Disaster Risk Management Officer

Job Title: Disaster Risk Management/Field Assessment Officer

Job Summary:

A Disaster Risk Management/Field Assessment Officer is a critical role responsible for the rapid and accurate quantification of physical damages and losses following a natural disaster event (e.g., hurricane, earthquake, flood, or volcanic eruption).

This officer acts as the primary link between the affected site and decision-makers, providing the essential technical data needed for emergency response, recovery planning, and financial aid allocation.

Core Function:

To conduct site inspections, technical assessments, and detailed data collection in disaster-affected areas to determine the nature, severity, and extent of damage to residential, commercial, public, and critical infrastructure. The officer transforms raw field observations into standardized reports for government agencies, NGOs, or insurance bodies.

Key Skills and Competencies:

Technical Skills

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Proficiency in using GIS and spatial data analysis software to map damage, exposure, and vulnerability.
• Data Management & Analysis: Expertise in digital data collection tools and strong proficiency in statistical analysis software and advanced Excel for data processing and visualization.
• Construction/Valuation Knowledge: Sound technical knowledge of building codes, construction standards, and property valuation to accurately estimate damages and reconstruction costs.
• Emergency Communications: Familiarity with emergency communication protocols and equipment.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Coordination and Liaison: Exceptional ability to liaise and coordinate effectively with multiple stakeholders, including local community leaders, government agencies (Police, Fire, Public Works), and international partners (UN, CDEMA).
• Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to exercise mature judgment, tact, and integrity while working in high-stress, post-disaster environments with limited resources.
• Report Writing: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English to produce clear, concise, and timely reports.
• Logistics & Autonomy: High degree of flexibility and independence to manage field logistics, secure accommodations, and operate effectively in affected areas for extended periods.
• Rapid Deployment: Immediately mobilize and deploy to disaster-affected zones, often operating independently or as part of a small team in challenging, resource-scarce environments.
• Damage Quantification: Use established methodologies or similar damage assessment protocols) to systematically document and estimate the cost of damage and loss to structures, assets, and livelihoods.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Act as a key point of contact in the field, coordinating assessment efforts with local community leaders, government officials, affected residents, and other humanitarian organizations.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure the integrity and quality of all collected data, validating information against established standards and flagging potential discrepancies.

Key qualifications and experience:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree: in a relevant field such as: Engineering (Civil/Structural), Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Disaster Risk Management (DRM), Geography/GIS, Urban Planning, or Social Sciences with a concentration in monitoring & evaluation or development.
• Specialized training and certificates: Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) methodology is considered an asset.

Experience:

• Field Experience: A minimum of 2-4 years of progressively responsible experience in field-based roles, preferably within the disaster management, construction, or insurance sectors.
• Disaster Response Cycle: Direct, demonstrable involvement in at least one major disaster response or emergency preparedness exercise in a technical or coordination capacity.
• Assessment & Reporting: Proven track record in designing, implementing, and analyzing technical field surveys, data collection tools, and compiling formal, high-quality assessment reports for management or international stakeholders.
• Project/Team Management: Experience in managing enumerators/field teams during assessment phases, ensuring data quality and adherence to methodology.

Additional Requirements (Mandatory):

• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel frequently and rapidly within the home country and potentially across CARICOM member states for deployment after events.
• Valid Driver's License: A valid, non-restricted driver's license is typically mandatory, as fieldwork often requires operating a vehicle in challenging terrain and road conditions.