Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Specialist

Afghanistan Relief and Sustainable Development Organization (ARSDO) is a national, non-profit development organization established in 2017 and registered with the Ministry of Economy of Afghanistan (Registration No. 4190). ARSDO has a strong grassroots presence and extensive experience in designing and implementing community-based development and humanitarian interventions across Afghanistan.

ARSDO works through a three-pronged strategy: 1. Community Organization and Inclusion: Strengthening grassroots community institutions with a strong focus on inclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. 2. Capacity Strengthening: Enhancing the knowledge, skills, and capacities of local communities to actively participate as co-implementers in addressing existing and emerging social, economic, and humanitarian challenges. 3. Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Advocating for improved justice, policy reforms, and the development of laws and strategies to combat social, economic, and rights-based challenges at local, national, and international levels.

ARSDO implements multi-sectoral programs including Education, Health, Economic Empowerment, Humanitarian Response, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Construction, combining advocacy with quality service delivery.

The Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist will be responsible for leading and supporting DRR programming, climate resilience initiatives, and disaster preparedness activities. The role focuses on conducting risk assessments, strengthening community resilience, and promoting disaster mitigation practices in line with national and international DRR frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

o   Conduct hazard, vulnerability, and capacity assessments in target communities.

o   Identify risks and propose mitigation strategies tailored to local contexts.

o   Design and implement awareness programs and disaster preparedness initiatives.

o   Facilitate training sessions and workshops to build community knowledge and resilience.

o   Support communities in adopting sustainable disaster mitigation practices.

o   Promote climate resilience strategies and integrate them into local development planning.

o   Align activities with national DRR frameworks and policies.

o   Apply community‑based disaster risk management (CBDRM) approaches to ensure inclusive participation.

o   Work closely with government authorities, NGOs, and local stakeholders to strengthen DRR systems.

o   Provide technical input to project teams and contribute to strategic planning.

o   Document activities and prepare technical reports for donors and management.

o   Monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of DRR interventions.

Academic Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Disaster Management, Climate Change, or a related discipline from an accredited institution.

Professional Experience

·       Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in DRR programming, climate resilience, or disaster preparedness activities.

·       Experience in conducting risk assessments, community awareness programs, and disaster preparedness initiatives.

·       Proven ability to work with communities to strengthen resilience and disaster mitigation practices.

·       Familiarity with national DRR frameworks and community‑based disaster risk management approaches is an asset.

Skills & Competencies

·       Strong technical knowledge of DRR and climate resilience.

·       Excellent facilitation and communication skills.

·       Ability to engage communities and promote participatory approaches.

·       Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

·       Effective coordination and teamwork skills.

Language Requirements

·       Fluency in Pashto and Dari (oral and written).

·       Proficiency in English (oral and written).

Note: Applicants who are residents of the local area will be accorded preference during the selection process.