Project Officer – Disaster Risk Reduction at Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI)

Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI) is a humanitarian, non-confessional and independent organization founded in 1965 in Milan, Italy. For more than 50 years we have been dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and to supporting populations affected by wars, socio-economic crises or natural disasters in their path to recovery and sustainable development, by making use of the professionalism of local and international operators, and through our partnerships with public and private bodies and civil society organizations.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Officer – Disaster Risk Reduction
Location: Sokoto / Zamfara / Katsina
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Description

• The Project Officer – DRR is responsible for supporting the implementation, coordination and monitoring of disaster risk reduction activities under the DRR project.
• The role includes building the capacity of stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and coordination and supporting the integration of DRR strategies at various levels.
• The Project Officer will work closely with partners and local communities to achieve project goals while adhering to COOPI’s security policies and organizational procedures.
• The position will also involve contributing to the development of DRR strategies and ensuring that project activities align with both local and national disaster management frameworks.

Responsibilities
Project Implementation:

• Support the implementation of DRR activities in line with project goals and timelines.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of DRR plans, strategies, and policies at the local and state levels.
• Engage with local communities, government bodies, and other stakeholders to promote DRR practices and awareness.
• Ensure that DRR interventions are culturally sensitive and adapted to the specific needs of the communities.

Capacity Building:

• – Facilitate training sessions and workshops for stakeholders, including government agencies, community leaders, and local organizations, on DRR best practices.
• – Strengthen the capacity of local organizations and communities to effectively prepare for and respond to disasters.
• Help develop training materials and manuals for capacity-building initiatives.

Coordination and Collaboration:

• Work closely with consortium partners, government bodies, and other NGOs to ensure coordinated and effective implementation of DRR activities.
• Participate in relevant meetings and forums to represent COOPI’s interests and share project insights.
• Ensure alignment of project activities with national and local DRR frameworks and strategies.
• Collaborate with local authorities to ensure that DRR plans are integrated into broader development plans.

Team Management:

• Supervise and provide guidance to project staff, including enumerators and field teams, ensuring that activities are conducted efficiently and effectively.
• Coordinate with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team to track project progress, ensuring that data collection and reporting are accurate and timely.
• Facilitate regular team meetings to review progress, address challenges, and plan upcoming activities.
• Ensure that all team members are trained and adhere to COOPI’s policies, including security, safeguarding, and ethical standards.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Work closely with the M&E team to monitor project activities, ensuring that objectives are met and challenges are promptly addressed.
• Support the design and implementation of M&E frameworks and tools to assess the impact of DRR activities.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on project progress, outcomes, and lessons learned.
• Maintain accurate records of project activities, including documentation of best practices and success stories.
• Analyze data and provide feedback for continuous improvement of DRR interventions.

Compliance and Security:

• Ensure that all project activities comply with COOPI’s security policies, safeguarding standards, and other organizational procedures.
• Coordinate with the Project Manager to ensure that all activities adhere to donor requirements and COOPI’s operational guidelines.
• Monitor the security situation in the project area and report any concerns to the relevant authorities.
• Implement contingency plans to mitigate risks associated with security threats or natural disasters.

Other Responsibilities:

• Support the development of communication materials related to DRR and project activities.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Project Manager or COOPI management.
• Participate in capacity-building initiatives for COOPI staff as needed.
• Contribute to the development of proposals for new DRR projects or initiatives.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Disaster Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in project management, preferably in disaster risk reduction or related sectors.
• Strong knowledge of DRR principles, policies, and practices.
• Experience in capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and community mobilization.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and reporting skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and under pressure.
• Proficiency in English and local languages (as applicable).
• Familiarity with donor reporting requirements and international DRR frameworks.

Working Conditions:

• The position will require frequent travel to project sites within the target LGAs and states.
• The role involves collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs and community leaders.
• The role may require working in challenging and potentially hazardous environments, especially during emergency response situations.
• Flexibility in working hours, including availability for weekend and evening work, may be required.

Application Closing Date
1st September, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online