Climate Resilient Communities

Action on climate change is at the heart of Australia’s International Development Policy. The policy commits the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to respond to the needs of Indo-Pacific countries and evidence of the accelerating climate crisis by increasing our climate investments and better addressing climate risks.

Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) is DFAT’s new flagship climate change program designed to help achieve Australia’s International Development Policy and meet Australia’s climate finance commitments over the next nine years (2024–33).

CRC will incentivise the flow of funds towards inclusive climate change programming—targeting community resilience in the water, food, and energy sectors, while also raising the quality of climate integration across the development program.

Climate Resilient Communities Support Unit

DT Global has been contracted by DFAT to establish and manage the Climate Resilient Communities Support Unit (CRCSU). The CRCSU provides a mechanism for DFAT Canberra and Posts to deliver enhanced climate and disaster resilience and integration programming, with the aim of enabling people in the Indo-Pacific to become more resilient to climate change and disasters.

The CRCSU will help achieve this through supporting a sustained increase in climate programming and climate integration capability, providing access to specialist expertise, resources and networks, through an efficient operational platform. The CRCSU provides the following core services:

• Program cycle support
• Climate change integration technical assistance across all development sectors (integrating gender equality, disability equity and other cross-cutting issues), including embedded personnel within DFAT
• Knowledge and learning support
• Public diplomacy support

The CRCSU supports DFAT to recruit embedded staff to work from the DFAT office in Canberra, alongside, and reporting to DFAT staff on a day-to-day basis.    

Purpose

The Disaster Risk Reduction Adviser (DRR Adviser) will be responsible for engaging, supporting and advising the CRC and DRR DFAT teams in Canberra and at Posts, including their respective program partners and Indo-Pacific stakeholders, to identify, develop and integrate an all­ hazards approach to disaster risk reduction and resilience through DFAT programs in the Indo-Pacific.

Click on the link to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: here.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Work with DFAT and CRC to apply a holistic, all-hazards approach to identifying disaster risk management and mitigation measures for climate-related disasters (e.g. cyclones, drought, flooding) and non-climate disasters (e.g. geohazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions) and integrating through country-specific and/or program­ specific Implementation Plans
• Establish and maintain relationships and networks with stakeholders, including staff at DFAT Canberra and Posts; bilateral program partners; and Indo-Pacific stakeholders, to build support and buy-in for the integration of disaster resilience, including to geohazards, into bilateral and regional investments.
• Work with DFAT staff in Canberra and at Posts, providing advisory services and building the capacity of program staff and implementation partners to enable comprehensive integration of all-hazards DRR across aid investment planning, program development, activity designs, risk management, and monitoring and reporting, and across broader policy frameworks.
• Translate technical advice and information into practical knowledge and action, enabling DFAT Posts, bilateral programs, and Indo-Pacific stakeholders to identify and understand climate-related and non-climate related disaster risks; assess their potential impacts; and design and implement appropriate measures to build DRR measures for their programs.
• Assist DFAT program managers and partners to integrate gender responsive and inclusive DRR and resilience measures into activities and initiatives.
• Identify and manage requirements for specialist advice and input from the Expert Panel, in response to requests from DFAT program managers and delivery partners in line with agreed priorities
• Undertake annual assessments of the quality of all-hazards DRR integration across investment portfolios and broader policy arenas (e.g. in program and investment outcomes, budgets, risk management, monitoring, reporting and learning frameworks, and aid quality reporting)
• Develop and actively maintain deep knowledge and networks relevant to all-hazards DRR in the Indo-Pacific, including extensive knowledge of the priorities and programs of national governments, regional organisations and other development partners, civil society organisations, research and academic institutions and other relevant agencies.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of DFAT’s CRC MEL framework, and GEDSI, information brokering, knowledge and communications strategies
• Engage in collaboration, activities, research and analysis to support DRR integration work of DFAT program managers and the overall work of the CRC.
• In cooperation with your DFAT Manager, and other CRC team members, support collaboration and coordination with other sub-programs of CRC, including knowledge brokering, and implement the CRC’s risk management plan.
• Contribute to developing harmonious working relationships with DFAT, colleagues and key stakeholders, and assist to build the profile and reputation of CRCSU as a high performing support unit.
• Contribute to incorporating CRC’s commitments on promoting and mainstreaming GEDSI in the delivery of all CRCSU advice, processes, decisions and activities.
• Other tasks and duties as required to ensure the smooth and effective delivery of the CRC.

Selection Criteria

Essential Experience and Knowledge

• Advanced degree related to disaster risk reduction, emergency management, geosciences, or other relevant experience or qualifications.
• Minimum 10 years of experience pertinent to climate-related disasters (e.g. cyclones, drought, flooding) and non-climate disasters (e.g. geohazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions) risk management/reduction, in relation to technical advice for international development programs, including experience in the Indo-Pacific.
• Contemporary knowledge of disaster risk management/reduction and a broad understanding of international developments in climate change action and disaster risk reduction and resilience building, with experience integrating approaches across sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to provide advisory services, coaching and mentoring to effect behaviour change among diverse stakeholders in government, civil society and the private sector, in a complex operating environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of DFAT aid policies and strategies, and other relevant government policies.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and a professional commitment to promote a culture of gender equality and social inclusion.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills, both oral and written.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain professional, cross-sectoral networks.
• Understanding of and genuine commitment to Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Child Protection, PSEAH, prevention of human trafficking, environmental protection, anti-corruption and other DFAT safeguarding policies.

HOW TO APPLY

We welcome your interest in joining the team.

Please provide a response to the Selection Criteria (no more than 2 pages) and current CV. Only candidates of interest will be contacted for interview.

About DT Global

DT Global is shaping a future where sustainable development and innovation empower individuals, communities, and nations. We work in partnership with local stakeholders to foster inclusive prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries to solve complex problems in the peacebuilding, governance, economic development, environment, and human development sectors. With a track record of technical excellence and more than 60 years of international development experience and relationships, we deliver innovative solutions that transform lives.

For more information, please see dt-global.com.

Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.