Disaster Risk Reduction Adviser

DT Global is seeking a Disaster Risk Reduction Adviser in Canberra, Australia, to support the Climate Resilient Communities program. The role involves advising DFAT teams on disaster risk management and integrating resilience measures into programs across the Indo-Pacific. Responsibilities include stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and applying a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction. The position may require travel but is primarily based in Canberra.
Job Brief

Canberra (preferred) or other locations, with possible travel required

Program Background

Climate Resilient Communities

Action on climate change is at the heart of Australia’s International Development Policy. The policy commits the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to respond to the needs of Indo-Pacific countries and evidence of the accelerating climate crisis by increasing our climate investments and better addressing climate risks.

Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) is DFAT’s new flagship climate change program designed to help achieve Australia’s International Development Policy and meet Australia’s climate finance commitments over the next nine years (2024–33).

CRC will incentivise the flow of funds towards inclusive climate change programming—targeting community resilience in the water, food, and energy sectors— by co-funding bilateral and regional programs and attracting new sources of climate finance, while also raising the quality of climate integration across the sectoral programs.

Climate Resilient Communities Support Unit

DT Global has been contracted by DFAT to establish and manage the Climate Resilient Communities Support Unit (CRCSU). The CRCSU provides a mechanism for DFAT Canberra and Posts to deliver enhanced climate and disaster resilience and integration programming, with the aim of enabling people in the Indo-Pacific to become more resilient to climate change and disasters.

The CRCSU will help achieve this through supporting a sustained increase in organisational capability and services for DFAT, providing access to specialist expertise, resources, and networks, through an efficient operational platform. The CRCSU provides this through the following core services:
• Program cycle support
• Climate change integration technical assistance across all development sectors (integrating gender equality, disability equity and other cross-cutting issues)
• Knowledge and learning support
• Public diplomacy support

The Role

The Disaster Risk Reduction Adviser (DRR Adviser) will be responsible for engaging, supporting and advising the CRC and DRR DFAT teams in Canberra and at Posts, including their respective program partners and Indo-Pacific stakeholders, to identify, develop and integrate an all hazards approach to disaster risk reduction and resilience through DFAT programs in the Indo-Pacific.

Roles and Responsibilities:
• Work with DFAT and CRC to apply a holistic, all-hazards approach to identifying disaster risk management and mitigation measures for climate-related disasters (e.g. cyclones, drought, flooding) and non-climate disasters (e.g. geohazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions) and integrating through country-specific and/or program specific Implementation Plans.
• Establish and maintain relationships and networks with stakeholders, including staff at DFAT Canberra and Posts; bilateral program partners; and Indo-Pacific stakeholders, to build support and buy-in for the integration of disaster resilience, including to geohazards, into bilateral and regional investments.
• Work with DFAT staff in Canberra and at Posts, providing advisory services and building the capacity of program staff and implementation partners to enable comprehensive integration of all-hazards DRR across aid investment planning, program development, activity designs, risk management, and monitoring and reporting, and across broader policy frameworks.
• Translate technical advice and information into practical knowledge and action, enabling DFAT Posts, bilateral programs, and Indo-Pacific stakeholders to identify and understand climate-related and non-climate related disaster risks; assess their potential impacts; and design and implement appropriate measures to build DRR measures for their programs.
• Identify and manage requirements for specialist advice and input from the Expert Panel, in response to requests from DFAT program managers and delivery partners in line with agreed priorities.
• Undertake annual assessments of the quality of all-hazards DRR integration across investment portfolios and broader policy arenas (e.g. in program and investment outcomes, budgets, risk management, monitoring, reporting and learning frameworks, and aid quality reporting).
• Develop and actively maintain deep knowledge and networks relevant to all-hazards DRR in the Indo-Pacific, including extensive knowledge of the priorities and programs of national governments, regional organisations and other development partners, civil society organisations, research and academic institutions and other relevant agencies.
• Other tasks and duties as required to ensure the smooth and effective delivery of the CRC.

copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: https://tinyurl.com/2s3n7hjr

About You

Essential Experience and Knowledge
• Advanced degree related to disaster risk reduction, emergency management, geosciences, or other relevant experience or qualifications.
• A well-established career and demonstrated experience pertinent to climate-related disasters (e.g. cyclones, drought, flooding) and non-climate disasters (e.g. geohazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions) risk management/reduction, in relation to technical advice for international development programs, including experience in the Indo-Pacific.
• Contemporary knowledge of disaster risk management/reduction and a broad understanding of international developments in climate change action and disaster risk reduction and resilience building, with experience integrating approaches across sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain DRR related networks or communities of practice, provide advisory services, coaching and mentoring to effect behaviour change among diverse stakeholders in government, civil society and the private sector, in a complex operating environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of DFAT aid policies and strategies, and other relevant government policies.
• Understanding of and genuine commitment to Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Child Protection, PSEAH, prevention of human trafficking, environmental protection, anti-corruption and other DFAT safeguarding policies.

Desirable
• Experience working in the Indo-Pacific
• Existing baseline security clearance (Australian Government issued)

HOW TO APPLY
We welcome your interest in joining the team. Apply by submitting your updated CV (and optional cover letter) and tell us why you think you are the ideal candidate (no longer than 1 - 2 pages).

Applications close at AEST 11.59pm on 4th April 2025.

About DT Global

DT Global is shaping a future where sustainable development and innovation empower individuals, communities, and nations. We work in partnership with local stakeholders to foster inclusive prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries to solve complex problems in the peacebuilding, governance, economic development, environment, and human development sectors. With a track record of technical excellence and more than 60 years of international development experience and relationships, we deliver innovative solutions that transform lives.

For more information, please see www.dt-global.com

Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.