Consultant for Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization established in 1951, with a mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development, and policy advocacy, and aims to address the challenges and opportunities presented by migration in a globalized world. IOM's work is guided by its core principles of respect for human dignity, human rights, and the need for a comprehensive approach to migration management.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting IOM's project aimed at strengthening multi-hazard early warning systems (EWS) in Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Vanuatu. This position involves conducting a thorough technical review of existing EWS systems, engaging with stakeholders, and facilitating a regional peer-to-peer learning exchange. The consultant will be responsible for analyzing the current state of EWS in the focus countries, identifying gaps and challenges, and providing actionable recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of these systems. The role requires a deep understanding of disaster risk management and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and international partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive desktop review of existing EWS systems in Fiji, PNG, and Vanuatu, analyzing progress against the four EW4ALL pillars: Risk Knowledge, Monitoring & Forecasting, Warning Dissemination, and Preparedness & Response.
• Identify and map key stakeholders, systems, assistance gaps, and priority areas for improvement in EWS.
• Validate findings through consultations with national and local stakeholders, updating the EWS Review Report based on feedback.
• Develop a final EWS Situation Brief and Gap Analysis Report, consolidating insights from the desktop review and consultations.
• Prepare for and facilitate a regional peer-to-peer learning exchange workshop, including drafting a concept note, coordinating with participants, and ensuring effective facilitation during the event.
• Document key outcomes from the workshop and provide a comprehensive report capturing insights, recommendations, and commitments made during the exchange.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a Master's Degree in Geography, Environmental Sciences, Disaster Management, International Relations, or Environmental Engineering, along with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in the aforementioned fields with 15 years of relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates must demonstrate experience in project management, government liaison, or diplomacy, as well as workshop planning and facilitation. Familiarity with EWS and community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) is essential, particularly in the Pacific region. Experience working with government authorities, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, and/or non-profit organizations is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a Master's Degree in relevant fields such as Geography, Environmental Sciences, Disaster Management, International Relations, or Environmental Engineering. A Bachelor's degree in these fields is acceptable if accompanied by extensive professional experience. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in understanding the complexities of disaster risk management and environmental issues.

Experience:
The position requires significant professional experience, with a minimum of 8 years for candidates holding a Master's Degree or 15 years for those with a Bachelor's Degree. Experience should include project management, government liaison, and diplomacy, as well as specific experience in workshop planning and facilitation. Familiarity with early warning systems and community-based disaster risk management, particularly in the Pacific context, is crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local Pacific languages is considered an advantage, as it can facilitate better communication and engagement with local stakeholders during the project.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will involve a total of 46 working days spread across several months, with specific deliverables due at various stages. The consultant will be expected to engage in both in-person and remote consultations, and the role may require travel to the focus countries. This position is likely to be contracted on a temporary basis, with a focus on full-time engagement during the project duration.