Officer – Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Nature-based Solutions (NbS)

Job Description

Title: Officer – Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Nature-based Solutions (NbS)

Company Name: Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO)

Vacancy: 1

Age: At most 45 years

Job Location: Kurigram, Kurigram (Nageshwari, Ulipur)

Salary: Tk. 43000 (Monthly)

Experience:

• 3 to 5 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

Master’s degree or equivalent in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Disaster Management, or a related field.

• 3 to 5 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

• Age At most 45 years

o Experience working with government institutions, local government bodies, and community-based organizations will be an advantage.

o Strong community mobilization and facilitation skills.

o Experience in organizing awareness campaigns, training programs, and stakeholder meetings.

o Knowledge of nature-based solutions, natural resources management, disaster risk reduction activities, local governance systems, and community engagement approaches.

o Strong coordination and partnership-building skills.

o Ability to manage data, documentation, and reporting.

o Proficiency in MS Office and digital data management tools.

o Good communication skills in Bangla and English.

o Strong commitment to community empowerment and inclusive development.

o Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and community groups.

o Collaborative and respectful approach to local government and community partnerships.

o High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

o Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) started its journey in 1988 with a noble vision to stand in solidarity with the poor and marginalized. Being a peoples' cantered organization, ESDO envisioned for a society which will be free from inequality and injustice, a society where no child will cry from hunger and no life will be ruined by poverty. Near about three decades of relentless efforts to make this happen, ESDO has embraced new grounds and opened up new horizons to help the disadvantaged and vulnerable people to bring meaningful and lasting changes in their lives. During this long span, ESDO has adapted with the changing situation and provided the most time-bound services especially for the poor and disadvantaged. A community focused and people cantered approach has been adapted by ESDO while consideration was given to the national policy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its guiding principle. ESDO is one of the most dynamic organizations expanding its development interventions across 408 upazilas under 53 districts of Bangladesh covering over 12 million poor and vulnerable people.

ESDO with technical support from HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Bangladesh is collaborating to implement the “Actions to Climate Change Ensuring Sustainable Solutions (ACCESS) Project” in the northern region of Bangladesh. This partnership aims to enhance capacities in adaptation, disaster risk management, climate-induced migration, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), livelihood, soil, and food security through mutual capacity-strengthening programs and knowledge-sharing activities. Together, they are exploring, pilot, and disseminate innovative technologies and methodologies while engaging in advocacy efforts to promote their adoption.

ESDO invites applications for the position titled Officer-DRR & NbS for the Actions to Climate Change Ensuring Sustainable Solutions (ACCESS) project. As an Officer-DRR & NbS, she/he will play a key role in mobilizing communities, strengthening local capacities through localization, and facilitating sustainable climate-resilient solutions. She/he will work closely with vulnerable and marginalized groups, ensuring inclusive participation and promoting sustainable livelihood practices

Key Responsibilities:

1.1 Technical Support to implement Nature-based Solutions (NbS)

o Identify and prioritize suitable NbS interventions based on local context, environmental needs, and community consultations (aligned with LAPA or similar frameworks).

o Support in project activities design by a) identifying and prioritizing suitable NbS interventions based on local context, environmental needs, and community consultations (aligned with LAPA or similar frameworks) and b) contextualizing these NbS approaches for participatory and locally-led project design and implementation

o Conduct technical feasibility assessments and environmental screening of proposed NbS options.

o Prepare simple implementation designs, technical specifications, and cost estimates for small-scale NbS schemes.

o Establish and coordinate linkages with climate-resilient livelihoods

o Support and oversee the implementation of NbS interventions such as mangrove restoration, wetland protection, bio-embankments, and climate-resilient plantations.

1.2 Technical Support to implement Disaster Risk Reduction & Early Warning Systems (EW4All) interventions

o Assess and strengthen existing disaster management structures, including activation and orientation of DMCs and SMCs in line with Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD).

o Support the development and testing of household-level DRR and contingency plans.

o Facilitate the development, updating, and operationalization of localized Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for multiple hazards.

o Organize simulation exercises and mock drills to enhance preparedness and response capacity.

1.3 Capacity Development (NbS & DRR) & Knowledge Sharing

o Support development and delivery of community-level training modules on NbS concepts, ecosystem services, and climate resilience, as required

o Support technical training on specific NbS options tailored to local priorities.

o Facilitate household and community sensitization sessions on multi-hazard early warning systems.

o Facilitate learning workshops to enhance knowledge sharing and cross-learning

1.4 Community Engagement and Awareness

o Facilitate participatory community consultations, ensuring inclusion of diverse groups to inform planning and decision-making

o Support organization of community events, campaigns, and observance of key national and international days related to disaster preparedness, environment, and resilience.

1.5 Institutionalization and Coordination

o Maintain working relationships with all local project stakeholders (government and non-government) and serve as key liaison between them and the project team to mobilize and promote optimal DRR and NbS focused activities and impact

o Support the establishment of community-based management systems for NbS interventions.

o Facilitate agreements to formalize ownership and ensure sustainability of interventions.

1.6 Monitoring, Reporting and Learning:

o Assist in developing and implementing monitoring tools to track project progress

o Monitor implementation progress and performance of NbS interventions, including ecosystem recovery and community benefits.

o Track effectiveness of early warning systems and DRR measures through regular follow-up and evaluation.

o Contribute to preparation of progress reports, learning documents, and activity reports.

o Coordinate with the MEAL team to ensure accurate data collection and reporting

1.7 Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)

o Support gender-responsive and inclusive risk assessments, training, and community consultations.

o Ensure that early warning systems, communication materials, and capacity-building activities are accessible and inclusive.

According to project allocation