Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Officer

Vacancy Announcement

Aasaman Nepal as subrecipients, will implement Preparedness and Resilience Advancement for Anticipatory Action Strengthening PRAYAS Project in Dhanusha, Kamala Municipality and Janaknandini Rural Municipality, taking a proactive and well-structured approach to disaster preparedness and anticipatory action is essential for reducing risks and strengthening resilience. This initiative focuses on enhancing disaster preparedness by fostering institutional coordination, advancing risk analysis, improving operational readiness, and ensuring sustainable financing. The key priorities include strengthening institutional mechanisms, refining risk forecasting systems, and empowering communities to engage in proactive disaster risk reduction (DRR), preparedness, and anticipatory action measures. 

Aasaman Nepal is looking for the self-motivated, result oriented and hard-working Nepali citizen for the following position.

1. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Officer -1 (Dhanusha) 

Job Summary

The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Officer will lead the implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) component of the PRAYAS Project, enhancing the resilience of vulnerable populations particularly in flood, Heat and Cold Weave prone and disaster-affected areas. This position reports to the Project Manager and will support the project team in planning, execution, monitoring, coordination, documentation and reporting on DRR initiatives. The role includes managing project resources efficiently, building relationships with the local governments, private sectors and communities. DRR Officer will also coordinate with Technical Advisor - WASH/DRR at Plan International Nepal for technical guidance and support to ensure the smooth integration of disaster preparedness and anticipatory actions, early warning systems (EWS) and community-based interventions for mitigating disaster impacts.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

1. Project Planning, Implementation, and Coordination

• Develop detailed implementation and procurement plans for the project in consultation with relevant team members.
• Support the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual work plans coordinating closely with project team.
• Work directly with Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs), Ward Disaster Management Committees (WDMCs) and Local Disaster Management Committees (LDMCs) to ensure effective project execution as well as consult with head of disaster section of respective Palikas.
• Facilitate to update local DRM plans/policies and develop guidelines for local governments to improve disaster response ensuring alignment with national and international DRR standards.
• Lead DRR interventions including disaster preparedness training; First Aid, Light Search and Rescue (LSAR) operations and establishing Early Warning Systems (EWS) at the community level.
• Facilitate community meetings, workshops and training sessions at the local levels to enhance capacity and awareness on DRR.
• Develop hazard maps for risk visualization to identify and prioritize areas of high risk and enhance community awareness.
• Ensure the functionality of Local Emergency Operation Centers (LEOCs) at the local government level supporting their operation and integration into community-based disaster management efforts.
• Identify areas for the implementation of small-scale mitigation schemes and safe shelters through rapid DRR assessments and coordination with local government to ensure effective execution.
• Coordinate with district and local-level stakeholders to ensure smooth project implementation and build synergies with other initiatives.
• Collaborate with Technical Advisor - WASH/DRR at Plan International Nepal for technical backstopping and overall guidance on DRR related interventions including planning, EWS localization and capacity enhancement for disaster response.
• Assist in integrating DRRM measures identified in local DRM Plans into local level annual plan and budgeting process. 
• Collaborate with private, financial institutions and likeminded agencies for arranging financial resources to match or contribution for sustainability.

2. Monitoring and Quality Control: 

• Ensure timely and high-quality implementation of project activities in line with the project work plan.
• Facilitate to revise DRR strategies and interventions based on feedback from DMCs, stakeholders and communities especially during the budget review process.
• Monitor the project’s budget and ensure activities are carried out within the allocated resources.
• Provide continuous support and feedback to field-level staff ensuring that capacity-building needs are addressed.
• Maintain a comprehensive database for effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of project activities, tracking progress and outcomes at all levels.

3. Data Collection, Research, and Report Writing: 

• Support the design and collection of data for research, case studies and success stories related to DRRM initiatives.
• Assist in developing knowledge products (blogs, reports, info sheets, etc.) and ICT materials that communicate the project’s results to stakeholders.
• Draft periodic reports (monthly, quarterly and annual) and other required documentation in coordination with the Project Manager and project team.
• Ensure that lessons learned are documented and shared within the project with partners and beyond.

4. Communication, Linkages, and Networking: 

• Build and maintain working relationships with local governments, private sectors, NGOs, and other stakeholders for effective project delivery and resource mobilization or localization.
• Participate in cross-project learning and exchange events to share DRR experiences and best practices.
• Assist in resolving conflicts or challenges in project areas working collaboratively with local stakeholders and authorities.
• Actively participate in relevant meetings, events and platforms to represent the project and share key findings with external audiences.

5. Capacity Building and Community Engagement: 

• Lead capacity-building initiatives for CDMCs, WDMCs and community groups in disaster preparedness, anticipatory actions, response, EWS operation and search and rescue techniques.
• Promote awareness-raising activities in communities particularly through IEC materials or flyers, radio broadcasts, IVR, SMS and workshops and to enhance disaster preparedness.
• Engage to SMC/PTAs, child clubs, champions and youth in DRR initiatives nurturing them as leaders in disaster resilience and preparedness through targeted awareness programs and competitions.

6. Administration and Financial Management: 

• Assist the Project Manager with administrative tasks such as financial management and project quality evaluations of the interventions. 
• Support the efficient management of project resources ensuring compliance with organizational financial protocols and funding partner.

7. Other Tasks: 

• Contribute to other projects and initiatives of the organization as assigned by the Project Manager.

8. Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management or Development Studies or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in managing DRR, Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and community-based projects with a focus on vulnerable populations.

9. Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience in DRR, emergency preparedness, anticipatory action and response, community adaptation planning and early warning systems (EWS).
• Demonstrated experience working with government, non-government and private sector stakeholders.
• Ability to lead project activities and community people including build capacity in DRR, Preparedness, anticipatory action and climate change adaptation.
• Excellent skills in project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to adapt and find solutions in dynamic environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), ArcGIS and basic statistical analysis.
• A valid motorbike/scooter driving license is preferred.

Languages: Strong command of Nepali, English (oral and written) and local language preferred/required.   

Aasaman Nepal has zero tolerance of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people. We expect all our employees/volunteers to ensure we are protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm and abide by our safeguarding policy.

Other Attributes for all positions: Excellent quality of work and commitment to high standards, strong communication skills, team building and willingness and motivated for good service delivery with strong networking and interpersonal skills and comfortable to work under stress and emergencies.

Age Limit: Candidates between 21 years to 55 years are only eligible to apply for the above position. 

All employees must adhere to child safeguarding in person’s provisions covered in the project agreement.

Monitor staff and partners’ and ensure adherence to Aasaman Nepal's policies and internal procedures, protocols, Aasaman Nepal's code of Conduct with special attention to Safeguarding Standards and Procedure, Case Handling Framework, Child Protection and Do No Harm Policies. Also, immediate reporting and redress of any complaints and issues based on its severity.

Notes:

Locals, especially women and members of ethnic or marginalized communities are encouraged to apply for this position.

• Applications received after the deadline will not be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be notified for the further process.  
• Canvassing at any stage of the recruitment process shall lead to automatic disqualification of the candidate.

Application Method

Interested candidates are asked to submit their application with an updated CV within 7 days through the link below (05:00 PM, 6 July 2025).

https://forms.gle/vdsebGeXEodXBy5U6

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for participation in the recruitment process. No telephone enquiry is entertained. ASN reserves the right to qualify/disqualify any applications without any reason.