Job Description

Position Title: Senior Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Specialist

Open Period: 26 May 2025 - 25 June 2025

Background:

The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES) is an international and intergovernmental institution, owned and managed by its Member States, for the generation and application of early warning information. RIMES evolved from the efforts of countries in Africa and Asia, in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, to establish a regional early warning system within a multi-hazard framework for the generation and communication of early warning information, and capacity building for preparedness and response to trans-boundary hazards. RIMES was established on 30 April 2009, and was registered with the United Nations on 1 July 2009. RIMES operates from its regional early warning center located at the campus of the Asian Institute of Technology in Pathumthani, Thailand.

Position Description:

The Senior Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Specialist is to provide strategic and technical leadership in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of disaster risk management initiatives, including risk assessments, early warning systems, resilience planning, and institutional capacity-building. He/she is responsible for planning and developing customized Impact Based Forecasting for various stakeholders and area of impact in coordination with the members of the team.

Duty station:

TN-SMART Project Office, Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency, Ezhilagam Annex Bld., Chennai, India.

Type of Contract:

Full-time, project-based contract

Skills and Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge

Masters or PhD in Disaster Management, Emergency Management, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Geography, Urban Planning, Public Health, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Change Adaptation, Public Policy, or Development Studies., or a related field.
Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in disaster risk management, emergency response, humanitarian aid, or related fields. Practical experience in disaster-prone areas or regions, involving direct engagement in risk assessment, mitigation, response, and recovery activities. Experience working with government agencies, international organizations, NGOs, or in community-based projects.
Technical Skills:

Professional certifications in disaster management, such as Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Associate Emergency Manager (AEM), or specific courses from recognized institutions like FEMA, Red Cross, or UNISDR. Certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) can also be beneficial.
Personal qualities

Analytical thinker with problem-solving skills. Strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure. Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of working in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments. Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate with stakeholders.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic and Technical Leadership:

Lead the development and implementation of the national or regional DRM strategy and action plans. Provide high-level technical advice on risk identification, risk reduction, preparedness, and recovery. Guide the integration of DRM into development and sectoral policies (e.g., urban planning, water management, health, education). Conduct or oversee multi-hazard risk assessments, vulnerability analysis, and loss estimations.
Institutional and Policy Support:

Support national and local government agencies in reviewing, updating, and operationalizing DRM-related laws, frameworks, and SOPs. Facilitate inter-agency coordination mechanisms and national disaster platforms. Provide inputs to policy dialogues, donor engagement, and advocacy on disaster resilience and climate adaptation.
Capacity Development:

Identify capacity gaps and lead the design and delivery of training programs for DRM practitioners, government officials, and communities. Develop tools, guidelines, and knowledge products on best practices in risk management and disaster preparedness. Early Warning and Response Preparedness:*
Strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS), risk communication protocols, and response planning. Coordinate simulation exercises, contingency planning, and emergency preparedness strategies.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

Support the development of M&E systems for DRM interventions. Prepare progress reports, policy briefs, and technical publications. Monitor the implementation of DRM projects, ensuring alignment with international frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
Deliverables:

DRM Strategy and Action Plan Technical reports on hazard and risk assessments Capacity building plan and training modules Policy recommendations and briefing notes Inputs to donor reporting and evaluations Knowledge products and guidelines on DRM best practices

Contract Duration

The contract will be for 1 year, subject to a 6-month probationary period, and annual performance review.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send your application letter, resume, salary expectation and 2 references to rimeshra@rimes.int by midnight of 25 June 2025, Bangkok time. Please state "Senior Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Specialist: Name "the Subject line of the email. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Ms. Dusadee Padungkul

Head-Operational Support

Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System

AIT Campus, 58 Moo 9 Paholyothin Rd., Klong 1,

Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120 Thailand.

RIMES promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Well-qualified applicants particularly women are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Application Question(s):

Do you have any prior work experience with Non-Profit Organizations, International Organizations, or Inter-Governmental Organizations?
If not, are you interested in working in such environments? Please elaborate briefly.

Kindly specify your salary expectations.
Education:

Master's (Required)
Experience:

disaster risk management: 5 years (Preferred) emergency response: 5 years (Preferred) humanitarian aid: 5 years (Preferred) working with government : 1 year (Preferred) working with international organizations: 1 year (Preferred) working with NGOs: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:

English (Required)
Location:

Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (Required)
Application Deadline: 25/06/2025