Early Warning Systems (EWS) Manager

Position Summary:

The coastal regions in West Africa are facing various challenges associated with climate change, including coastal erosion and alterations in rainfall patterns. Rising sea levels and more frequent storms are causing destruction of important ecosystems such as beaches, dunes and coral reefs, which protect the coasts from flooding and erosion. The changes in rainfall patterns are causing more frequent and intense droughts and floods, affecting agriculture, fisheries, and water supply. The challenges are also damaging infrastructure, housing, and agricultural land.

In partnership, UN-Habitat, University of Twente, HFHI and Abidjan Convention designed a project with three different but complementary components: spatial planning, concrete interventions, and coordination and governance. The project goal is to improve adaptation of small to medium coastal settlements of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire by reducing climate change impact and establishing resilient economies and communities. The project proposal was approved by the Adaptation Fund in August 2023.

HFHI will be in charge of the implementation of various climate adaptation activities at the field level, with a focus on early warning systems, awareness raising, green and blue infrastructure development, mangroves reforestation, climate-resilient agriculture and other livelihoods opportunities.

The Early Warning Systems (EWS) manager will play a crucial role in advising and establishing EWS and community emergency plans to effectively prepare for natural hazards and other emergencies in collaboration with governments and local coastal communities in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. This position will lead the direct implementation by HFHI in 10 communities in Côte d’Ivoire and will provide remote technical support and supervision for a counterpart responsible for 11 communities in Ghana. The ideal candidate will possess a thorough understanding of the principles, methodologies, and technologies of early warning systems and community emergency preparedness, along with experience in risk assessment, data analysis, and communication strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Define, together with the local authorities, the equipment required for the meteorological and hydrological stations and data centers in the two countries, and support the procurement, installation, and start-up process. Develop training for equipment management and maintenance.

• Lead the development and implementation of customized early warning systems (EWS) for various climate-related hazards, in collaboration with local governments and communities (about ten communities in each country).

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments in the target communities to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.

• Develop emergency preparedness plans with the communities, including evacuation routes and safe zones.

• Set up awareness raising activities and training to mainstream EWS plans and escape strategies in the communities.

• Ensure complementarity and integration with the other project outputs and activities.

• Collaborate with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and communities, to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of EWS.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of EWS and recommend improvements as needed.

  Minimum Requirements:

  Education:

• Master’s degree in disaster risk management, environmental science or a related field that provides a solid understanding of early warning system principles, methodologies and technologies. Or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience.

• Fluency in English and French

  Years of Related Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in EWS development, implementation, and evaluation.

• Proven expertise in data analysis, risk assessment, and communication strategies.

• Established track record in training delivery.

• Familiarity with relevant software tools and applications for EWS.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience in development projects, including understanding and adhering to project policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.

• Experience working in the Cote ‘d’Ivoire and Ghana will be an added advantage.

  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders such as consortium partners private sector, government officials, donors, etc.
  • Good writing skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.