Terms of Reference
FOREWARN Risk Monitoring Officer

Background

Start Network is a global membership of more than 90 aid organisations working across six continents tackling what it sees as the biggest systemic problems the sector faces. Start Network’s vision is for a locally led humanitarian system that is accountable to people affected by and at-risk of crises. We aim to achieve this vision by making systemic-level shifts through innovation, fast funding, early action, and localisation.

The Forecast-based, Warning, Analysis, and Response Network (FOREWARN) is Start Networks’ community of experts that provides this support to humanitarians on the ground, and advocates for early action to become the norm. FOREWARN was established in 2016 and is multi-disciplinary, multistakeholder network of aid professionals, academics, scientists, and risk experts who work together to monitor risks and provide technical advice and practical recommendations to Start Network member organizations.                 

Forewarn Bangladesh started its journey in November 2019 as a national platform of the Global FOREWARN initiative under Start Network. In the process of localizing the technical capacity for Start Bangladesh in-country members, FOREWARN Bangladesh has been supporting Start Bangladesh (SB) Members since its birth. FOREWARN Bangladesh is facilitating a platform of hazard experts focusing on generating, analyzing and interpreting hazard specific knowledge including forecasts for Start Bangladesh members to anticipate risks (covering anticipatory project and disaster risk financing) and ex-ante responses.

 Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) is hosting Start Network Programmes in Bangladesh: Organisational System Strengthening, Disaster Risk Financing for Early Action and Response to Humanitarian Crisis and FOREWARN Bangladesh. ESDO started its journey in 1988 with a noble vision to stand in solidarity with the poor and marginalized. Being a peoples` centered organization, ESDO envisioned 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. About three decades of relentless efforts to make this happen, ESDO has embraced new grounds and opened up new horizons to help disadvantaged and vulnerable people bring meaningful and lasting changes in their lives. During this long span, ESDO has adapted to the changing situation and provided the most time-bound services, especially for the poor and disadvantaged. A community-focused and people-centered approach has been adopted 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 ESDO managed the mentioned programs in 3831 Unions, 153 Municipality, 381 Upazila under 54 districts & 7 City Corporation, 8 Division of Bangladesh, directly reaching more than 12 million poor and vulnerable people.

At Start Bangladesh, the Risk Monitoring Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring the timely identification, assessment, and communication of potential risks associated with predictable disasters or other events that require an Anticipatory Action approach. The responsibilities typically encompass a range of activities aimed at improving readiness and early actions to such events. 

Start Bangladesh is currently seeking a Risk Monitoring Officer with a strong background in meteorology, data analysis, GIS, and Remote Sensing. The ideal candidate will excel in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and possess the skills necessary to support risk monitoring and Anticipatory Actions (AA) efforts in Bangladesh.

• Monitor and Share Forecasting Information

Monitor forecasting data from various sources to assess potential risks, such as weather patterns, hydrological conditions, and other relevant data. Collaborate with meteorologists, hydrologist, geologists, and other experts to understand and interpret risk indicators. Share available forecasting from BMD, FFWC, ECMWF, GFS with Start Bangladesh members and monitoring the hazard triggers developed by Forewarn Expert Groups
Communicate with community volunteers to collect risk monitoring data from the field. 
Train community volunteers to collect data related to triggers and thresholds. 

• Risk Communication:

Prepare and disseminate clear, accurate, and timely warnings to Start Bangladesh members, helping them understand the threshold and feasible pre-agreed actions.

• Reporting and Documentation:

Maintain records of all risk assessments, early warnings, and threshold breaches. Produce regular reports for internal and external use to document the organization’s work and impact.

• Data Management:

Collect, manage, and archive data related to risk and vulnerability indicators, including weather & climate data, satellite imagery, and historical disaster information.

• Coordination and Collaboration:

Collaborate with FOREWARN hazard expert group, national and international disaster management agencies, meteorological & hydrological services, and other partners to ensure a coordinated response to risks.

• Research and Innovation:

Support interactive interface and automation for the hazard portfolio that FOREWARN has been involved so far. Contribute to the development and improvement of FOREWARN’s tools and AA documentation.

• Impact Assessment:

Support FOREWARN Coordinator in the impact assessment of Anticipatory action projects. 

Requisite Qualifications

• Educational Background:

A bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field such as meteorology, environmental science, disaster management, geography, water resources development, urban and regional planning, GIS & remote sensing, data science or a related statistical skill.

• Experience:

Prior experience (min. 1-2 years) in risk monitoring, early warning systems, or disaster risk reduction is often preferred. Experience in data analysis, data gathering, and research related to disaster risk management. Familiarity with the specific risks and challenges in Bangladesh, including hydro-meteorological hazards (cyclones, floods, cold-wave, riverbank erosion), geological risks (landslide) and health hazard.

• Technical Skills:

Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for data analysis and risk assessment. Knowledge of any programming language, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing is a plus.

• Communication Skills:

Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey risk information to various stakeholders. Ability to prepare reports, develop communication strategies, and collaborate with diverse teams.

• Language Proficiency:

Proficiency in Bengali, as well as English, is required to communicate with local communities and international teams.

• Interpersonal Skills:

Ability to work effectively with expert pool, government agencies, NGOs, and other partners. Strong networking and relationship-building skills.

• Adaptability:

Comfort working in a fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environment, especially during hazard seasons. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.

• Commitment to the Mission:

A genuine commitment to disaster risk reduction, early warning, and supporting vulnerable communities in Bangladesh.

Reportable to: Forewarn Bangladesh Coordinator
Working hours: Full-time (minimum 37.5 hours per week)
Workstation: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Contract tenure: Initially 1 year, with a possibility of extension

Need to have a section here of who s/he will be reportable to. The Functional reporting line will be the FOREWARN Bangladesh Coordinator with a close working relationship with the DRF programme team.  

Salary

653,400.00 BDT yearly (Including monthly salary, two bonuses, PF, Gratuity, and insurance)

Before applying, please read carefully-

• ESDO does not tolerate any child abuse. So, if you have any history of child abuse in your organization or personal life, please abstain from applying here. After your selection or during the service period if we find any misinformation, we will take legal action as per organization rules and county law.
• ESDO does not tolerate any gender abuse. So, if you have any history of gender abuse in the organization or personal life, please abstain from applying here. After your selection or during the service period if we find any misinformation, we will take legal action as per organization rules and county law.
• ESDO does not tolerate any kind of extremism/terrorism. So, if you have any history of extremism/terrorism in your organization or personal life please abstain from applying here. After your selection or during the service period if we find any misinformation, we will take legal action as per organization rules and county law.
• ESDO does not tolerate any corruption. So, if you have any history of corruption in your organization or personal life, please abstain from applying here. After your selection or during the service period if we find any misinformation, we will take legal action as per organization rules and county law.

If you comply with those, if you are passionate about making a difference, courageous enough to improve the lives of the vulnerable with the power of forecast monitoring and risk data analysis. Then you are encouraged to send your CV and cover letter to hr@esdo.net.bd and cc to  ashraful.haque@startnetwork.org