ThaiNGO

Save the Children International is looking for a Consultant for Fire Prevention project in refugee camps

Background

Refugee camps along Thai-Myanmar border is one of Save the Children’s the operational sites in Thailand implementing education and child protection projects and emergency response  in the border areas. In terms of emergency response, fires are regular hazard in nine refugee camps. Flammable building materials such as bamboo, thatch and eucalyptus and cooking practices can be factors influencing on huge fire in the camps.

Regarding the statistic from various sources of information, it found that in February 2012, a huge fire in Umpiem camp destroyed around 1,000 houses. In April 2013, 36 refugees died in a tragic fire that destroyed Ban Mae Surin refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province. Moreover, In December 2013, around 750 refugees were left homeless in Mae La camp when more than hundred houses were destroyed by a fire. The next day one refugee woman died in a fire in Ban Mai Nai Soi camp. Also, in 2014-2015, fire in refugee camps damaged burned hundred houses and caused thousands of people were homeless. As a result, fires did not only destroy houses in the refugee camps, but education continuation of children in the camps was also disrupted.

Refer to key findings from fire risk assessment conducted by Operation Florian, it was found that apart from natural fire, majority of fire occurred at homes which cooking practices and using candles are potential risks causing fire. It is recommended to build existing capacities such as training Emergency Response Team (ERT) and equipping them with mini fire-fighting stations in the camps. Also, changing cooking behavior can be done to create safe cooking practices which can reduce fire risk.

In order to reduce fire risk in refugee camps and strengthen capacity of ERT, Save the Children plans to implement a fire prevention project in 4 refugee camps; Mae La and Umpiem camps in Mae Sot, Ban Mai Nai Soi and Ban Mae Surin camps in Mae Hong Son at both community and school level starting from September to December 2015.

Scope of work

The consultant will play coordination roles with support from Emergency and DRR programme to implement and conduct Fire Prevention related activities along Thai-Myanmar boarder areas as following tasks:

Be responsible to coordinate with target communities, schools and local organisations in consultation with camp committees and supervisors to:

Organise fire prevention trainings at community and school level including workshop to develop community fire prevention plans and/or fire evacuation drills

Organize DRR working group meetings and coordination with local agencies in case that the meetings take place in Mae Sot or Mae Hong Son

Distribute  fire prevention leaflet in Burmese and Karen language to targeted communities and schools in the refugee camps

Be responsible to coordinate with DDPM, local authorities and NGOs for needs assessment on fire prevention and procurement of fire suppression equipment to be installed in the communities.

Maintain relevant information and database on program activity.

Assist DRR and MEAL team in project monitoring and evaluation to ensure program quality and accountability.

Ensure good relationship with local organisations, communities and schools.

Ability to perform a variety of repetitive and routine tasks and duties related to program support.

Key deliverables

DRR Working Group meeting in either Mae Sot or Mae Hong Son

Trainings for Emergency Response Team (ERT) in refugee camps

Community-based fire prevention plans

Fire prevention activities in target schools

Monthly Progress Narrative Report and Final Narrative Report including activity photos and lists of participant

Identified fire suppression equipment based on community needs and technical assessment done by DDPM, local authority and/or NGOs

Fire suppression equipment or water stations to be installed or equipped in the target communities

Key qualification

Bachelor degree in Social Science or any related field

At least two years of experience in the same role preferably in non-government organisations

Good command in Thai, Karen and Burmese, ability to communicate in English will be an advantage

Well-organised, strong interpersonal skill and able to work well with others; especially, along Thai-Myanmar boarder areas

Computer proficiency in MS Office; MS word, Excel and Power Point

Consultancy period 

The consultant contract period will be for 4 working months starting from 1 September 2015 to 25 December 2015. The Consultant will need to submit the quotation for the cost for the whole assignment of 4 months.

Location

The consultant is expected to work at Save the Children branch office located in Mae Sot, Tak province. This person is also required to frequently travel along Thai-Myanmar broader to organise trainings and school activities in Mae La and Umpiem camps in Mae Sot, Ban Mai Nai Soi and Ban Mae Surin camps in Mae Hong Son.

In case that this person is required to stay overnight at the hotel or communities for organizing the event, the accommodation cost will be covered by Save the Children.

Payment

The payment shall be made monthly after the consultant submitted a monthly narrative report including activity photos and list of participant in trainings, time sheet and workplan for the next month but no later than 15th day of the following month. Moreover, the last payment will be done when he/she submitted all required documents mentioned in the key deliverables by 25 December 2015. 

Submissions for the consultancy

The submission must address the terms of reference and include:

- Name and contact details of the candidate

- CV and cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest and suitability

- Quotation for the whole assignment

Close date for submissions:

Please send your CV with a quotation by 16 August 2015, to our HR & Admin Manager at jaem.prachoommark@savethechildren.org

 “We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.”