SHORT-TERM EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SPECIALIST PANAMA

Chemonics seeks a short-term emergency preparedness specialist for the USAID/Panama Community Forestry in the Darien project, which works with indigenous groups in the highly biodiverse Darien region. The project will launch activities to help communities adapt to climate change, including preparing for disasters and adapting agricultural and other practices to take changing weather cycles into account. The short-term specialist will work with the chief of party to develop a strategy and work plan for the next year and provide intermittent technical assistance as needed. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world. The short-term emergency preparedness specialist will provide strategic guidance to: Develop climate-resilient community planning models, including emergency preparedness and risk reduction committees that will be trained in basic analysis of climate change risks in their areas. Conduct damage and needs assessments after extreme events that damage community assets. Analyze hydro- meteorological changes leading to extreme events and advise on prevention, risk reduction, and response to forest fires. Develop community plans that mainstream adaptation to climate-related natural disasters to minimize vulnerabilities by understanding climate-related risks before extreme events occur. Provide training to help community leaders audit infrastructure and development projects in their region and ensure that they take climate change variables into consideration. Work with the national government to strengthen ability to use climate change adaptation approaches, including development of gender-sensitive climate change vulnerability assessments and long-term adaptation plans. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in relevant subject area preferred. Minimum five years of professional experience in emergency response planning, disaster preparedness, and/or climate change adaptation. Previous experience working at the community level to develop disaster preparedness plans, support community organization, and build response capacity. Experience in Latin America preferred. Demonstrated leadership, integrity, and versatility. Fluency in Spanish preferred. TO APPLY:Send electronic submissions to panamafcdrecruit@chemonics.com by June 17, 2011. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.