Livelihoods and DRR Officers

CESVI Foundation-ETS, in partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is implementing the ‘Resilience & Adaptation by Fostering Anticipatory Action (RAFAA)’ project in South Sindh. This initiative focuses on enhancing both institutional and community resilience to climate change by promoting anticipatory action, disaster risk reduction (DRR), improved livelihoods, and climate-smart strategies. The project aims to build national capacity for climate risk management through sustainable adaptation and governance improvements. Within this context, Livelihoods and DRR Officers will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring community-driven interventions that align with organizational and donor goals. This is a contractual role for an initial one-year period, with the possibility of extension, reporting directly to the Project Coordinator/Team Leader.

Key Responsibilities

Risk Assessment and Resilience Planning: Engage directly with target communities through village visits and meetings involving residents, stakeholders, community-based organizations (CBOs), and focus groups such as youth, women, and the elderly. Facilitate general meetings and focus group discussions to introduce the project, assess community needs, and identify practical solutions. Support the formation or strengthening of community-based DRR committees and assist in conducting vulnerability assessments to develop community-led resilience plans.

Planning and Implementation: Contribute to the development and execution of project work plans related to DRR, agriculture, and livelihoods. Promote climate-smart agricultural practices, sustainable resource management, and improved farming techniques. Identify livelihood opportunities tailored to local contexts, including vocational training, income-generating activities, and market linkages. Provide technical support through training sessions, demonstrations, and regular field visits. Assist in establishing CBOs that represent the community or specific groups, supporting project staff in implementing activities effectively.

Monitoring and Support: Organize meetings to communicate CESVI’s strategy and activities, gather information on community challenges, and explore potential responses. Monitor and supervise field activities as directed by project management and support units. Address and resolve issues arising between CESVI and community members or within the community during project implementation, escalating serious matters to management when necessary. Perform additional tasks as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Disaster Risk Reduction, Agriculture, Development Studies, Climate Change, Environmental Science, Forestry, or related disciplines is required.

Experience: A minimum of three years’ relevant experience in a similar role within NGOs or INGOs is essential. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in risk assessment and community-led resilience planning. Familiarity with gender-responsive approaches and inclusion of vulnerable groups is important. Strong facilitation, communication, and participatory training skills are required, along with basic knowledge of record-keeping, reporting, and coordination with local government authorities.

Skills and Competencies

Candidates must possess strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure in a dynamic environment. Excellent interpersonal communication and community mobilization abilities are essential. The role requires creative problem-solving skills, flexibility, and professionalism. Proficiency in MS Office applications is necessary. Fluency in Urdu is required, and knowledge of Sindhi is preferred.

This position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable communities of South Sindh. The project fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment. There are five vacancies available, including three positions reserved for female candidates and two for male candidates.