Project Field Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Project Field Assistant assists, coaches, and supports communities to identify disaster risks, strengthen preparedness, and take practical actions to reduce disaster impacts and build resilience. The Project Field Assistant implements project activities, strengthens the capacity of village disaster preparedness volunteers and community groups, and supports community-based disaster risk reduction and preparedness initiatives. The position also collects and documents MEAL information to support learning, improve project implementation, and contribute to timely project and donor reporting. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

DUTIES 

• Assist in implementing project activities in target villages in accordance with the project logical framework and work plan. 

• Assist and facilitate village authorities, disaster preparedness committees, volunteers, and community groups to strengthen their capacity in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and disaster preparedness. 

• Support communities to conduct disaster risk, hazard, vulnerability, and capacity assessments and identify practical actions to reduce disaster risks. 

• Assist communities to develop and implement village disaster preparedness and contingency plans. 

• Facilitate awareness-raising activities on disaster preparedness, early warning, early action, evacuation, and risk reduction. 

• Assist in organizing and conducting disaster preparedness drills, simulation exercises, and community preparedness activities. 

• Support the strengthening of community-based early warning, communication, and preparedness mechanisms. 

• Promote inclusive participation of women, youth, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups in DRR activities. 

• Maintain good working relationships with village authorities, community members, volunteers, government counterparts, and project partners. 

• Document field activities and assist in preparing monthly plans, activity reports, donor reports, and other required project documentation. 

• Support the collection of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) information, community feedback, success stories, and lessons learned. 

• Assist in baseline, endline, and other project assessments and communicate key findings and lessons learned to communities. 

• Assist in organizing coordination meetings, quarterly reviews, and annual project reviews with government partners and stakeholders. 

• Ensure project expenditures comply with World Concern policies and procedures and assist with activity budgeting and expenditure monitoring. 

• Attend relevant training, receive coaching and mentoring, and continuously strengthen knowledge and skills in DRR, disaster preparedness, and community engagement. 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor. 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

EDUCATION 

• Bachelor’s degree or vocational qualification in Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Management, Community Development, Environmental Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Management, or related field. 

EXPERIENCE 

• Minimum one (1) year of relevant experience with an international organization, NGO, government agency, or community-based organization. 

• Experience working with rural communities, local authorities, or community-based development programs is an advantage. 

• Basic understanding of disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, community resilience, or related areas is desirable. 

• Strong interpersonal, communication, listening, teamwork, and facilitation skills. 

• Ability to organize and implement field activities effectively and work independently as well as part of a team. 

• Demonstrated reliability, integrity, transparency, flexibility, and a service-oriented attitude. 

• Commitment to working with vulnerable communities and supporting people affected by disasters and poverty. 

• Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to World Concern’s vision, mission, and values. 

• Fluency in Lao and basic working knowledge of English. 

• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to project areas and stay overnight when required. 

SOFTWARE / EQUIPMENT KNOWLEDGE 

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. 

• Ability to use email and internet-based communication tools. 

• Ability to use smartphones/tablets for communication, data collection, photography, and field reporting. 

• Ability to maintain organized electronic and hard-copy project records. 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Good time management and organizational skills. 

• Ability to work effectively in rural and sometimes challenging field conditions. 

• Willingness to travel extensively within project areas and across Lao PDR as required. 

• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with communities, government counterparts, and project partners.