Sida’s International Training Programme on “Disaster Risk Management”

Deadline: 28 October 2019

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is seeking applications for its International Training Programme “Disaster Risk Management” which is implemented by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB).

The scope of the programme is to strengthen capacity of individuals and their organisations to manage disaster risk. Participating organisations will upon completion of the programme have key individuals with strengthened capacities to support organisational change for enhanced performance for disaster risk management. Change is expected to be achieved within areas such as risk and vulnerability assessments, management of data and response information, risk-informed recovery and mainstreaming of gender and environment. Participating organisations will also have improved cooperation, coordination and information sharing capacities within its mandate.

The programme focuses on the disaster risk management continuum: what needs to be considered before (prevention and preparedness actions), during (response) and after a disaster (recovery), as well as what needs to be considered throughout all phases.

The following components will be included (with possible adjustments based on the specific requirements of the participants and their change initiatives):

Using risk- and vulnerability assessments as a tool for decision-making (for example aggregation of data and utilization of risk- and vulnerability data in risk-informed response and recovery).
Analysis of critical societal functions and interdependencies.
Coordination and cooperation mechanisms for effective disaster risk management.
Risk-informed planning and programming.
Information management. How do different methods for sharing of data and information contribute to effective disaster risk management?
What to consider for timely, functional and efficient early warning systems reaching their intended target groups.
Crisis communication to the public as a tool for promoting household preparedness and action.
Gender and environmental mainstreaming in disaster risk management.
Project management, results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, and analysis skills.
The humanitarian-development nexus during all phases of the disaster risk management continuum.

There will be opportunities for participants to influence the contents during the training cycle.

Benefits

Organisations will receive support in their capacity development and organisational change efforts.
Participants will be given tools to work with disaster risk management – by enhanced knowledge and skills.
Participants will have increased capacity to implement a process of change to strengthen the performance of their organisation.
Participants are given the opportunity to improve and expand their networks with other actors and stakeholders in disaster risk management.

Phases

The program structure requires a strong commitment by the participating organisations. The training is divided into three compulsory phases. Most work is carried out from the home countries, with long-distance mentoring support. The regional preparatory workshop, the advanced training in Sweden, as well as the regional follow-up workshop, are full time scheduled trainings.

Phase 1 – preparatory
- Online introductions (part-time in home country)
Phase 2 – implementation phase
- Advanced training in Sweden (3 weeks)
Phase 3 – Phase out
- Phase-out and hand-over (1 month, in home country)

Criteria

Target Group
- The target group primarily includes technical experts and middle management staff members employed by public authorities, civil society (including the Red Cross/Red Crescent) and academia involved in disaster risk management, and who has a commitment to an intended change initiative of relevance. The programme is open to all relevant staff, regardless of gender, age, disabilities and ethnicity and adaptations to facilitate participation will be made. The programme strives for a diverse and representative group of participants.
- Only candidates nominated by the appropriate organisation and in accordance with national rules and regulations will be considered.
Language Requirements
- The training programme will be conducted in English, without the possibility of translation. Participants are expected to make both oral and written presentations. Proficiency in English shall be certified in the application form.
Health Requirements
- Good health is a requirement due to an intensive programme and international travel. It is recommended that candidates undergo a medical examination before filling in the Medical statement in the Application form. Prior to international travel participants will be asked to fill out a health declaration which will be kept with the medical coordinator. The information is strictly confidential and the information will be used only in emergency.
Other Requirements
- If selected, a participant will be required to attend all phases of the programme. The nominating organisation must sign a letter of commitment before the start of the programme. Basic computer skills, internet connectivity and an email address are necessary for the training. Family members are not allowed to accompany programme participants. In addition, as computers and e-mail will be used continuously in the programme, a computer with Microsoft Office programmes (Word, Excel, and Power Point) or similar is essential and possession of a computer is a requirement.