The number, strength, cost and frequency of disasters is rising around the world, with over 25 U.S. affiliates affected by disasters annually (and growing). In addition, 600 U.S. affiliates are exposed to three or more natural hazards such as floods, fire, and tornados. Affiliates are seeking more guidance both in preparing for disasters before they strike and in responding after a disaster. In light of this, Habitat for Humanity International has increased its focus on disaster support in recent years. In FY20, HFHI will roll out new disaster preparedness training alongside its existing post-disaster support.
The Sr. Specialist – Disaster Preparedness is responsible for delivery of disaster preparedness planning to the affiliate network via Habitat Ready, a new HFHI offering. S/he will work closely with other disaster-related functions in HFHI and will also collaborate with the Global Learning & Development team in ensuring that the training materials and other learning opportunities are well-suited to Habitat’s diverse affiliate community.
- Build capacity of HFH entities to design and implement disaster preparedness initiatives, with a focus on readiness to response and community resilience, to mitigate, prepare for and reduce risks associated with natural and man-made disasters
- Lead HFHI’s nationwide disaster preparedness program development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation
- Assess risks to HFH entities and communities and identify target high risk regions
- Develop and enhance a comprehensive disaster preparedness training curriculum and plan for delivery to the US affiliated network
- Increase public awareness of natural hazard homeowner preparedness
- Research, identify, and disseminate disaster preparedness promising practices and internationally-accepted standards throughout the HFH community
- Develop and maintain strong external relationships with peer organizations, partners, government agencies, volunteers and donors
- Serve as surge capacity to U.S. affiliates post-disaster, as needed
- Ability and flexibility to work cross functionally across internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to manage multiple projects of large scope
- Ability to network and form partnerships/alliances with organizations both inside and outside of HFHI
- Ability to create/develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for disaster preparedness programs
- Knowledge and experience in disaster preparedness programming
- Strong leadership, planning, organizational and diplomatic skills required
- Ability to maintain cross-cultural sensitivity
- Ability to travel and operate in diverse settings
- Strong writing and communication skills required
- Strong planning, organizational and diplomatic skills required
- Knowledge of and/or experience in HFH affiliate operations and programming
- 5 years of related work experience with project management and disaster programming
- Ability and flexibility to work cross functionally across internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to manage multiple projects of large scope
- Ability to network and form partnerships/alliances with organizations both inside and outside of HFHI
- Ability to create/develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for disaster preparedness programs
- Knowledge and experience in disaster preparedness programming
- Strong leadership, planning, organizational and diplomatic skills required
- Ability to maintain cross-cultural sensitivity
- Ability to travel and operate in diverse settings
- Strong writing and communication skills required
- Strong planning, organizational and diplomatic skills required
- Knowledge of and/or experience in HFH affiliate operations and programming