancy assignments in related subjects;

• Excellent command of English both written and oral;

• Proficiency in standard computer applications;

• Able to work as a team in a multi-cultural environment;

• Able to multi-task and willingness to work irregular and long hours;

• Able to travel as required.

Employment Terms

The successful candidate shall be required for immediate employment and will be offered the following terms:

• A contract of service for a period of up to 8 months;

• A salary, inclusive of all benefits, of up to USD4,000 per month, to commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience;

• For a candidate residing outside Jakarta, appropriate travel arrangements will be made at the beginning and end of the assignment;

• The Expert will be based at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on a full-time basis.

Applicants should mail or email their application, containing a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae (CV), a recent passport-sized photograph, certified true copies of educational qualifications and other supporting documents, and copies of at least two of their original reports/publications, to the Personnel and Training Unit, ASEAN Secretariat, 70A Jalan Sisingamangaraja, Jakarta 12110, Indonesia (email: hr-asean@asean.org) to be received not later than 31 March 2008. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.