Multi Hazard Anticipatory Action Framework Development Specialist
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a UN specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security and promoting sustainable agri-food systems globally. Working in over 130 countries, FAO supports its 195 members in transforming agriculture, improving nutrition, enhancing the environment, and bettering lives. In Sri Lanka, FAO has been active since 1979. Currently, FAO is implementing a US-funded project to bolster the preparedness and resilience of vulnerable farming communities against interconnected shocks, including climate events like El Niño and the impacts of past cyclones and regional crises.
Job Purpose
The Multi-Hazard Anticipatory Action Framework Development Specialist will provide crucial technical, analytical, and documentation support for the creation and finalization of the National Multi-Hazard Agriculture Anticipatory Action Framework. This role involves offering technical expertise and facilitation to FAO and collaborating institutions. The specialist will review and document institutional, technical, and operational aspects essential for enhancing anticipatory actions in agriculture and food security. Key areas include forecasting, trigger development, preparedness planning, and establishing operational protocols for managing flood, drought, and high-wind hazards, laying the groundwork for future operationalization and scaling.
Responsibilities
The Specialist will conduct a situational analysis and institutional mapping, reviewing policies, strategies, and disaster risk management frameworks related to agriculture and climate services. This includes compiling and analyzing data on early warning systems, climate services, and existing anticipatory actions, while mapping institutional roles and capacities. The role involves providing technical inputs for risk and vulnerability analysis, assessing flood, drought, and high-wind risks across various agricultural sub-sectors and identifying priority areas and vulnerable groups. A significant part of the responsibility is supporting the development of the National Anticipatory Action Framework by providing technical drafting and analytical support, ensuring alignment with national systems and sector needs. Furthermore, the Specialist will contribute to developing triggers and operational tools, identifying feasible anticipatory measures, and supporting the preparation of hazard-specific protocols and standard operating procedures. This includes facilitating consultations, validation workshops, and documenting key decisions and recommendations to finalize the framework and its associated annexes.
Work Experience
A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience is required in fields such as Agriculture, Climatology, Disaster Management, or Social Sciences. Experience should align with the technical requirements of developing and implementing anticipatory action frameworks. Familiarity with climate risk management and resilient agri-food systems is beneficial.
Skills
The role requires strong results focus, teamwork, and communication skills, along with the ability to build effective relationships and share knowledge. Demonstrated technical expertise in agriculture, climatology, disaster risk management, climate adaptation, and resilience programming at the national level is essential. Proven experience in coordinating and facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations with government institutions, development partners, and community stakeholders is crucial. A good understanding of UN administrative and operational procedures is advantageous.