Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Officer

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works globally to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality, focusing on sustainable development, democratic governance, and climate/disaster resilience. In India since 1951, UNDP collaborates with national and subnational governments and diverse actors to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly for vulnerable communities. The current Country Programme (2023-2027) emphasizes strong institutions, enhanced economic opportunities, and climate-smart solutions. Recognizing that persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by disasters, UNDP, in coordination with other UN agencies, is implementing a project to enhance disability inclusion in disaster risk reduction (DRR) systems across pilot states.

Job Purpose

This role serves to anchor disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DiDRR) work within state institutions and support its sustained implementation. The Officer will act as the primary state-level technical resource for DiDRR, providing crucial support for coordination, technical planning, engagement with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and district-level implementation. The position is vital for anchoring the District-Level Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) Project, which aims to generate practical tools, institutional models, and lessons for wider scale-up. The Officer's contribution will be instrumental in integrating disability considerations into disaster preparedness, response, and recovery systems, ensuring that the needs and rights of persons with disabilities are addressed in disaster risk management frameworks.

Responsibilities

The Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Officer will provide technical advisory, coordination, and capacity-development support at state, district, and community levels. Key duties include conducting situational analyses of disability inclusion within the state's DRR architecture, mapping institutional and OPD ecosystems, and developing actionable recommendations. The role involves strengthening the integration of disability inclusion into national and state disaster management policies, plans, and SOPs. This includes developing and applying technical tools for inclusive preparedness and planning, such as DiDRR checklists and assistive technology continuity plans. The Officer will support community-level preparedness, including inclusive micro-planning and accessibility assessments, and facilitate disability-inclusive training and capacity-building activities for various stakeholders. Additionally, the role requires preparing a state capacity-building roadmap, supporting the development of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for scaled implementation, and documenting good practices and lessons learned for programme learning and wider replication. Contributions to programme monitoring, learning products, and final assignment reporting are also expected.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience is required in areas such as disability inclusion, disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation, humanitarian preparedness, resilience, or sustainable development. Demonstrated experience working with government institutions (especially disaster management or social sector departments) or Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) is essential. Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and capacity-building activities is also necessary. Familiarity with India's disaster management architecture and inclusive training is desirable.

Skills

Key competencies include professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and collaboration, with a strong ability to work effectively with diverse teams. Excellent planning, organizing, and communication skills are essential for managing workstreams and conveying technical concepts. Flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are important. Specific values include a rights-based approach to disability, awareness of intersectionality, championing the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities ('Nothing About Us Without Us'), and cultural and social sensitivity. Expertise in development programmes, community development, and crisis response is also valued.

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