Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Expert
Project Description
The University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and their School of Environmental Science and Management has requested the support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) to serve as a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Expert. The Philippines as a country is highly exposed to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tropical cyclones, and flooding. UPLB is situated on a unique landscape of mountain and lake ecosystems that are continuously challenged by land use changes and environmental pressures brought about by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and infrastructure development, amongst other factors. UPLB has a long list of research, development and extension (RDE) programs/projects/activities (PPAs), technology innovations and public service engagements that are meant to contribute to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. UPLB is home to highly regarded scientists, experts and specialists related to DRR and CCA but there is a need to leverage further UPLB’s efforts to mainstream these programs. A PCRV is requested to help address the aforementioned challenges.
The PCRV will work with the university staff and other primary stakeholders to review UPLB’s current DRRM/CCA related programs and recommend ways for enhancement and/or for ways to effectively and efficiently make use of various research outputs. The PCRV will collaborate with selected faculty, researchers and extension professional staff in the development of enhanced Ecosystem-based planning for DRR and CCA that can be utilized in local government planning and will also assist in the curriculum development of a graduate level course based on DRR. The long term plan of the university is to develop systematic university-wide concerted efforts among its colleges to look at and shift into the new paradigms of Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Ecosystem-based DRR.
Please note that departure dates and other details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations. Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in the Philippines together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.
Partner Information
University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
Required Skills
• High tolerance for ambiguity and high level of flexibility – some details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations
• Master’s degree in Geospatial Science or its sub-/related fields
• Experience and/or training on ecosystem-based land use planning and investment for DRR/CCA
• Not less than 3 years of progressively responsible and intensive extension education work and/or research experience in climate change adaptation and/or climate and disaster risk management
• Experience in graduate curriculum and training course development
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated flexibility, good communicator, with strong verbal, writing and editing skills
• Team-oriented and goal-driven individual
• Demonstrated ability to live and work in a multi-cultural setting
The Peace Corps embraces and leverages the diversity of its volunteers as a reflection of America's diversity. Peace Corps Response is committed to reflecting the diversity of the United States in the professionals we send into the field to support the mission of world peace and friendship. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Serving in Philippines
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Medical Considerations
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