Position Description:  OFDA Training Specialist

 

General Description

The incumbent provides support to the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) program and activities that focus on training, capacity building and institutional strengthening, in support of OFDA's two strategic objectives:  SO1)  Critical needs met of targeted vulnerable groups in emergency situations; and SO2) Increased adoption of mitigation measures in countries at greatest risk of natural and man-made disasters.

These activities are generally U.S- based, involving OFDA personnel and contractors as well as representatives of its partner organizations.  The individual will function as a member of the four-person Training Unit, which encompasses both internal and external training.  Some overnight domestic travel may be required.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for - but not limited to - the following:

·       Design training programs, orientation programs, meetings and retreats
·       Assure logistical arrangements for training programs, both on- and off-site
·       Provide information about training programs to interested parties, especially to people scheduled for upcoming programs

·       Facilitate or co-facilitate programs and/or sessions using up-to-date adult participatory methodologies
·       Coach subject-matter specialists who will be involved as presenters in training programs
·       As part of a team, manage the process of developing requirements/SOWs for new programs to be designed and/or provided by other training suppliers; develop budgets;

·       Manage the process of locating, selecting and supervising vendors of training design/delivery
·       Evaluate training proposals, curricula and materials submitted by training vendors, consultants
·       Interface with OFDA technical and administrative personnel to analyze performance and training needs, on an as-needed basis

·       Interface with other OFDA/USAID training "providers"/organizers
·       Facilitate meetings, retreats, "After-Action" sessions,
·       Develop training materials, work with the Information Support Unit to produce training materials, job aids and other materials to enhance OFDA employees' performance

·       Contribute to the design and implementation of a M&E system for OFDA training
·       Maintain (as part of team) data on training activities; analyze and interpret results
·       Participate as an active member of the Training Unit team, as representative to OFDA regular meetings, and as necessary - proposal reviews, disaster declarations...

·       Participate in the process of developing strategic training directions and plans in support of OFDA's overall goals

·       Participate in the annual review and planning process of the Training Unit

While an annual Work Plan will lay out the schedule of training programs for the year, additional services may require attention, for example when multiple disasters generate the need for additional personnel who must receive training.  In the same vein, new programs may occasionally be identified, stemming from unforeseen developments in the field or within OFDA, USAID, etc.  The incumbent will be required to work closely with other Training Unit team members to respond to additional responsibilities.