Preparedness and Anticipatory Action Expert (AMHEWAS), AU, P2, Addis Ababa, NORCAP Full Time

NORCAP’s mission is to improve aid to protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peace building sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions that meet the needs of people at risk.

We do this by:

• Supporting humanitarian, development and peace building initiatives that protect and empower people
• Improving impact at the global and local level through joint projects with partners and stakeholders
• Providing expertise and developing capacity that enable partners to meet the needs of people in fragile situations and crises
• Strengthening the global system that we are part of through support for leadership, coordination and policy development
• Building bridges between the humanitarian, development and peace building sectors

African Union

The African Union (AU), established in 2002 as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion, and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as fostering international cooperation. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Role and Objectives

The African Union Commission (AUC) through NORCAP is recruiting a Preparedness and Anticipatory Action Expert.

The appointment will be made on a contract basis for a period of one year, based in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). The salary to the position is set at P2 Step 5 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff.

The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in developing strategies, coordinating efforts, and building capacity to ensure effective preparedness and anticipatory action mechanisms are in place. The Preparedness and Anticipatory Action Expert will be part of the AMHEWAS team based in the African Union Commission’s Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Unit, of the Department for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE). Under the supervision and guidance of the AMHEWAS Programme Manager, the Preparedness and Anticipatory Action Expert will be the focal point in the implementation of the project, Improving Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems to reduce disaster risks and enhance anticipatory action. The expert will support the development of anticipatory action guidelines, facilitate capacity building and technical support to MS to develop anticipatory action frameworks, and support implementation and reporting on all the project’s activities. The Expert will also ensure integration planning, monitoring and reporting of the preparedness and response pillar of the AMHEWAS programme.

Only applicants from the AU member states will be considered.

Main Responsibilities

• Project planning and implementation
  • Develop the annual and quarterly work plans for the project, ‘Improving Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems to reduce disaster risks and enhance anticipatory action.
  • Coordinate the implementation of the work plan.
• Risk Assessment and Monitoring
  • Work with the AMHEWAS Situation Room team to monitor and analyze early warning signals for potential humanitarian crises, including natural disasters, conflicts, and economic or social disruptions.
  • Evaluate risk factors and trends to anticipate potential impacts on vulnerable populations.
  • Utilize forecasting tools and early warning systems to provide actionable guidelines for anticipatory measures to RECs and Member States.
• Technical and Policy Advisory Support on Preparedness and Anticipatory Action
  • Develop AMHEWAS guidelines on preparedness and anticipatory Action.
  • Support RECs and Member States to develop and implement preparedness and anticipatory action strategies and plans based on risk assessments and predictive analytic, ensuring alignment with AU’s disaster risk reduction frameworks and regional priorities.
  • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders at continental and regional levels to design and prepare for early interventions that can reduce the impact of anticipated crises.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of policies and frameworks related to multi-hazard early warning and preparedness.
  • Provide expert advice and input for policy discussions and strategic planning at regional and continental levels.
• Coordination and Partnership Building
  • Collaborate with stakeholders at global, continental, and regional levels to ensure a coordinated approach to anticipatory action.
  • Facilitate information sharing and collaboration among different agencies to enhance Anticipatory Actions, preparedness, and response efforts.
• Support to AMHEWAS Project development and resource mobilisation
  • Identify opportunities and mobilize resources needed for anticipatory actions, including financial and technical resources.
  • Prepare project proposals, reports, and funding requests to ensure resource adequacy and program sustainability.
• Capacity Building
  • Conduct training and capacity-building activities for AUC staff, partners, RECs, and member States on the AMHEWAS guidelines for Preparedness and Anticipatory Action.
  • Provide technical support to MS and RECs for the development and implementation of preparedness and anticipatory action strategies/plans.
  • Develop and disseminate best practices and guidelines for preparedness and anticipatory action.
• Project Reporting and Knowledge Management
  • Prepare regular project implementation reports for the project, Improving Africa ‘Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems to reduce disaster risks and enhance anticipatory action.
  • Ensure that lessons learned are captured and incorporated into future anticipatory planning.
  • Support monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes of the AMHEWAS Programme.
  • Produce and disseminate knowledge products such as reports, briefs, and case studies to advocate for and promote effective disaster preparedness.
  • Keep abreast of global best practices and incorporate relevant innovations into AU strategies.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Education and Work Experience
  • Master’s degree or higher in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Disaster Management, Emergency Management, Environmental Science, Climate Change, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in anticipatory action or early warning systems is an added advantage.
  • At least five years of demonstrable experience years of professional experience in disaster preparedness, risk management, or related fields, with a focus on anticipatory action and early warning systems.
  • Specific experience in anticipatory action or early warning systems is highly valued.
  • Proven experience working within African contexts or similar multi-hazard environments is highly desirable.
  • Experience in working with intergovernmental organisations is an added advantage.
• Skills and Competencies
  • Required Skills
    • Proficiency in relevant software and tools for data analysis and risk assessment.
    • In-depth knowledge of early warning systems, risk assessment methodologies, and disaster preparedness frameworks.
    • Familiarity with international disaster risk reduction frameworks, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
    • Proficiency in project management and resource mobilization.
    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess risks and develop effective strategies.
    • Excellent communication and coordination skills to work with diverse stakeholders.
    • Effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner.
  • Functional Competencies
    • Professionalism:
      • Demonstrate a solid professional competence and expert knowledge in the subject areas
    • Teamwork:
      • Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds
    • Ethics and Values:
      • Demonstrate and safeguard ethics and integrity.
    • Drive for Results:
      • Sets priorities or chooses goals based on calculated inputs and outputs and analyses for relevant organisational outcomes.
    • Foster Innovation:
      • Improves performance by taking actions that may be unique, leading-edge or new to the organisation. Takes calculated risks in trying something new.
    • Organizational Awareness:
      • Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment.
    • Communicating and Information Sharing:
      • Be able to communicate easily and effectively, using various communication channels.
      • Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge.
• Language Requirement
  • Proficiency in English is essential. Knowledge of other working languages would be an added advantage (Arabic, French, Spanish or Portuguese).

For more information, please read the ToR

The main competencies of a NORCAP Expert:

• Building working relationships
• Planning and organising
• Adaptability
• Resilience

What we offer

In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities :

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit

Tagged as: Ethiopia, Norwegian Capacity