Disaster Risk Management Associate
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Asia and the Pacific supports governments and partners in transforming agrifood systems for efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability. A key focus is strengthening disaster risk reduction, early warning, preparedness, and anticipatory action to protect food security and agricultural livelihoods from climate and disaster risks. The region is preparing for a potential strong El Niño event in 2026/27, requiring timely measures to mitigate impacts on agriculture and vulnerable communities.
Job Purpose
This role supports FAO's regional disaster resilience team in Bangkok, focusing on the 2026/27 El Niño preparedness and response portfolio. The Disaster Risk Management Associate will provide hands-on assistance in coordination, information management, and the development of knowledge products. The assignment aims to consolidate evidence and lessons learned from the El Niño event, fostering collaboration with regional partners like ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific Technical Working Group. The position offers valuable exposure to climate-risk analysis, anticipatory action strategies, regional coordination, and multi-country program delivery, engaging with country offices, technical teams, governments, and other stakeholders.
Responsibilities
The Disaster Risk Management Associate will support information management for FAO's regional El Niño work, maintaining action trackers, country updates, and meeting records. Responsibilities include consolidating and presenting climate, agricultural, and operational information into concise regional updates, briefing notes, and decision-support products. The role involves assisting with El Niño monitoring and preparedness processes, including scheduling meetings, compiling inputs, and following up on agreed actions. The associate will contribute to knowledge management by organizing project documentation, implementation records, and lessons learned from anticipatory action interventions, supporting After-Action Reviews. Additionally, the role entails supporting communication and knowledge-sharing efforts, drafting internal updates and materials for partners, and assisting with regional coordination and learning processes, including engagement with ASEAN and relevant working groups. Exploration of AI and machine learning applications for risk analysis is also a component.
Work Experience
No prior experience is required, but a demonstrated interest or experience in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, early warning systems, anticipatory action, humanitarian preparedness, agriculture, or food security is beneficial. Experience in coordination, information management, research, communications, or knowledge management is also advantageous. Familiarity with data analysis, AI, machine learning, or geospatial tools is a plus. Previous volunteer experience or cross-cultural exposure is highly regarded.
Skills
Key competencies include strong organization, coordination, and information management skills, with the ability to synthesize information and track actions. Excellent written communication and analytical skills are essential, along with proficiency in standard office software. Digital literacy and a curiosity for emerging technologies like AI and machine learning for risk analysis are important. Familiarity with data analysis or geospatial tools is an asset. Core values such as accountability, adaptability, integrity, and teamwork are expected.