State Consultant in Gujarat: INSPIRE India

A. About the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center:The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) is an autonomous international organization established for scientific, educational, developmental, and humanitarian purposes with a vision of safer communities and sustainable development through disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific. Established in 1986 as a technical capacity-building center, ADPC has grown and diversified its expertise across social and physical sciences, envisioning safer communities and sustainable development through disaster risk reduction. It is an autonomous international organization governed by the Board of Trustees. It supports sustainable solutions for disaster risk reduction across a broad range of specialist areas, with a wide range of professional expertise from atmospheric scientists to social scientists with experiences from all levels of engagement typically required for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience (CR) effectively.ADPC’s Strategy 2030 guides the organization in providing comprehensive risk reduction support to countries and communities in Asia and the Pacific with various programs being implemented under 15 strategic themes by three departments, namely the Preparedness and Climate Actions, Risk Analytics and Climate Services, and Risk Governance and Financing. In addition to these, ADPC also works on three cross-cutting themes: Gender and Diversity, Innovation, and Regional and Transboundary Cooperation through permanent working committees. These activities are supported by proactive individual departments of Finance, Human Resources, and Administration. ADPC recognizes the importance of examining the linkages between disaster risk management, poverty reduction, gender equality, sustainability, rights-based approaches, climate change, and regional cooperation. For details, please refer to the ADPC website at www.adpc.net.B. Department IntroductionThe Preparedness and Climate Actions (PCA) Department of ADPC focuses on enhancing the preparedness and response management capacities of governments, response organizations, volunteers, non- governmental organizations, the private sector, communities, and other traditional and non-traditional actors of the Disaster Risk Management Ecosystem. It also strives to strengthen the capacity of institutions and at-risk communities for faster and more efficient disaster recovery. The department works with the above-stated actors to ensure that the regional, national, sub-national, and local disaster preparedness, response, and recovery frameworks and implementation plans are in place well before disaster strikes.C. Statement Of IntentThe Institutional Strengthening through Preparedness and Inclusive Response in India (INSPIRE) Program—a collaborative initiative by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and state institutions in Odisha, Gujarat, and Kerala. The program aims to enhance institutional systems for disaster preparedness and climate action at the national and state levels, while contributing to regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal.Through INSPIRE, ADPC works closely with national and state-level stakeholders to promote risk- informed planning, strengthen local capacities, and support sustainable disaster management practices. The program focuses on advancing institutional leadership and technical capacities within strategic government institutions, enabling them to play a central role in managing disasters and responding to climate shocks. It also fosters the development of innovative, data-driven solutions and promotes cross- learning through structured regional collaboration. Additionally, an MoU signed between ADPC and GIDM on March 21, 2018, establishes a framework for collaboration on disaster risk reduction through joint training, research, and knowledge exchange.Collectively, these efforts aim to bolster India’s resilience to increasing climate and disaster risks, with a particular emphasis on reducing the vulnerability of at-risk communities.The State Consultant in Gujarat, under the overall guidance of the Program Lead (INSPIRE India) and in close coordination with the Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM), will be responsible for coordinating and implementing state-level activities under the INSPIRE India program. The Consultant will work under the guidance of senior leadership of GIDM to align the state-level activities with broader INSPIRE objectives and state priorities.The Consultant will support the strengthening of GIDM’s Centre of Excellence in Industrial Safety and Risk Management through enhanced training systems, risk analysis, and community preparedness initiatives. The role focuses on developing customized training modules, facilitating risk assessments for industrial clusters, and promoting disaster preparedness among industries, MSMEs, and surrounding communities.The Consultant will regularly engage with the senior leadership of GIDM to ensure strategic coherence and high-level buy-in for program activities.D. Expected Outputs:Under the overall guidance of the Program Lead and in close coordination with the GIDM, GSDMA, other state-level stakeholders, and the INSPIRE Program team, the State Consultant in Gujarat will be responsible for the following outputs:● Provide technical inputs and facilitate a detailed risk profile report for a selected industrial cluster in Gujarat, integrating multi-hazard exposure, vulnerability assessments, and critical infrastructure analysis.● Technical inputs into the design of simulation exercises and contingency plans specifically for chemical hazard scenarios (e.g., gas leaks, toxic spills, fire/explosion), tailored to high-risk industrial clusters.● Technical inputs into a Decision support system for promoting emergency preparedness and safety against disasters.● Develop, Pilot, and Mainstream three distinct training tracks on industrial safety, emergency preparedness, and business continuity, with accompanying training materials.● Multi-stakeholder consultations for enhancing industrial disaster preparedness, safety protocols, and response coordination mechanisms, conducted and documented, focusing on● Gender informed risk communication materials and emergency protocols were developed and disseminated to communities in at least one high-risk industry cluster.● A comprehensive process document, capturing implementation progress, coordination experiences, challenges encountered, and key lessons learned during program implementation.● Thematic briefs and case studies to highlight Gujarat’s leadership, innovations, and best practices in industrial disaster risk reduction and risk-informed business continuity planning.Monthly technical and financial progress reports in alignment with the program’s monitoring and reporting requirements.E. Responsibilities and Tasks: Technical Implementation and Coordination● Work under the guidance of the senior leadership of GIDM and in coordination with the Program Lead to plan and implement state activities in Gujarat in line with the INSPIRE work plan.● Serve as the primary focal point for coordination between GIDM, GSDMA, and relevant stakeholders at the state and district levels.● Coordinate the detailed multi-hazard risk assessment and cluster profiling of a selected industrial cluster, including analysis of exposure, vulnerabilities, and critical infrastructure.● Contribute to the development and deployment of a Decision Support System (DSS) to strengthen emergency preparedness and industrial safety decision-making.● Support the development, piloting, and mainstreaming of three modular training tracks (this list is tentative and this may change as per the guidance of GIDM):○ Track 1: NaTech Risk and Process Safety – for factory inspectors, safety officers, and first responders.○ Track 2: Business Continuity and Disaster Risk Reduction – for MSME managers, industry association leaders, and plant supervisors.○ Track 3: Community-Based Preparedness – for local government staff, school personnel, and community leaders in high-risk zones.● Support the development of risk communication protocols tailored for high-risk communities near MAH (Major Accident Hazard) zones.● Facilitate practical simulation exercises and field-based training tailored to identified risk scenarios.● Prepare a comprehensive process documentation report capturing progress, coordination mechanisms, key challenges, and lessons learned during program implementation.● Ensure consistent technical inputs from senior leadership of GIDM are reflected in all planning, delivery, and evaluation of activities.Program Management and Monitoring● Ensure timely implementation of program activities in Gujarat as per the approved work plan and budget.● Facilitate coordination and documentation between GIDM, PI Industries, Technical Experts, and ADPC technical teams.● Monitor progress against agreed deliverables and provide regular technical and financial reports.● Organize and support logistical and technical planning of state-level consultations, training workshops, and learning events.● Liaise with consultants, trainers, and other technical experts engaged in the state for program activities.Knowledge Management and Reporting● Capture and document lessons, challenges, and success stories from Gujarat to feed into the national and regional knowledge-sharing platform of INSPIRE.● Contribute to the development of knowledge products, including cluster risk profiles, case studies, technical briefs, stakeholder consultation summaries, and process documents highlighting Gujarat’s experiences.● Participate in cross-state learning activities and regional events to share Gujarat’s practices under the program.● Responsible for monitoring the performance targets against the agreed M&E plans and work plans, and reporting the progress on time.● Draft and edit technical reports, special reports, and other related program documents.This job description covers the general responsibilities and representative tasks of this position. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to program priorities and needs.F. Working Principles:In performing the duties and responsibilities indicated above, State Consultant in Gujarat: INSPIRE India will be supervised by the designated Program Lead at Preparedness and Climate Actions Department of ADPC, and work closely with other Project/Program Managers and Project/Program Coordinators of the Department. The Consultant will also work in close collaboration with the senior leadership of GIDM to ensure alignment with the Center of Excellence’s mandate on industrial safety and preparedness.G. Qualifications:Required Qualifications and Specifications● Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Disaster Management, Industrial Safety, Emergency Management, Planning, Social Sciences, or related disciplines.● At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk reduction (DRR), industrial safety, chemical hazard preparedness, or emergency response, preferably in India.● Demonstrated experience in chemical disaster risk management, including NaTech risk, major accident hazard (MAH) preparedness, or industrial risk assessments.● Proven track record of working with state governments, regulatory bodies (e.g., GPCB, PESO), or training institutions, especially in Gujarat.● Strong understanding of chemical process safety, hazardous materials management, and on- site/off-site emergency planning for industrial zones.● Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives in industrial safety or disaster preparedness, particularly those involving MSMEs, industry associations, or community organizations.● Familiarity with donor-funded programs, including compliance reporting for ESG, Safety, EHS, etc.● Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate technical risk information into accessible training or communication products.● Excellent communication, coordination, and report writing skills in English.● Demonstrated gender sensitivity and ability to integrate GEDSI considerations into program design and delivery.Preferred Qualifications● Working knowledge of the Gujarati language.● Experience conducting chemical hazard vulnerability assessments and emergency simulation exercises in industrial clusters.● Familiarity with Indian regulatory frameworks relevant to chemical safety (e.g., Factories Act, MSIHC Rules, EHS standards).● Experience using IT-based tools for hazard mapping, emergency planning, or decision support systems.● Understanding of Gujarat’s industrial landscape, disaster risk profile, and governance structures related to safety and emergency preparedness.● Strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, and ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across sectors.● Prior engagement in developing or delivering training modules for factory inspectors, safety officers, or emergency responders will be an added advantage.H. Duty Station:Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with possible travel to districts and partner institutions as required.I. Contract Duration: 27 April 2026 – 31 August 2027 (17 months)J. Itinerary:During official missions outside the duty station, the Consultant will be entitled to local/international travel, daily subsistence allowance, accommodation, and other related travel costs as per ADPC financial policy.K. Condition of Payment:The consultant will be paid via bank transfer to their bank account as per the details submitted at the time of joining. All applicable taxes, duties, and government-imposed charges arising from this contract shall be the sole responsibility of the consultant.The payment will be made on a monthly basis upon submission of a timesheet detailing the work undertaken for delivering the program work plan. Each timesheet must align with the agreed tasks and deliverables and will be subject to approval by the Unit Head, RBL, and PCA.HOW TO APPLYInterested candidates can submit the completed ADPC application form and financial proposal (downloadable from www.adpc.net), resume, and a copy of their degrees/certificate(s) together with a cover letter to [email protected] candidates are required to submit a financial proposal using the attached form, together with all other required documents.The email subject should clearly indicate the position being applied for, for example:[State Consultant in Gujarat: INSPIRE India, Name of Candidate].Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.ADPC encourages diversity in its workplace and supports an inclusive work environment.