Scientific and Technical Officer
Ngo & Social Services Jobs
- Welthungerhilfe
- Expires 17 Jun 2020
- Bulawayo
- Full Time
Job Description
Scientific and Technical Officer: Welthungerhilfe
Deadline: 17 June 2020
About
Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest, privately-held, non-denominational, and politically independent German non-governmental organizations in the area of development co-operation and emergency relief. Primarily in co-operation with local partner organizations, its task is to contribute to improved income and nutrition for the poorest rural populations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Welthungerhilfe has been implementing projects in Zimbabwe almost continuously since 1980. Currently, the organization together with its partners has projects in 5 Provinces. Sector focus is on Food and Nutrition security including WASH, and when necessary Emergency response.
Welthungerhilfe is working on a project entitled “Development of Forecast-based Action mechanism” addressing drought induced food insecurity in Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Kenya”, briefly called Forecast-based Action (FbA) Project. The multi-country approach applied within the FbA Project by Welthungerhilfe (WHH), requires an operational structure within each project country to address the complexity and scope of in-country interventions (including networking, partnering, contracting, MEAL, etc.)To anchor the mind set for anticipatory humanitarian assistance, including Early Warning Early Action in-country, and build capacities on the job with national stakeholders, there is need for the FbA Country Teams to engage in learning, knowledge management, dissemination and advocacy activities. This is to support and contribute to the paradigm shift of the national humanitarian systems in Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Kenya towards early warning and early action.
Further, for the FbA Project to meet the institutional donor obligations towards the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), FbA Country Teams are established within each of the Welthungerhilfe country offices in Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Kenya. For a smooth implementation of the FbA country operations, it is essential to equip the FbA Country Teams with both, special FbA expertise but also with the necessary competencies and experiences regarding project, financial, and operational support from the Welthungerhilfe Country Offices. We are looking for suitable candidates to fill the positions below. If you are prepared to dedicate yourself to carrying out projects under sometimes difficult conditions, and you match the requirements set out below, we look forward to receiving your application.
Position summary
Welthungerhilfe seeks to engage a Scientific and Technical Officer who will be responsible for providing field support to the project/program activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Scientific and Technical Officer will be expected to: Support coordination of field related activities; In consultation with the Project Management Unit (PMU) and the FbA Country Team organize and oversee the whole in-country process on risk and hazard impact assessment and analyses; Analyse of drought and Food security risks per region or district; Facilitate Risk mapping processes; Conduct Analyses of historic impacts of droughts/ related hazards (on households, regions, economy etc.);
Impact analyses map; In consultation with the Project Management Unit and the FbA Country Team organizes and oversees the process of vulnerability analyses at household level; Lead the development of scientific drought trigger model; Develop Inventory of existing forecasts and early warning systems; Identification of local risk thresholds/ definition hazard-impact magnitudes; Matching thresholds, vulnerability and hazard data; Developing of monitoring and trigger model; Coordination with external scientific and technical service facilities; Supports EAP custodian organizations in EAP development; Contribute to the project’s/program’s strategic development; Provide technical advice on Project Implementation to the District Team Leaders, support teams and counterpart; Keep informed about topics and developments related to the project’s/program’s activities (e.g. through evaluation of the press, direct dialog, forum participation, public hearings, seminars); Develop and organize quality assurance; Participate in identifying needs for external support and advice; Propose new initiatives/ improvements, make policy and strategic recommendations; Monitor the project progress and provide feed-back to the Management, with the support of and in close cooperation with the monitoring Team; Cooperate with relevant stakeholders, including external contractors, local authorities, communities and partners; Develop and maintain contacts with all relevant stakeholders e.g. national meteorological agencies; Cooperate with government institutions, non-government organisations, and the local community; Represent the project/program; Act as liaison to and cooperate with other Welthungerhilfe projects/programs in the region; Collect and circulate relevant information, disseminate project experiences.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications, skills and experience required
A Masters Degree in a course related to the program’s goals, such as Development Studies, Disaster/ Risk Management ; Minimum of 5 years experience as a professional abroad in International organisations leading people; At least 3 years of relevant experience in the areas related to forecast based financing, natural hazards, disasters, vulnerability assessment, climate change, resilient infrastructure, and disaster risk management in a similar position within a national or international GO/NGO; Familiarity with disaster risk management institutions and governance concepts, emergency preparedness and recovery strategies, and a range of disaster risk financing alternatives; Proven record of experience in planning and managing technical co-operation strategies and relevant learning, knowledge management and advocacy programmes in disaster reduction, emergency response and post-disaster recovery. Basic command of written and spoken English, Basic working knowledge of MS Office and modern telecommunication systems.
How to Apply
To apply
To apply for this position please send a detailed Curriculum Vitae and motivational letter to recruitment.zimbabwe@welthungerhilfe.de stating the position you are applying for in the subject of the email. Welthungerhilfe is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
