Team Lead/Researcher for the Application of RCI Index Tool (Consultant)

About the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center:

Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)is an autonomous international organization with a vision to reduce disaster and climate risk impacts on communities and countries in Asia and the Pacific by working with governments, development partners, international organizations, NGOs, civil society, private sector, media, and other key stakeholders.

Established in 1986 as a technical capacity-building center, ADPC has grown and diversified its expertise across social and physical sciences to support sustainable solutions for risk reduction across a broad range of specialist areas. With over 100 staff from 19 different nationalities and a wide range of professional expertise with experiences from all levels of engagement typically required for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience (CR) effectively. ADPC is a competent regional resource center with seven thematic departments: Preparedness for Response and Recovery, Risk Governance, Climate Resilience, Urban Resilience, Health Risk Management, Geospatial Information, and ADPC Academy. These are supported by Finance, Human Resources and Administration, and Strategic Planning departments. ADPC works on three cross-cutting themes: Gender and Diversity, Poverty and Livelihoods, and Regional and Transboundary Cooperation through permanent working committees. ADPC recognizes the importance of examining the linkages between disaster risk management, poverty reduction, gender equality, sustainability, rights-based approaches, climate change, and regional cooperation. ADPC, through its programs, supports the implementation of national, regional, and global frameworks, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (SFDRR), the Paris Agreement for Climate Change, the New Urban Agenda, the recommendations and priorities of World Humanitarian Summit (WHS), etc. For details, please refer to the ADPC website at http://www.adpc.net/.

ADPC Strategy 2020 guides the organization in providing comprehensive risk reduction support to countries and communities in Asia and the Pacific. ADPC recognizes the importance of examining the linkages between disaster risk management, poverty reduction, gender equality, sustainability, rights-based approaches, climate change, and regional cooperation. For details, please refer to the ADPC website at http://www.adpc.net/

Department Introduction:

The Preparedness for Response and Recovery (PRR) Department of ADPC focuses on enhancing the preparedness and response management capacities of governments, response organizations, volunteers, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, communities, and other traditional and non-traditional actors of the Disaster Risk Management Ecosystem. It also strives to strengthen the capacity of institutions and at-risk communities for faster and more efficient disaster recovery. The department works with the above-stated actors to ensure that the regional, national, sub-national, and local disaster preparedness, response, and recovery frameworks and implementation plans are in place well before disaster strikes.

Purpose and Objectives:

ADPC, with support from the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), and the Honduran Institute of Earth Sciences (IHCIT), is implementing the project: “Strengthening Integrated Disaster Preparedness in Francophone Cities in Cambodia.” The research-focused project aims to enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response capacities in selected cities/municipalities through locally-led actions. ADPC will facilitate the implementation of a Response Capacity Index (RCI) tool and methodology developed by IHCIT to help assess the disaster response capacities of Cambodia’s selected cities/municipalities. Implementing the capacity needs assessment tool will lead to improved action plans for improving local disaster preparedness and emergency response capacities.

Under the ‘Support program for French-speaking mayors to strengthen emergency preparedness in the cities of Cambodia,’ the team lead will lead the Response Capacity Index (RCI) tool in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot and three priority Khans in Phnom Penh. The consultant will lead the facilitation, organization, and documentation of the RCI tool survey, coordinate with relevant stakeholders, organize consultations and workshops, and produce documentation/reports as required for the application of the tool based on the Technical Guide. Further, the consultant will work with relevant stakeholders in the development/revision of action plans, and orientation of local authorities for self-assessment tools in selected municipalities of Cambodia.

ADPC is looking to recruit a qualified consultant as the Team lead based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The consultant will lead and facilitate the day-to-day implementation and coordination of the tool application in selected municipalities and khans. The consultant is responsible for planning, facilitating the implementation, and coordinating the adaptation, application, dissemination of the RCI tool and supporting the stakeholders in developing action plans based on the RCI tool. The consultant will ensure timely application, delivery, reporting, and documentation based on the agreed timelines.

The consultant position is open for Cambodian nationals only. The position is based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Expected Outputs:

The consultant is expected to deliver specific outputs in line with the proposed timeline, as mentioned below. In providing the required outputs, all the associated steps outlined below should be followed in line with the RCI methodological guide as appropriate.

Working Principles:

In performing the duties and responsibilities indicated above, the consultant will work closely with the Project Management Specialist based in Bangkok and focal points of local partners and stakeholders under the overall guidance of the Director, PRR.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications and Specifications

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in research, risk assessments, climate change, disaster management, urban resilience, or a related field is required; a Ph.D. is desirable;
• Excellent Khmer and English language skills, both oral and written, are required;
• Substantial experience in conducting needs assessments, facilitation, policy analysis, development of contingency plans, and visualization of data;
• Experience coordinating and liaising with Government departments, development partners, and local humanitarian organizations.
• Knowledge and understanding of current discourse related to disaster risk reduction and humanitarian actions, including the existing disaster risk management systems, policy, and legal framework of Cambodia;
• High level of competence in writing and editing reports and other technical communications;
• Familiarity and experience working with donor-funded programs and international organizations;

Personal Qualities:

• Self-motivated, proactive, and takes initiative;
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize work and time independently;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, team-oriented work style, and experience of working in a multicultural environment;
• Maintain high quality of work and deliver work outputs on time;
• Excellent communication skills, relation-building, facilitation skills, and ability to coordinate with various stakeholders;
• Guide and mentor team members;

General Requirements:

• Operate within all ADPC Guidelines & Procedures/ Policies
• Operate within specific program needs

Duty Station: Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with travel to other select cities/provinces

Itinerary: During official missions outside the duty station, the Consultant will be entitled to local/international travel, daily subsistence allowance, accommodation, and other related travel costs as per ADPC financial policy.

Duration: March 2024 – January 2025