This present position is particularly for young professionals in Disaster Risk Reduction with little or no experience abroad, who meet the below mentioned requirements for this position and are interested in joining the SHA. He or she will have the opportunity to acquire international experience in the field of humanitarian aid and development cooperation during a first deployment under the supervision of an experienced SHA member in the SDC office in Recent Delhi, India.

Background

South Asia is one of the most affected regions by climate change and natural disasters: India, Bangladesh and Nepal are highly exposed to climate risks. After South East Asia, South Asia bears the highest number of deaths due to natural hazards. The effects of climate change led to more intense and frequent disasters and new hazards (e.g., glacial lake outburst floods).

Switzerland is committed to take action, particularly through SDC's engagement in climate change (CC) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). The Swiss International Cooperation Strategy 2025-28 cites climate change (including DRR) as one of the four thematic priorities. Furthermore, in the case of a disaster event beyond countries' capacities, Switzerland may provide humanitarian assistance (under the humanitarian aid operations of the SDC), named 'rapid response' (RR).

SDC has four regional advisorson DRR and (humanitarian) rapid response located in South East Asia, Latin America / Caribbean, Central Asia and South Asia. New Delhi was chosen as regional reference for CDE aspects since SDC India is one of SDC's champions regarding investments in climate change projects through technical assistance for piloting and institutionalization of climate change adaptation, mitigation, environment and DRR in urban and rural contexts. India is a reference country in the region when it comes to policy dialogue, pioneering and upscaling of results e.g.,



through international initiatives (e.g., CDRI, ISA).

The position of junior regional programme officer focuses on the topics of DRR, climate change adaptation (CCA) and RR. DRR aspects are either an integrated part of other Swiss engagements (Swiss Embassies, SDC's thematic or bilateral programmes) often in combination with considerations of climate change and environment (CDE mainstreaming) as well as for specific DRR (risk management, prevention, risk transfer, preparedness etc.) and adaptation projects. With a thematic focus on DRR/CCA and RR, the regional programme officer shall enhance thematic knowledge, foster exchanges and support SDC and Swiss Embassy teams in the region.

Furthermore, the regional regional programme officer shall support the Swiss teams in the region and head office in case of a disaster or crisis event, through liaison with key stakeholders in the concerned country for a swift assessment of the situation and the evaluation of a potential Swiss rapid response.

The countries within the geographic coverage are: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. In India, many SDC projects focus on the topics of CDE and are part of the engagement of the Thematic Cooperation; they work in urban as well as rural areas. Bangladesh and Nepal have integrated aspects of CDE as important crosscutting topics in their country cooperation programmes and defined specific CDE indicators (including DRR and CCA aspects). While the SDC will gradually phase out its bilateral cooperation in South Asia,



the topic of DRR and CCA will remain relevant for the region. The regional scope also includes Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, where Switzerland, despite the absence of bilateral programmes, maintains a diplomatic presence and engages in disaster risk reduction dialogue.

The SDC Regional Hub in Bangkok currently provides thematic support to Bangladesh and Nepal on the topics of climate change mitigation and environment as well as thematic advice on water and food systems. Depending on the thematic needs of the representations named above, it will be necessary to ensure alignment and coordination with the SDC Regional Hub in Bangkok to ensure effective and efficient thematic support.

Scope of Assignment

The overall goal of the position is to enhance Switzerland's capability to respond to the regional strategic, thematic and institutional needs with regards to DRR, CCA and RR.

1. SDC India programme (50%): Assume responsibilities within existing and new initiatives. Contribute to DRR-related policy dialogue in India. Support the SDC and Embassy with DRR and security matters.

2. Support Swiss Embassy teams for mainstreaming CDE aspects and targeted DRR/CCA projects (30%): Provide thematic support on a needs-basis to the Swiss cooperation programmes in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka to set-up and implement projects that mainstream CDE as well as targeted DRR or CCA interventions.

3. Regional exchange (10%): Foster thematic exchange with SDC's regional advisors on DRR and CC, SDC country programmes in Asia and SDC's thematic networks.

4. Rapid Response/humanitarian aid (10%): Ensure a stand-by capacity for rapid response in the region to provide Swiss Humanitarian Aid/rapid response in case of a major disaster event. Monitor disaster related events (e.g., sharing of alerts, reports).

📌 Junior Regional Programme Officer on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Change Adaptation (CCA)
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📍 India