UNOPS Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative towards elimination of Malaria, which works to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in the greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organisations in the country, including the Government of Myanmar, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an agreement with the Government of Myanmar to improve capacity for strengthening climate and disaster resilience in the country. As part of the agreement, UNOPS Myanmar is required to implement the Output 3 that is to increase awareness and capacity for disaster risk financing among government and the private sectors through LIFT. LIFT is a multidonor trust fund providing funding for projects supporting the lives and prospects of rural poor in Myanmar together with technical expertise and targeted research. Currently, LIFT works with 14 microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Myanmar, comprising two-thirds of the MFI lending portfolio in the country.
UNOPS Myanmar is seeking a Disaster Risk Assessment Specialist for the development and implementation of Disaster Risk Assessment activities. This position will report to the Microfinance Specialist/Team Leader who will provide broad supervision and guidance. The role is responsible for supporting strengthening Climate and Disaster Resilience of Myanmar Communities. The technical assistance(TA) will be implemented at the national level with specific pilots in the Ayeyarwady Region.
Under the direct supervision of Senior Programme Manager, the Specialist will perform the implementation of activities in terms of developing a disaster risk assessment methodology and conducting disaster risk assessments, and strengthening awareness and capacity of MFIs in disaster risk assessment and recovery planning. The Specialist will carry out the following tasks, in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices.
Programme Management
- develop a disaster risk assessment methodology for MFI loan portfolios, including guidance on accessing disaster risk information;
- conduct disaster risk assessments for at least 3 MFIs operating in Ayeyarwady region to demonstrate application of the methodology;
- provide technical inputs to the design of the contingency disaster liquidity facility developed under the project;
- provide inputs to the development of and delivery of workshop materials for MFIs focusing on disaster risk assessment of loan portfolios;
- coordinate and communicate routinely with the executing agency and ADB project officers on TA progress.
- Other programme management tasks as necessary.
Knowledge Management:
- Actively interact with other stakeholder to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice on the Knowledge System.
- Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.
- Building and maintaining strategic linkages with a wide range of stakeholders including: government ministries, departments and agencies; development coordination mechanism, private sector stakeholders; and other organizations.
- Other knowledge management tasks as necessary.
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
Monitoring and Progress Controls
Ensure that the project delivers the defined outputs within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope and benefits. The Specialist is also responsible for the project producing a result capable of achieving the benefits defined in the Business Case.
Final Products
Compliance with UNOPS policies, regulation and rules, ensuring improved efficiency of the MMOC leading to success in the implementation of the project, leading to partner satisfaction.
Education
- An Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in disaster risk management, climate science, social science, earth sciences, rural development, international development, business administration, public administration, or any related discipline is required;
- A First-Level University Degree (Bachelor’s) in combination with 2 years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience
- Minimum 7 years of experience in disaster risk assessment project is required.
- Past experience of implementing similar projects in Southeast Asian countries, including familiarity with the microfinance sector would be an advantage.
- Good understanding of Microfinance best practices is highly preferred.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office 2003 and/or newer versions is required.
Language
- Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.
