Disaster Management Authority (DMA)
External Circular Notice No. 2 of 2026
The Disaster Management Authority (DMA) invites applications from suitably qualified local candidates for the position of Director: Disaster Risk Financing.
Position Details
- Department: Disaster Management Authority (DMA)
- Job Title: Manager – Early Warning and Preparedness
- Grade: I
- Responsible to: Director – Early Warning and Preparedness
- Location: Headquarters
- Number of Posts: One (1)
Job Summary
The Manager – Early Warning will participate in the planning, development, and operationalization of multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS), ensure real-time monitoring of hazards, and manage dissemination of timely, reliable, and actionable alerts to relevant stakeholders and at-risk communities. The incumbent will work closely with technical agencies, media, and community outreach units to ensure effective implementation.
Key Responsibilities
1.0 EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
1.1 Design, develop, and implement multi-hazard early warning systems aligned with national and international standards.
1.2 Oversee daily monitoring of hazard data (meteorological, hydrological, geological, epidemiological, etc.) in collaboration with technical partners.
1.3 Maintain and update hazard forecasting models and tools.
1.4 Ensure the integration of GIS, remote sensing, and predictive analytics (including AI/ML) into early warning protocols.
2.0 DATA COORDINATION AND TECHNICAL LIAISON
2.1 Establish and maintain active partnerships with national meteorological, hydrological, seismological, and public health institutions.
2.2 Serve as the focal point for inter-agency data sharing related to early warning and risk forecasting.
2.3 Develop MOUs and SOPs with data providers for timely access to critical information.
3.0 COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS
3.1 Ensure that early warnings are disseminated effectively to communities using multiple channels (SMS, apps, sirens, radio, social media, etc.).
3.2 Work with the communications team to prepare warning messages in simple, clear, and culturally appropriate language.
3.3 Develop protocols for community-based early warning systems (CBEWS) and train local authorities in their use.
4.0 OPERATIONAL READINESS AND RESPONSE SUPPORT
4.1 Lead the setup of a 24/7 Early Warning and Monitoring Cell to track hazard activity and issue alerts in real-time.
4.2 Provide early warning briefings to DMA leadership and relevant ministries for decision-making.
4.3 Trigger early response protocols and recommend preemptive evacuation or mobilization as needed.
5.0 CAPACITY BUILDING AND INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING
5.1 Liaise with the training officer to conduct regular training workshops for DMA staff, emergency responders, and community stakeholders on early warning interpretation and action.
5.2 Develop guidance documents, SOPs, and manuals for early warning operations.
5.3 Evaluate and upgrade early warning systems based on periodic assessments and after-action reviews.
6.0 PARTICIPATION IN POLICY AND STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
6.1 Contribute to national and regional disaster risk reduction strategies and contingency planning through evidence-based early warning data.
6.2 Align DMA early warning systems with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, WMO guidelines, and other relevant international frameworks.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Applicants should meet one of the following requirements:
- Master’s degree in Disaster Risk Management, Environmental Science, or a related technical field, with a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in hazard monitoring, early warning systems, or disaster risk management.
OR
- Postgraduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Disaster Risk Management, Environmental Science, or a related technical field, with a minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in hazard monitoring, early warning systems, or disaster risk management.
OR
- Degree in Disaster Risk Management, Environmental Science, or a related technical field, with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in hazard monitoring, early warning systems, or disaster risk management.
Experience in community-based early warning systems and risk communication is highly desirable.
Technical Skills and Soft Skills
- Strong knowledge of early warning and risk forecasting tools.
- Excellent data analysis and report-writing skills.
- Strong coordination, leadership, and team management capabilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work under pressure in an emergency context.
Application Requirements
Applications on the relevant forms of GP 104 for Serving Officers and GP 103 for First Appointment of Job Seekers, accompanied by duly certified copies of Educational Certificates and Transcripts (verified by CHE) and National Identity Document (ID), are to be hand delivered to:
The Human Resources Office
Disaster Management Authority
Red Cross Building
Nightingale Road – Leading to High Court
Closing Date
Wednesday, 28 October 2026
NB: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a compulsory psychometric assessment as per Public Service Regulations 2008.