Technical Specialist - Early Warning Systems
Line Manager: Project Manager
Location: Phnom Penh – with frequent field visits within Cambodia
Duration: 12 months with possibility of extensions
Starting date: As soon as possible
About the position
The Technical Specialist – Early Warning Systems will be responsible for overseeing the proper functioning of the Early Warning System 1294 nationwide. Specifically, he/she will provide technical and operational support to the national (i.e., NCDM, National Committee for Disaster Management) and provincial (i.e., PCDM, Provincial Committees for Disaster Management) authorities in running and maintaining the system in all its components. In addition, the Technical Specialist – Early Warning Systems will act as PIN’s focal point on EWS capacity-building towards key government stakeholders, PIN staff and other third-parties – adapting and developing tools and resources as needed. He/she will also contribute to the development of PIN’s early warning program through technical support, streamlining lessons learnt from EWS1294 programming and integrating latest technological developments and trends relevant to PIN’s strategic priorities in EWS.
The Technical Specialist – Early Warning Systems will work under the supervision of the EWS1294 Project Manager and in coordination with PIN’s technical advisors as relevant.
- Technical & operational support to NCDM & PCDMs in running and maintaining the early-warning dissemination system EWS1294:
- Support NCDM, PCDM and other government entities in managing EWS1294, including maintenance of hardware/software, communication and dissemination of warning messages and any other needs-based requests
- Where relevant, liaise with third-party contractors and PIN internal advisors involved in the provision of support services related to EWS2194
- When required, support NCDM/PCDM staff in maintaining and installing new EWS1294 river sensors across the country
- Support in monitoring and collecting data on the system’s performance to support NCDM/PCDM’s operational decisions and inform PIN’s internal information management systems
- Work closely with the early-warning program team and coordinate on solving relevant issues with EWS1294 reported by NCDM/PCDM
- Support EWS program implementation team in delivering ongoing projects on needs basis
- Act as PIN’s focal point on EWS capacity-building towards key government stakeholders, PIN staff and other third-parties:
- Provide trainings and other capacity-building services on EWS1294 to NCDM, PCDM, PIN staff and other stakeholders. To this end, utilize, adapt and develop tools and resources on EWS1294 and contribute to program quality and implementation of ongoing PIN projects on the ground
- Improve technical capacities of key technical staff at NCDM, PCDM and other relevant ministries to support technical and operational functions of EWS1294
- Track progress on the capacity-services rendered, identify lingering gaps and develop long-term capacity-development plans that reflect the dynamic EWS policy and programming landscape in Cambodia and the region
- Contribute to the development of PIN’s early warning program through technical support, streamlining lessons learnt from EWS1294 programming and integrating latest technological developments and trends relevant to PIN’s strategic priorities in EWS:
- In close coordination with PIN’s EWS program leads, provide technical support in developing new grant proposals in both Cambodia, Laos and regionally
- Understand the history and key milestones in EWS1294 development and have ability to use the various tools and resources, lessons learnt and best practices to technically support PIN’s ongoing program quality and development efforts
- Together with the EWS program team, contribute to the development of EWS knowledge database, including review and adaptation of manuals, SOPs, technical notes and other materials, and provide guidance on their utilization based on observed programming needs
- Stay abreast with recent technological developments and innovations relevant to PIN’s programming priorities, including private sector engagement plans, and provide technical advice to the program development leads on exploring the newly identified opportunities in line with PIN’s sectoral approaches and strategic interests.
- Be aware of Cambodia’s and regional policy infrastructure in disaster management, priorities and plans of relevant line ministries, and how they influence PIN’s strategic engagement in EWS and program development approaches
- Provide guidance and support in the sourcing of external technical expertise for PIN’s EWS program, including the preparation of TORs, bid evaluation, service progress monitoring and assessing quality of deliverables.
- Qualifications required:
- Desired Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:
- Bachelor’s degree in disaster risk management, environmental economics, engineering, climate resilience, international development or a related field.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in the international development or a relevant private sector field is required
- Experience applying technology and innovations for impact-oriented development solutions will be a strong asset
- Experience working in an international NGO is preferred.
- Excellent knowledge of English and Khmer – both verbal and written
- Competencies
- Core competencies:
- Ability to work and coordinate with team members and stakeholders from different backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative and meet deadlines.
- Ability to pay attention to detail and to investigate critically and thoroughly.
- High ethical standards and ability to adhere to the principles of confidentiality, commitment and understanding of PIN's goals, values and principles.
- Technical competencies:
- Prior knowledge in disaster risk reduction and early warning systems is preferred.
- Ability to use GIS is preferred.
- Technical understanding of software and hardware.
- Manual skills (including with electronic devices if possible).
- Ability to assess and monitor the performance of a system and to develop strategies.
- Ability to coordinate and provide capacity building to government authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
- Ability to develop technical tools, manuals, methodologies, SOPs.
- Ability to conduct field activities under potentially demanding conditions.
