1) Mary Fran Myers Award: Call for Nominations
The Gender and Disaster Network and the Natural Hazards Center invite nominations of those who should be recognized for their efforts to advance gender-sensitive policy, practice, or research in the areas of disaster risk reduction. Established in 2002, the Mary Fran Myers Award recognizes that vulnerability to disasters and mass emergencies is influenced by social, cultural, and economic structures that marginalize women and girls, and may also expose boys and men to harm. The award was so named to recognize Myers’ sustained efforts as co-director of the Natural Hazards Center to launch a worldwide network promoting women’s opportunities in disaster-related professions and supporting research on gender issues, disasters, emergency management, and higher education.
The intent of this award is to recognize women and men whose advocacy, research, or management efforts have had a lasting, positive impact on reducing disaster vulnerability. All those whose work has added to the body of knowledge on gender and disasters, is significant for gender-theory or practice, or has furthered opportunities for women to succeed in the field are eligible.
The award committee is especially interested in soliciting nominations from outside the United States and strives to enable award recipients with high travel costs to attend the Natural Hazards Center workshop in Colorado.
There are three steps to nominate someone and all materials should be submitted electronically:
- Submit your full name and contact information (mailing address, e-mail, telephone, fax) and that of the nominee
- Attach a current resume or curriculum vitae of the nominee
- Write a letter of nomination detailing specifically how this individual’s work fits the award criteria as described above
- Optional: A one-page letter of support from another person or organization may also be submitted
The deadline for nominations is April 1, 2008.
Please direct any questions and submit nomination materials to mfmawards2008@gdnonline.org or be in touch by phone, +44 (0)191 227 3108, or fax, +44 (0)191 227 4715.
2) Mary Fran Myers Scholarship: Call for Applications
[Editor’s Note: The Mary Fran Myers Award and Mary Fran Myers Scholarship are different awards. For more information, please see http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/awards/.]
Mary Fran Myers was co-director of the Natural Hazards Research and Applications Information Center at the University of Colorado for 16 years until her untimely death in 2004. Reducing disaster losses, both nationally and internationally, was her life's work.
Each summer, the Natural Hazards Center hosts an invitational Hazards Research and Applications Workshop in Boulder, Colorado. The workshop brings together more than 400 members of the hazards community who are working to alleviate the pain and loss inflicted by disasters, and the Mary Fran Myers Scholarship provides financial support to recipients so that they can attend and participate in the workshop and further their research or community work and careers. This scholarship covers part or all of the costs of transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, and workshop registration fees.
The Mary Fran Myers Scholarship is awarded annually to at least one potential workshop participant, who is then formally invited to the workshop. Each year, the recipient or recipients are recognized at the workshop and may be asked to serve as panel discussants, where they can highlight their research or practical experiences in the hazards and disasters field.
All hazards researchers, students, and practitioners are eligible for the Mary Fran Myers Scholarship. However, preference is given to individuals with demonstrated financial need and those who have not previously attended the workshop.
The scholarship application and more information are available by visiting
http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/awards/myers-scholarship.html.
Applications must be received by Friday, April 4, 2008.
3) National Response Framework Released
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have released the National Response Framework (NRF), which replaces the National Response Plan.
The NRF focuses on response and short-term recovery, and “articulates the doctrine, principles, and architecture by which our nation prepares for and responds to all-hazard disasters across all levels of government and all sectors of communities.”
The NRF core document, the Emergency Support Function Annexes and Support Annexes are now available at the NRF Resource Center, http://www.fema.gov/nrf.
DHS has also produced a document of frequently asked questions about the NRF, which is available at
http://www.iaem.com/committees/GovernmentAffairs/documents/NRFFAQ012208.pdf.
4) Disaster Risk Management in an Age of Climate Change
The National Academies will hold a workshop, part of its Disasters Roundtable series, that is designed to consider the challenges facing disaster risk management in the context of climate change. Knowledge derived from science and the experience of policy makers and practitioners will inform the discussion.
In its recently released report, Climate Change 2007, the IPCC notes that global climate change is likely to result in increases in drought, intense tropical cyclone activity, heat waves, and floods in certain regions of the world, including parts of the United States. It further suggests that such developments would require policy makers and other stakeholders to give increased attention to managing any new level of risk posed by extreme events and their adverse impacts.
“Disaster Risk Management in an Age of Climate Change” will take place Thursday, April 3, 2008, at the Keck Center in Washington, D.C. Registration will open on March 1. For more information, visit http://dels.nas.edu/dr/f22.shtml.
5) CDC To Award $24 million for IT Projects
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will award numerous one-year grants totaling $24 million for projects that use IT to help communities prepare for and respond to a pandemic influenza outbreak.
The types of projects CDC seeks to fund involve electronic laboratory data exchange to support pandemic influenza surveillance; integration of state-based immunization information systems to track pandemic countermeasures; and development of statewide Public Health Information Network (PHIN)-compliant electronic mortality reporting systems.
The deadline for applications is March 17, 2008.
For more information, visit http://www.govhealthit.com/online/news/350174-1.html .
6) Some New Web Resources
[Below are some new or updated Internet resources we have discovered. For an extensive list of useful Internet sites dealing with hazards, see www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/.]
Saving Lives: Including People with Disabilities in Emergency Planning
The National Council on Disability issued this report, which “provides an overview of steps the Federal Government should take to build a solid and resilient infrastructure that will enable the government to include the diverse populations of people with disabilities in emergency preparedness, disaster relief, and homeland security programs.” The report also explores limitations in service to disabled people and the role of community-based organizations.
Communicating Disasters: An Asia Pacific Resource Book
This book, which can be downloaded for free, was published jointly by the United Nations Development Program and Television for Education (TVE). Based on a 2006 seminar of media experts, disaster managers, and communications professionals, it explores the role of the media before, during, and after disaster. The book uses experiences during and coverage of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami as a case study.
Research Priorities in Emergency Preparedness and Response for Public Health Systems: A Letter Report
The Committee on Research Priorities in Emergency Preparedness and Response for Public Health Systems at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has developed this report, which presents the committee’s conclusions and recommendations on needed research in the field of emergency management.
UN: Katrina Victims Neglected
This Time magazine article quotes the United Nations secretary general's representative on the human rights of internally displaced persons, Walter Kalin, as saying that victims of the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes have not received enough assistance from their communities and their government. Because of this, he says, many displaced people are unable to recover from the disaster.
Catastrophes: Insurance Issues
This update from the Insurance Information Institute notes that losses from catastrophes – defined by the insurance industry as a natural or human-induced event with losses of more than $25 million – will double every 10 years. The document also includes updates on recent catastrophes.
Fires, Floods, Earthquakes and Tsunamis: A Human Rights Perspective for Major Natural Disasters
This Web site presents a summary of activities from a January discussion titled “Fires, Floods, Earthquakes and Tsunamis: A Human Rights Perspective for Major Natural Disasters,” which was sponsored by the Brookings Institution. Included in the summary are transcripts, speeches, and reports presented during the event.
7) Conferences, Training, and Events
[Below are some recent announcements received by the Natural Hazards Center. For a comprehensive list of upcoming hazards-related meetings, visit our Web site at www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/conferences.html.]
Emergency Preparedness for Industry and Commerce Council (EPICC) Forum 2008— Richmond, British Columbia: February 25-27, 2008. Organizer: Emergency Preparedness for Industry and Commerce Council (EPICC). This annual forum features presentations and workshops that provide information on how organizations can improve their chances of surviving a disaster. The theme of EPICC Forum 2008 is “Continuity of Business is Everybody’s Business.” For more information, see http://www.epiccforum.org.
48th Annual Floodplain Management Conference—Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia: February 26-29, 2008. Organizers: International Conferences & Events (ICE) Australia Pty Ltd, Wollongong City Council, and Floodplains Management Authority. The conference program will feature a number of outstanding local and international speakers, concurrent sessions, a trade display, and exhibitions. Field trips will also be part of the program. The conference attracts practitioners, councilors, and representatives from government agencies from both New South Wales and interstate and provides a wonderful opportunity to meet and extend contacts. Visit http://www.iceaustralia.com/fmawollongong/.
2008 International Code Council (ICC): 2008 Codes Forum - Code Development Hearings—Palm Springs, California: February 17–March 2, 2008. This seminar provides an in-depth look at the wildland-urban interface fire problem in the United States and its impact to local jurisdictions. Strategies to best utilize ICC codes are discussed, with a thorough examination of the International Wildland/Urban Interface Code. Mitigation tactics are explored, including how to integrate Community Wildfire Protection Planning (CWPP), GIS mapping with Web-based hyperlinked planning, and the international codes. See http://www.iccsafe.org/news/annual/.
Center for Catastrophe Preparedness and Response (CCPR) Symposium: Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Planning for Catastrophic Health Emergencies—New York, New York: March 3, 2008. LaSER is a three-year effort to improve national response capabilities to catastrophic events, and is composed of five interrelated projects – Modeling and Simulation, Legal Issues, Organization-Based Incident Management, Organizational Safety Net, and Risk Communication. The cornerstone of LaSER is PLAN C (Planning with Large Agent-Networks against Catastrophes), a novel multi-agent computer-based model capable of creating real-time simulations of emergency response. The symposium will assemble leaders from multiple sectors to assess the state of the art in preparedness and response and focus on a model developed by LaSER that has the potential to change the way we respond to catastrophic events. Please RSVP to David Berman, associate director at CCPR, at david.berman@nyu.edu. For more information, see http://www.nyu.edu/ccpr.
Advanced Training Course on Spatial Planning as a Strategy for Mitigation and Adaptation to Natural Hazards—Santiago de Compostela, Spain: March 3-8, 2008. This course addresses the perspective of strengthening the role of mitigation in risk management through spatial planning. Innovative approaches will be brought on how to translate the concepts of sustainability and vulnerability assessment into effective measures in an integrative program that assembles risk analysis and management and spatial planning. Prevention and reduction of exposure to natural hazards are reviewed as key mitigation strategies. This course is designed to enable some of the outstanding specialists to share their expertise, and provide opportunities to both young scientists and decision makers to learn more about these problem areas and the new scientific insights in the matter. See http://www.xente.mundo-r.com/science/atc/index.html.
National Severe Weather Workshop 2008—Norman, Oklahoma: March 6-8, 2008. Organizer: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Oklahoma Emergency Management Association, and the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Meteorological Society/National Weather Association. This workshop allows participants to step out of their normal operational roles and responsibilities and take part in a simulated emergency. Role reversals occur as weather data from an actual archived event appears in real time. Team members then manage the various issues associated with the unfolding event as changing demands are put to the different groups. Eye-opening interactions among the different groups managing the scenario spur on-going discussions about ways to improve emergency communications and the warning process.Seehttp://www.norman.noaa.gov/nsww2008/.
International Conference on Integrated Water Resources Management and the 2nd African Regional Meeting of the National Committees of UNESCO’s International Hydrological Program—Cape Town, South Africa: March 10-12, 2008. Organizers: Water Research Commission of South Africa Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, UNESCO IHP Focal Point (South Africa) Water Institute of Southern Africa. This conference is designed to reflect on how implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is progressing around the world. The conference aims at targeting a specific angle to IWRM, which are universal and important for developing countries. The aim will be to compose assessments of local practices and experiences. See http://www.goingtomeet.com/conventions/details/25910.
Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference— Tacoma, Washington: April 1-2, 2008. This conference has grown into the largest emergency management conference in the Pacific Northwest, bringing together non-profit organizations, public agencies, business and industry, military, healthcare, and schools to explore emergency management issues, principles, and practices. The theme for the 2008 conference is “It’s a Different World: Looking to the Future.” E-mail PartnersCurriculum@gmail.com for more information.
Oceans ’08 MTS/IEEE Kobe-Techno-Ocean ’08— Kobe, Japan: April 8-11, 2008. This event brings together scientists and engineers with a vast range of scientific knowledge and technological expertise. With the theme “Voyage toward the Future,” this year’s conference will provide a thematic umbrella under which attendees will discuss the problems and potential long-term solutions that concern the world’s oceans. For more information, see http://www.oceans08mtsieeekobe-technoocean08.org.
8) Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Project Manager - Gender and Climate Change
Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO); New York, Latin America, or Africa
This is a part-time consultant position for one year, commencing February 2008, with possibility of renewal pending funding. Consultant will be based at WEDO's office in New York, or with a partner organization in Latin America or Africa that has reliable communications systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Consultant is responsible for managing WEDO's advocacy project on gender and climate change in four to five developing countries. Consultant will work as a team with the Sustainable Development Program Coordinator, and be in close communication on a daily basis. The project manager will coordinate the following activities in collaboration with partner organizations and under the supervision of the Sustainable Development Program Coordinator: Develop national assessments and recommendations on gender and climate change in each country; Synthesize analysis and recommendations into fact sheets and advocacy-focused materials; Organize one national launch meeting and one national event per country; Coordinate communications and advocacy strategy with NGO and government partners; Shifting priorities as opportunities and challenges emerge; Undertake research and writing in the area of gender and climate change; Analyze lessons learned across countries and make recommendations for future phases of projects; Represent WEDO as needed in meetings, conference calls, etc.; Contribute to project planning and reporting; Undertake other activities related to the project as directed.
Consultancy is for 3 - 4 days per week. Heavier workload is expected during national launch meetings and national events. International travel required.
REQUIREMENTS
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Fluency in French and/or Spanish preferred; Academic background in international development, gender, sustainable development, natural resource management, climate change, etc; At least 8 years work experience in the areas of gender and sustainable development; Experience living and working in developing countries required; Experience in advocacy, networking, and collaborations with NGOs and governments; Computer literacy required; Highly organized and able to meet deadlines; Able to take initiative.
Deadline for applicants is February 3, 2008. Send CV, cover letter, writing sample, fee requirements, and location/timing possibilities by e-mail to projmgr@wedo.org.
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Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Management Research Assistant/Junior Planner
AMEC Earth and Environmental Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Management HM&EM); Lakewood, Colorado
This position is for a full-time research assistant/junior planner to assist with projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Tasks will include, but will not be limited to, the following: Conducting research for plans (e.g., risk and capability assessments for hazard mitigation plans); Writing portions of plans, proposals, and other documents; Supporting proposal development and production; Providing administrative support as needed by the HM&EM team;
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field (e.g., planning, public administration, natural resources); Minimum one year of work experience in an office environment (or equivalent academic work experience); Excellent writing skills; Strong research, organizational, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Ability to take direction and handle multiple priorities simultaneously; Work experience in emergency management/hazard mitigation (desired); Understanding of federal emergency management regulations (desired).
Interested applicants should e-mail a cover letter and resume to:
Clancy Philipsborn
Technical Director
Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Management
clancy.philipsborn@amec.com
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Senior Program Manager, Climate Leadership Initiative
The Resource Innovation Group; Eugene, Oregon
This is a senior management position with responsibility for overseeing all aspects of CLI activities including policy development, research, and technical assistance focused on climate mitigation, preparation (adaptation), and sustainable economic development. The program manager will report to the director and supervise three staff, in addition to contractors, and UO student interns.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage program and project specific development and evaluation; Manage all CLI fundraising including grant writing, professional services contracts, and other sources of funds; Develop and manage climate policy and program research projects; Develop and manage climate policy development and technical assistance projects; Supervise professional staff; Provide service-learning opportunities for University of Oregon
graduate students; Work cooperatively with the executive director, associate director, and other staff within The Resource Innovation Group to coordinate efforts between programs; Work cooperatively with university faculty, staff, and students on administrative and programmatic issues.
This is not a state funded position. It is a grant-funded program with a non-profit affiliated with the UO. Continued employment after a start-up period will depend on the ability of the manager to raise funds.
EXPERIENCE
An entrepreneurial mind frame and proven ability to develop innovative solutions to complex problems; Social science background with experience in energy, water, or other natural resource or climate policy and program development; Successful fundraising experience with foundation, government, private, and other funding sources; Demonstrated experience in managing professional staff and teams; Project management skills; Excellent oral and written communication skills; Ability to work cooperatively with diverse people, including university, government, business, foundation, non-profit, and rural and urban community representatives; Ability and desire to work with university students; Graduate degree required.
Please direct all questions about this position to, kathy@uoregon.edu .
Review of applications will begin on February 1, 2008. Position is open until filled. Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references by email to, peg-cwch@att.net
Or mail to:
Administrative Director, Resource Innovation Group
P.O. Box 51182,
Eugene, Oregon 97405.
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Planners
New York City Office of Emergency Management; New York, New York
The New York City office of Emergency Management is seeking planners with advanced degree for multiple planner positions. For information about the open positions or to apply, see http://nyc.gov/html/oem/html/about/job.shtml
For questions about the positions please contact,
Megan Medina, MPA
NYC Office of Emergency Management
Preparedness Specialist
Email: mmedina@oem.nyc.gov
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Emergency Watch Commander
New York City Department of Health; New York, New York
RESPONSIBILITIES
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (NYC DOHMH), Bureau of Emergency Management (BEM) seeks 6 vigilant Emergency Watch Commanders to serve as an emergency management dispatcher and notification coordinator. BEM is responsible for coordinating the agency's response to all public health emergencies affecting the City of New York. There will be one Watch Commander staffed on a 24/7/365 basis - three 8-hour shifts per day. This is a mid-level position, wherein each Watch Commander’s main role and responsibility is to be the agency's chief point-of-contact during a suspected or actual emergency incident. For more information on the positions or to apply, see http://www.nemaweb.org/jobs/Job_Description.cfm?ID=1122.
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Emergency Response Planning Coordinator
The Evergreen State College; Olympia, Washington.
The Emergency Response Planning Coordinator position is available at the Olympia Campus of The Evergreen State College. It is a temporary, half time position funded for 6 months with the possibility of an extension. The Emergency Response Planning Coordinator will provide technical expertise in emergency response management by coordinating project activities and assisting management in planning program goals, monitoring developments and trends, and formulating emergency management strategies and plans. To obtain more information on this position or to apply see, http://www.nemaweb.org/jobs/Job_Description.cfm?ID=1138.
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Emergency Management Coordinator
Covington Water District; Covington, Washington
To develop and coordinate several District programs, including emergency management, emergency preparedness, security, and safety programs. Oversees district activities in all phases of emergency management including mitigation, preparedness, and response and recovery. Responsible for planning and implementation of emergency management, security and safety related training programs. Also performs grant, contract or budgetary research and analysis. Participates in the design and implementation of solutions to position related problems, including policy development, special studies, contract and project management; and intergovernmental coordination. For more information on the position or to apply, see http://www.nemaweb.org/jobs/Job_Description.cfm?ID=1142.
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Regional WebEOC Support Technician
SDSU Research Foundation; San Diego, California
The Regional WebEOC Support Technician is a grant-funded position to provide support of WebEOC, the emergency management system used in the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services, and to assist local jurisdictions and agencies establish new accounts in WebEOC. This position will develop boards and tools to share information dealing with emergency incidents as well as requisite planning and operations. This position will assist jurisdictions in transitioning to a common web based platform for software. Maintain the user interface. For complete details, see http://www.iaem.com/resources/Career/Job_bulletin_board/forums/DCForumID6/5867.html.
If you or your organization would like to add a job posting here in the DR, please feel free to e-mail the information to hazctr@colorado.edu.
Questions for the readership and contributions to this e-newsletter are encouraged. Questions and messages should be indicated as such and sent to hazctr@colorado.edu.