Field Project Officer (Disaster Risk Management – DRM) Full Time NEW

Job Description: Field Project Officer (Disaster Risk Management – DRM)

Organization: Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) Location: Hawasa Zuria and Balate Woredas, Sidama Region

Reports to: Regional Project Coordinator

Job Summary

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), in partnership with the Austrian Red Cross (AuRC), is implementing the project “Livelihoods towards Resilience for Sidama.” This initiative integrates disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, climate adaptation, and resilience building to strengthen the capacity of pastoralist communities against recurrent shocks and hazards.

The Disaster Risk Management (DRM) field officer will oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of DRM activities at the community level. This role requires technical expertise in community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR), contingency planning, climate-smart practices, and emergency preparedness and response. The officer will ensure alignment with ERCS strategies, donor requirements, and government policies to improve preparedness, mitigate risks, and reduce vulnerabilities in targeted woredas. The role also involves coordinating field-level interventions, mobilizing communities, strengthening decentralized and inclusive DRM systems.

Key Responsibilities Project Implementation

• Conduct disaster risk assessments, hazard mapping, and vulnerability/capacity analysis in target communities.
• Support development and implementation of Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) and contingency plans.
• Facilitate training and awareness sessions on DRM, early warning, emergency preparedness, and climate-smart practices.
• Oversee the establishment/strengthening of community disaster committees and volunteer networks.
• Support implementation of small-scale mitigation measures (e.g., flood protection, soil and water conservation, livelihood diversification).
• Collaborate with local government, NGOs, and stakeholders to ensure DRM integration into development planning.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

• Monitor DRM project activities against indicators using ERCS and or AuRC quality checklists.
• Support baseline, midline, and end line assessments; collect and analyze data for lessons learned.
• Maintain updated records of community disaster committees, early warning systems, and capacity-building activities.
• Promote accountability and community feedback mechanisms to improve DRM interventions.

Reporting

• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual work plans and progress reports.
• Document case studies, best practices, and lessons learned in DRM and resilience- building.
• Maintain accurate data on DRM interventions and community-level impacts.

Cross-Cutting Integration

• Ensure mainstreaming of gender, disability inclusion, protection, and environmental sustainability in DRM activities.
• Promote active community participation to strengthen ownership and sustainability of DRM structures.
• Contribute to anticipatory action initiatives and climate adaptation approaches.

Qualifications and Experience Essential

• Education: Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology Science, Natural Resource Management, Livelihoods, Agriculture, or related fields.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years (including at least 3 years in humanitarian DRM/resilience projects).

Skills:

• Proficiency in DRM, CBDRR, and emergency preparedness approaches.
• Strong knowledge of SPHERE standards, humanitarian principles, and climate resilience practices.
• Excellent communication in English and local languages (e.g., Sidama).
• Advanced computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desired

• Experience in complex humanitarian contexts with rapid-onset and slow-onset disasters.
• Ability to write analytical reports and engage with multiple stakeholders.
• Commitment to ERCS’s mission, principles, and humanitarian values.