Disaster Risk Management Specialist

Global Roles; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Roles is seeking a Disaster Risk Management Specialist to provide technical, operational, and advisory support for disaster risk analytics and management activities. The role includes rapid post-disaster assessments, hazard and exposure modeling, climate risk analysis, and economics of resilience to inform project preparation and implementation.

You will lead knowledge products, coordinate risk assessments, develop GIS-enabled tools, and collaborate with international teams to advance

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Engineering with a focus on structural engineering or related field.
• At least 5 years of increasing responsibility in disaster risk assessments and risk reduction.
• Experience in international development and disaster risk management.
• Strong analytical, research and modeling skills with ability to synthesize diverse data.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate knowledge products on disaster risk analytics and policies.
• Manage disaster risk assessments (hazards, exposure, vulnerabilities) to be technically robust.
• Support regional TTLs to enable investments in Bank projects and client support.
• Develop tools and databases to track exposure of built environments to hazards.
• Lead engagements with clients and task teams for risk management solutions.
• Integrate geospatial tools across technical areas for risk analytics.
• Lead training and capacity building in risk reduction activities and procurement.
• Define technical requirements and identify expert partners for DRM TA activities.
• Foster partnerships with firms and institutions for co-development of products.
• Develop analytical products related to Building Regulations for Resilience with IFC/MIGA.

Skills

Disaster Risk Assessment

Disaster Risk Reduction

Risk Analytics

Structural Engineering

International Development

Policy Analysis

Analytical Skills

Python Programming

R Programming

GIS Software

Quantitative Analysis

Building Standards

Resilient Housing

Problem Solving

Disaster Risk Management

Hazard Modeling

Exposure Modeling

Climate Risk Analysis

Economics of Resilience

Technical Advisory

Education

Master or PhD in Engineering

Tools

Python Programming

R Programming

GIS Software

Job description

The Disaster Risk Management Specialist will provide technical, operational, and corporate support for disaster risk analytics and broader disaster risk management activities and programming. The role involves contributing to rapid post-disaster assessments, hazard and exposure modeling, disaster and climate risk analysis, and economics of resilience, supporting project preparation and implementation with technical advisory and capacity building.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate and contribute to development of knowledge products related to disaster risk management analytics and policies
• Coordinate the development and management of disaster risk assessments (hazards, exposure, vulnerabilities), ensuring the assessments are technically robust
• Support regional TTLs to deliver actionable investments in Bank projects, enabling better support to clients
• Participate in developing tools and databases to better understand and track various aspects of the exposure of the built environment to natural hazards
• Lead technical engagements support clients and Regional Task Teams in the identification, assessment, implementation and monitoring of Disaster Risk Management solutions
• Lead the Disaster risk analytics engagement with the integration of geospatial tools/services across the KIUSD’s technical thematic areas
• Lead/initiate/participate in training and capacity building in the implementation and procurement of risk reduction and preparedness technical activities
• Discuss and define with the task teams the technical requirements for activities in Disaster Risk Management Technical Assistance, and identify terms of reference, international experts or institutions that can support the activity
• Lead/initiate/participate in partnerships with firms, consultants, external institutions, and internal World Bank teams for the co-development of new products
• Develop analytical products related to Building Regulations for Resilience including technical collaborations with WBG institutions such as IFC and MIGA
• Lead/initiate/participate in support to clients and Task Teams globally in the identification, assessment, implementation and monitoring of Disaster Risk Management solutions
• Facilitate coordination with related programs within the Infrastructure Vice-Presidential Unit and the World Bank in general
• Carry out other tasks relevant to support the overall objective of the position

Requirements

• A Master or PhD degree in Engineering, particularly in structural engineering or relevant technical field
• A minimum of 5 years of increasing responsibility in disaster risk assessments and disaster risk reduction with a focus on cutting edge risk analytics
• Experience in international development and disaster risk management
• Track record of participation in policy discussion in relation to safe buildings and infrastructure
• Strong conceptual and research / analytical skills with the ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and actionable recommendations
• In depth knowledge and strong programming background with demonstrated quantitative skills including fluency in Python, R and open-sourced GIS software packages
• In-depth knowledge and expertise of good practice building standards and resilience housing
• High degree of motivation, initiative, flexibility, reliability, and responsiveness to changing demands
• Analytical: Consistently demonstrates the use of strong analytical skills to effectively interpret data and make informed decisions, leading to quality outcomes for clients and partners
• Strong problem-solving skills and proven ability to apply these in carrying out research and operational tasks, presenting findings and recommendations, and contributing to resolution of sector and/or country issues
• Knowledge of the World Bank key Disaster Risk Management priorities and programs is a plus
• Excellent sense of initiative, drive for results and client orientation, coupled with strong planning and organizational skills
• Experience collaborating with government agencies, international organizations, and community leaders
• Fluency (written and spoken) in English is required
• Fluency in an additional language such as French, Spanish or Portuguese is desirable but not required
• Excellent inter-personal skills, diplomatic and proven ability to work in a team and intercultural environment
• Proven communications skills, both in oral presentations and in written documents, including sections of papers, briefs, and independent reports

Skills

• Disaster Risk Assessment
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Risk Analytics
• Structural Engineering
• International Development
• Policy Analysis
• Analytical Skills
• Python Programming
• R Programming
• GIS Software
• Quantitative Analysis
• Building Standards
• Resilient Housing
• Problem Solving
• Disaster Risk Management
• Hazard Modeling
• Exposure Modeling
• Climate Risk Analysis
• Economics of Resilience
• Technical Advisory

Languages

English, French, Spanish, Portuguese