Disaster Governance

Marcel Bandur | Research Assistant | Asia Research Institute

What is Disaster Governance?

Disaster Governance is a great Career option. Understanding Why one wants to choose a Career in Disaster Governance is phenomenally more important than figuring out How to get into Disaster Governance. The most authoritative source of information on Disaster Governance is someone with real experience in it.

Research Assistant Marcel Bandur invested 5 years in Disaster Governance. Research Assistant Marcel Bandur defines Disaster Governance as:

Disaster Governance involved the strategies through which government authorities, public servants, media, private sector, and civil society coordinate in communities, and on regional and national levels in order to manage and reduce disaster and climate-related risks.

How Research Assistant Marcel Bandur got into Disaster Governance?

After completing a Masters degree in Political Science, I started working as a Research Assistant at the Asia Research Institute in Singapore on issues related to disaster governance in Asia.

Research Assistant Marcel Bandur's Talk on Disaster Governance

The Journey of a Disaster Governance Researcher: Insights from Marcel's Experience In an age where natural disasters are becoming increasingly prevalent due to climate change and human intervention, the field of disaster governance has emerged as a critical area of study. Marcel, a researcher in disaster governance, provides a unique glimpse into this interdisciplinary field, sharing insights that bridge academic theory and real-world application. His academic journey, starting from international relations to political science, has fueled his passion for understanding how disaster governance affects communities. This article explores Marcel's career, education, essential skills, and the realities of working in disaster governance. What Is Disaster Governance? Disaster governance is an interdisciplinary field that investigates how disasters can be effectively managed and how these catastrophic events influence policy decisions. It examines the intricate nexus between disasters and communities, emphasizing that disasters do not occur in isolation; rather, they are shaped by human actions and societal structures. In essence, disaster governance seeks to understand not only how to mitigate the effects of disasters but also how to enhance community resilience in the face of such challenges. Through this lens, Marcel evaluates the social, political, and economic dimensions involved in responding to and preparing for disasters. Education Geography and Environment A strong foundation in geography and environmental studies is vital for anyone interested in disaster governance. This field imparts knowledge about natural processes and urban infrastructure, crucial for understanding how disasters impact communities. As Marcel explains, a comprehensive grasp of environmental factors directly informs research surrounding climate change and disaster preparedness, allowing scholars and practitioners to develop strategies that mitigate negative outcomes. Political Science Political science plays a pivotal role in disaster governance, as it delves into how governmental structures influence disaster responses. Marcel’s background in international relations set the stage for understanding the political contexts that shape disaster management policies. By studying political science, future researchers can glean insights into decision-making processes at various levels—community, national, and international—that impact how societies cope with disasters. Urban Studies With over half of the world’s population expected to live in urban areas in the near future, urban studies is becoming increasingly relevant in disaster governance. Marcel highlights the importance of understanding urban environments, as disasters often strike densely populated regions, exacerbating their impacts. Knowledge in urban studies helps prepare researchers to address the unique challenges faced by urban areas during disasters and to implement effective mitigation strategies. Economics Disasters invariably affect economies, making economics a crucial discipline for understanding the financial implications of such events. By studying economics, professionals in disaster governance can analyze the impact of disasters on local, national, and global economies, enabling them to develop recovery plans that are both efficient and effective. Marcel emphasizes that the economic fallout from disasters can be significant, making this knowledge essential for comprehensive disaster governance. Sociology and Anthropology The social fabric of communities is deeply influenced by disasters, which is where sociology and anthropology come into play. Marcel notes that a nuanced understanding of cultural values and social structures can guide responses to disasters. Indigenous knowledge, for example, often reveals time-tested practices for disaster mitigation rooted in community traditions. This understanding enables researchers to harness valuable insights from the communities they study. History of Disasters The historical perspective on disasters sheds light on trends and responses over time, which can inform present-day practices. Marcel points out that historians analyzing past disasters can uncover patterns that repeat, aiding contemporary researchers in understanding how society adapts to such events. This historical context not only enriches disaster governance but also contributes to more effective policy formulation. Law An emerging field within disaster governance is disaster justice, which examines the legal responsibilities and ethical considerations surrounding disasters. As Marcel describes, this includes addressing questions about accountability and the rights of affected communities. Understanding legal frameworks associated with disaster response is crucial for developing policies and practices that safeguard the rights of victims and promote equitable recovery efforts. Skills Analytical A key skill for researchers in disaster governance is analytical reasoning, which allows them to synthesize a plethora of information and data. Marcel emphasizes the need for researchers to not only comprehend academic materials but also to analyze real-world evidence from disaster zones to draw meaningful conclusions. This analytical ability enables them to uncover gaps in knowledge and propose innovative solutions to pressing challenges. Interviewing Effective interviewing skills are vital for gathering firsthand information from individuals and communities affected by disasters. Marcel highlights that establishing rapport and effectively communicating with diverse audiences, including survivors and experts, is essential. These skills allow researchers to tap into indigenous knowledge and acquire insights that might not be available through traditional research methods. Writing and Editing Clarity in communication is paramount in disaster governance research, making proficient writing and editing skills indispensable. Marcel stresses that researchers must be able to articulate their findings clearly and accurately, often under tight deadlines. Strong writing abilities also ensure that research is accessible to diverse audiences, fostering understanding and engagement with the subject matter. Archive Research Especially for those exploring historical aspects of disasters, archive research skills are crucial. Marcel explains that researchers must navigate complex archival materials, potentially in unfamiliar languages or formats. This skill set allows them to reconstruct narratives from past disasters, contributing to a deeper understanding of how societies have responded historically and providing lessons for the future. Software Proficiency in software tools, particularly Geographic Information System (GIS) software, is increasingly important in disaster governance. Marcel outlines that GIS allows researchers to create impactful visual representations of data, which can enhance their findings and facilitate better decision-making. This technical skill is vital in a field that often requires spatial analysis to understand the dynamics of disaster impact. Presentation Research findings must be communicated effectively, making presentation skills critical. Marcel mentions the importance of creating engaging presentations for varied audiences, from academic peers to policymakers. Mastering the art of public speaking enables researchers to share their insights compellingly, often leading to broader impacts and collaborations. Networking Networking is essential in the realm of disaster governance, as connections often facilitate access to resources and information. Marcel underscores that building relationships at conferences and through academic collaborations can enhance research opportunities and promote the dissemination of findings. A strong professional network can significantly influence a researcher’s success in obtaining funding and furthering their work. Positives Flexible Working Hours One of the significant advantages of a career in disaster governance is the flexibility it offers in working hours. Marcel appreciates that researchers often have the autonomy to manage their schedules, allowing them to balance personal and professional commitments effectively. This level of flexibility can lead to a better work-life balance, accommodating travel and fieldwork seamlessly into daily routines. Freedom to Choose Own Topic Being able to select research topics based on personal interests is another appealing aspect of this career. Marcel indicates that this freedom fosters passion and motivation, leading to deeper engagement with research projects. The ability to pursue topics that resonate with personal values often results in more meaningful contributions to the field. Opportunity to Travel Research in disaster governance frequently entails traveling for fieldwork or attending conferences, which Marcel finds enriching. Such opportunities allow researchers to gain firsthand insights into affected communities and engage with professionals from diverse backgrounds. Often, these travels are funded, making them a financially feasible aspect of the job. Diverse Career Options The skill set developed through a career in disaster governance is highly transferable, opening doors to various employment avenues. As Marcel points out, researchers can transition into roles in think tanks, government agencies, universities, or policy institutes. This diversity offers numerous pathways for career progression, aligning well with personal and professional aspirations. Challenges Long Working Hours Despite the flexibility of the role, the work can demand long hours, especially during peak periods of research and deadlines. Marcel mentions that while the hours can vary greatly, researchers can find themselves working intensely to meet publication or grant application deadlines. This variability requires strong time management skills to balance periods of high intensity with quieter times. Competition The quest for funding creates a competitive environment in the field of disaster governance. Marcel observes that securing grants is often a challenging endeavor, requiring strategic networking and grant writing skills. Given the limited funding sources, researchers must continually adapt strategies to stand out and secure necessary resources for their projects. Paperwork Administrative tasks can consume a substantial portion of a researcher's time, often accounting for nearly 40% of their work. Marcel acknowledges that managing budgets, drafting proposals, and ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines can be tedious. However, these tasks are essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in research. Limited Monetary Rewards While a career in disaster governance can be fulfilling, it may not always be financially lucrative. Marcel explains that salaries can vary widely depending on the region and the funding structure within academic or research institutions. While researchers can expect to earn a comfortable living, they should not anticipate wealth as a motivator. A Day Of Disaster Governance A typical day in Marcel’s life as a disaster governance researcher begins around 9 a.m. with checking emails, which often accumulate overnight due to international collaborations. This is usually followed by morning meetings where research ideas are exchanged amongst colleagues, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. After brainstorming, researchers dive into library work or desk research for several hours, engaging in critical reading and synthesis of theories relevant to their projects. During lunch, discussions with peers often spark new ideas and perspectives that help refine their research. Afternoons are dedicated to drafting written material. Whether it’s jotting down spontaneous thoughts or developing more structured pieces, writing is an integral part of daily work. Depending on deadlines, additional meetings and administrative tasks may arise, breaking up the desk-based routine with vital interactions. The day typically concludes around 6 p.m., but for many researchers, work continues at home, highlighting the blending of professional and personal time. Through Marcel’s narrative, it becomes evident that a career in disaster governance is not just about academic pursuits; it is fundamentally about making a difference in communities vulnerable to disasters. Through dedicated research, engagement with affected populations, and translating findings into policy recommendations, professionals in this field play a vital role. The blend of knowledge, skills, and passion exemplified by researchers like Marcel enriches society's understanding of disaster dynamics, paving the way for informed responses and resilient communities.

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How to get into

Disaster Governance?

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Links for this Talk

Research Assistant Marcel Bandur's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/marcelbandur

LifePage Career Talk on Disaster Governance

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/disaster-governance

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171116-0001

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQdtQQflVFA

(Disaster Governance, Marcel Bandur, Asia Research Institute, Public Policy, Research, Governance)

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