DRR and Emergency Advisor (f/m/d)

About OlamAid e.V.

OlamAid e.V. is an international aid organization dedicated to responding to the evolving needs of crisis and conflict-affected populations. Our mission is to support communities as they transition from crisis to recovery, rehabilitation, and sustainable living. A core focus of our work is supporting the most vulnerable groups and minorities within affected populations.

The Professional Department

The Professional Department (Technical Department) is a cross-cutting function within OlamAid. It serves as the guardian of quality, standards, and methodological rigour — maintaining advisory authority across all organisational functions and sectors, including Emergency Response, MHPSS, Food Security, and Community Resilience.

Position Overview

This is a key advisory position within OlamAid’s Professional Department. The DRR and Emergency Advisor provides high-level technical guidance on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and emergency response programming, drawing on OlamAid’s direct experience in Southeast Europe, where wildfires, floods, and other natural hazards increasingly affect vulnerable communities.

The Advisor will work closely with OlamAid’s teams to integrate climate resilience into existing programmes, strengthen organisational expertise, and enhance capacities in community-based disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and emergency response. The Advisor will promote evidence-based, ethically sound interventions aligned with international humanitarian standards. This is a fully remote, part-time role requiring approximately 5 hours per month.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Advisory and Quality Assurance

Standards Oversight: Uphold and disseminate professional standards and methodologies for DRR and emergency response in line with the Sendai Framework, Sphere Standards, IASC guidelines, and relevant EU civil protection frameworks.

Programme Advisory: Provide expert technical guidance to country and project teams during programme design, implementation, and review phases, including for OlamAid’s active Southeast Europe natural disaster programme.

Quality Reviews: Conduct on-request professional reviews of ongoing DRR and emergency response interventions to ensure quality, accountability, and intended impact.

Crisis Advisory: Offer specialised guidance on integrating DRR and emergency preparedness into humanitarian programming, including community-based volunteer capacity building and psychosocial support integration.

2. Knowledge Management and Innovation

Evidence Generation: Lead the identification of evidence, and best practices in DRR and emergency response, including wildfire and flood-specific approaches.

Tool Development: Contribute to developing and refining professional toolkits, field manuals, training curricula, and organisational guidelines.

Innovation Scouting: Monitor emerging approaches and global trends in DRR and emergency management; advise the Professional Department on innovations relevant to OlamAid’s operational context.

3. Proposal Development Support

Technical Input: Provide expert review and input during the design of grant proposals to ensure DRR, emergency and climate resilience components are technically sound, feasible, and evidence-based.

Positioning: Support OlamAid in credibly positioning itself within the DRR and emergency response donor landscape.

4. Capacity Building and Mentoring

Training Design: Design, curate, and support delivery of training content and materials for OlamAid staff, volunteers, and partners on DRR and emergency response topics,  including fire-fighting preparedness, first aid, and community resilience.

Internal Expert: Serve as the primary internal reference point for complex technical consultations on DRR and emergency programming. 

Candidate Profile

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in Disaster Risk Management, Humanitarian Affairs, International Development, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Relevant training or certifications in DRR frameworks or emergency coordination are an asset.

Professional Experience

7–10 years of relevant experience in disaster risk reduction (DRR), emergency response, or humanitarian programming, preferably in a technical or advisory role.

Experience working with international NGOs, UN agencies, EU institutions, or civil protection authorities.

Proven expertise in community-based DRR, emergency preparedness, and volunteer capacity building.

Experience developing technical guidance, operational protocols, and project proposals.

Regional experience in Southeast Europe or the Mediterranean is an advantage.

Technical Competencies

Strong knowledge of international DRR and humanitarian frameworks, including Sendai, IASC, Sphere Standards, and EU civil protection mechanisms.

Expertise in early warning systems, emergency preparedness, humanitarian coordination, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E).

Understanding of the integration of DRR with mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).

Strong technical writing and programme design skills.

Personal Competencies

Excellent analytical, advisory, and communication skills, with the ability to translate evidence into practical recommendations.

Ability to work independently and effectively in a remote, part-time capacity.

Commitment to humanitarian principles, safeguarding, accountability to affected populations (AAP), and Do No Harm.

Fluency in English; German, Greek, Arabic, or French is an asset.

What We Offer

• A senior advisory role in a dynamic, growing European aid organisation with the opportunity to directly shape OlamAid’s DRR and emergency response strategy.
• Engagement with active, real-world programming. 
• An international, intercultural working environment that values expertise, innovation, and collaboration.
• Opportunities for professional development and engagement within OlamAid’s wider technical network.
• Meaningful work with a direct contribution to improving the lives of crisis-affected communities.
• Fully remote and flexible working arrangement,  5 hours per month.