Disaster Risk Management Specialist

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) is seeking to recruit a dynamic professional for the role of Disaster Risk Manager Specialist. The successful candidate will be based at CDB’s headquarters in St. Michael, Barbados.

THE DIVISION

The Projects Department develops overall Bank policies, strategies, operational guidelines and programmes for economic sector operational areas including: water, energy, agriculture, financial intermediary lending, road transport infrastructure and education.

The ESU has responsibility for developing and supporting the implementation of the operational policies, strategies and procedures for CDB’s environmental, climate and disaster risk management portfolio management and oversees compliance with these operational policies and procedures. The division also conducts relevant policy, sector analytical work, related to sustainability.

THE ROLE

The Disaster Risk Management Specialist will lead implementation of CDB’s strategic and operational approach to Disaster Risk Management (DRM). They will provide advice, expertise and technical support to operations to mainstream DRM in CDB operations and ensure bank-wide implementation of the pro-active and integrated disaster risk management approach.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The job will require the Disaster Risk Management Specialist to:

Policies, Strategies and Frameworks

• Lead the review and update of CDB’s DRM policy and strategy to support the promotion, implementation and monitoring of comprehensive and integrated disaster risk management
• .Provide analytical and technical input into CDB’s sector policies and strategies including country engagement strategies to facilitate integration of DRM across the Bank’s operations.

Operational Advice and Support

• Provide technical advice on integrating DRM considerations in programs and projects across sectors and themes within CDB’s client countries, identify necessary actions to strengthen DRM/Climate change adaptation linkages.
• Lead technical support to Projects Department on the development and management of DRM projects including participation in project teams.
• Supervise the work of consultants and technical specialists to ensure consistency with the CDB’s standards; review terms of reference; evaluate studies and project documentation.

Mobilizing and managing DRM finance

• Identify opportunities to access concessional resources and to use innovative financing mechanisms to support DRM and resilience-building investments in client countries

• Collaborate with development partners, multilateral organizations, and donors to leverage funding and technical expertise for disaster risk management programs in BMCs.

• Lead the engagement with regional and extra-regional institutions to coordinate efforts and contribute to regional DRM initiatives.

Knowledge Generation and Sharing

• Develop as required appropriate knowledge products (e.g. DRM considerations in sectors/themes, assessments, good practice, innovative solutions, and guidelines), and partnerships to implement the objectives of CDB’s strategic direction.
• Lead preparation of briefs, technical notes and presentations etc. on DRM for CDB management
• Facilitate DRM policy dialogues in collaboration with partner agencies.
• Conduct capacity building programs for CDB’s client countries

• Provide coaching/mentoring to junior professionals in the Environmental Sustainability Unit

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of disaster risk management measures in CDB-financed projects and document best practices, lessons learned, and the impact of DRM interventions.

• Actively represent the Bank in external networks/fora and foster strategic partnerships to enhance knowledge sharing, access to resources, and coordination in disaster risk management.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Master’s degree, or equivalent in disaster risk management, climate change, economics, environmental sciences, engineering or related fields.

• At least eight (8) years of relevant Disaster Risk Management related professional work experience.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting disaster risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, and integrating DRM into project design and policy frameworks

• Proven track record of working in the Caribbean or similar regions, with an understanding of the unique vulnerabilities of small island developing states.

• Demonstrated understanding of the nexus between DRM and climate change adaptation

Function-specific Competencies

The Disaster Risk Management Specialist must demonstrate capabilities in:

• Excellent research and analytical skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required.

• Familiarity with operations, policies and procedures of multilateral financial institutions, and experience in preparation appraisal and implementation of investment projects.

Behavioural Competencies

Competency	Definition
Delivering High Quality Work	Critically reviews work processes to ensure quality; addresses problems that could impact quality; makes sure project deliverables and services meet all requirements and expectations; does not make the same mistakes twice.
Displaying Technical Expertise	Keeps his/her technical skills current; effectively applies specialised knowledge and skills to perform work tasks; understands and masters the technical skills, knowledge, and tasks associated with his/her job; shares technical expertise with others.
Acting Strategically	Aligns day-to-day activities around broader organisational goals and objectives; prioritises resources based on the strategic objectives of the organisation; recognises and rewards people based on how their actions support the broader needs of the organisation.
Acting Decisively	Moves quickly to make decisions and commits to a clear course of action; comfortable making decisions based on partial information; willing to take risks in order to maintain momentum; shows a strong bias toward action.
Communicating Effectively	Consistently communicates with clarity and thoroughness to optimise audience understanding. Communicates information in a clear, concise, and timely manner. Demonstrates effective speaking and presentation skills.
Driving for Results	Bottom-line oriented and pushes self and others to achieve results. Keeps current on project status; makes sure people are aware of project status and what they need to do to keep things moving; redirects project resources and activities to overcome setbacks; elevates project concerns to senior levels of leadership when appropriate.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This role is a full-time position with the successful candidate being contracted on a two-year basis in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal.  The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.  The benefits package includes a pension plan, life and medical insurances.

 Before you proceed to apply, please consider the following requirements: 

• You must be a national of one of CDB’s member countries.

• You will be required to produce evidence of any educational and professional qualifications to support your application if you are selected for an interview.

• All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks and references.

CDB fully respects the need for confidentiality of information supplied and assures you that we will not discuss your background and interest with anyone including references, without your prior consent.

The deadline for submission of applications is November 18, 2024 at 11:59 pm AST. 

The Caribbean Development Bank is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, or disabilities. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Bank provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities who participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us to request such accommodation.