National DRR/Anticipatory Action Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a United Nations agency dedicated to defeating hunger and achieving food security globally. FAO Viet Nam collaborates with national and local authorities, and development partners to enhance food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. The office supports Viet Nam in resource mobilization and project implementation, aligning with global strategies and regional priorities. A key focus is the Anticipatory Action (AA) agenda, linking early warnings to protective actions. FAO Viet Nam, with VDDMA and DFAT support, is implementing a project to institutionalize a nationally led AA system and build capacities, positioning Viet Nam as an ASEAN leader.

Job Purpose

The National DRR/Anticipatory Action Specialist will be responsible for ensuring the effective, technically sound, and coordinated implementation of project activities according to the approved work plan. This role involves providing crucial support across various project phases, from inception and assessment to policy advocacy, technical standard development, and capacity building. The specialist will contribute to enhancing forecast systems, risk mapping, and the development of AA tools, ensuring alignment with national standards and stakeholder needs. Ultimately, the position aims to strengthen community resilience through anticipatory action mechanisms.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will manage project inception, including developing capacity assessment tools, methodologies, and Terms of Reference for baseline assessments to evaluate existing government systems and identify gaps. They will support the preparation of assessment reports with clear recommendations and organize project kick-off workshops. Responsibilities extend to policy advocacy, providing technical assistance for the inclusion of Anticipatory Action in legal frameworks, and drafting contextualized technical standards for harmonized AA systems, focusing on typhoons and droughts. The specialist will enhance forecast systems by reviewing and finalizing indices like the Composite Drought Index, supporting the development of tools for El Niño and drought AA, and identifying priority communes for risk mapping. They will facilitate data collection for multi-hazard risk maps using GIS and support the development of use cases for impact forecasting. Capacity building involves supporting AA training for partners based on assessment results and organizing workshops to promote wider ownership and harmonization. The role also includes assisting in reviewing forecast information, trigger thresholds, and AA Protocols for timely activation of early actions, contributing to the implementation of AA in accordance with SOPs, and monitoring activation processes, documenting progress, challenges, and lessons learned for technical reporting.

Work Experience

At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation, or emergency response in Viet Nam. Specific experience in Anticipatory Action (AA) is required, including drafting AA Protocols, developing provincial SOPs, and facilitating simulation exercises. Experience in multi-hazard risk mapping, impact forecasting, and linking AA with social protection systems, particularly using the national poverty registry for targeting, is essential. Strong skills in government partnership, policy advocacy, assessment design, capacity building, and event organization are also necessary.

Skills

Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. Strong Government Partnership and Policy Advocacy, Anticipatory Action Expertise, Early Warning & Data Integration Skills, Social Protection & Targeting Nexus, Assessment & Coordination.

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