About this role
School Disaster Reduction Specialist
Project Description: Professionals experienced in assessing risks and mitigating disasters are needed in the Caribbean.
There is a global trend toward resilience planning, especially in regions that can be impacted by natural hazards. Becoming increasingly aware of gaps in local emergency preparedness, Saint Lucia’s Department of Education is prioritizing its school safety program. Not only will this effort ensure continuity of learning and the safety of both students and staff, but it’ll also benefit the larger community since all schools on the island act as hurricane shelters.
As Disaster Reduction School Specialist, you will collaborate with school staff to develop the necessary protocols for preparing and responding to emergencies that affect the education sector. Together, you will reduce risk factors and promote health and safety for both students and staff.
Required Skills: BA/BS in any field relevant to environmental management and/or disaster management AND 2 or more years of experience in Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, and/or Disaster Risk Reduction
Living Conditions: Volunteers live in houses or apartments a short bus ride from the work site. Some housing may be stand alone and some may be within family home structures.
Activities: Plan and develop a multi-year school safety strategic development plan. Create teaching resources to integrate disaster risk reduction into lesson planning. Develop project proposals to fund school safety programs and a business continuity plan for the department of education. Conduct workshops for teachers on conducting hazard risk assessments with school and community mapping. Craft standard operating procedures for disaster emergency response within the education sector.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as supporting First Aid/CPR trainings for teachers.
Training: After a 3-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to a community where you will collaborate with school staff to assess the local needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.
Peace Corps/St. Lucia will equip you with Creole language resources and you may work with a local tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.
Job Highlights: Share your disaster risk reduction experience to adequately prepare schools. Experience Saint Lucia as the locals do through a year-long stay. Build meaningful connections with colleagues and community members.