The United Nations World Food Programme is the winner of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. In Lao PDR, WFP supports the government in providing school lunches for primary students, counters malnutrition with targeted food support to the most vulnerable, and helps communities build resilient lives with sustainable livelihood options.
Having established a presence in Lao PDR in 1975, the World Food Programme (WFP) is supporting the Lao Government’s vision of “a prosperous country, with a healthy population, free from food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty”. In its approach, WFP is gradually shifting from the delivery of services to building the capacity of both institutions, communities, and individuals to address the challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms. As populations are scattered over vast areas where access can be difficult, strengthening the self-reliance of communities for solving their own nutrition and food security problems is central to WFP’s strategy.
WFP is currently implementing its Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2022 – 2026 The current CSP is formulated around the achievement of four strategic outcomes: i) providing sustainable access to food for schoolchildren; ii) reducing stunting levels among children aged 6–23 months; iii) enhancing community resilience to seasonal and long-term shocks and stresses; and iv) crisis response. Strengthening the national, sub-national and community level capacities in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience and emergency preparedness and response are areas of increasing focus for WFP Laos. WFP is currently working alongside the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW) to strengthen the capacities of Central level emergency response partners in rapid emergency assessments and humanitarian supply chain operations, with emerging work areas in shock responsive social protection and anticipatory action. WFP is also supporting Provincial and District Authorities in Northern Laos to improve community level disaster risk management practices and climate and disaster proofing community assets.
A Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Specialist is needed to develop programmatic tools and provide technical advice and project management support to both the community level disaster risk management and central level capacity strengthening components. The role will be responsible for strengthening capacities of the Government and will lead in the design and implementation of disaster risk management -focused activities. The role will also provide technical assistance to WFP Laos senior leadership in times of emergencies and lead emergency response operations at the country level as required.
ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme, the Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Specialist will undertake the following tasks:
Advanced university degree with experience in one or more of the following disciplines: economics, social sciences, agriculture, environmental sciences, rural development, disaster risk reduction and management.
Experience:
Knowledge and Skills
Duty Station: Vientiane, Laos
Contract type & Level: International Consultant, Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Specialist, level II
Contract duration: Regular contract 11 months
Reporting: Head of Programme, Laos Country Office
Opening duration: 2 weeks
Posting date: 25 March 2024
Closing date: 7 April 2024 (Please make sure that you submit your application before 23:59 hours on 7 April 2024 (Laos time).
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