Early Warning and Disaster Risk Reduction Expert Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) was established in December 1999 and serves as the designated focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating efforts to reduce disasters. The organization aims to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities across the United Nations and regional organizations, addressing both developed and less developed countries. UNDRR is led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG) and has a workforce of over 150 staff members based in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in various regional offices. The organization plays a crucial role in guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supporting its regional and national implementation, catalyzing action, and raising global awareness to mitigate disaster risk. UNDRR collaborates with UN Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the scientific community to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for supporting the implementation of UNDRR’s programs, projects, and activities specifically in African lusophone countries. This includes a focus on early warning and early action, risk assessment and mapping, risk-informed planning, disaster risk reduction, and resilience building. The consultant will lead the organization of workshops and capacity-building activities, providing both technical on-site and remote assistance. The position is primarily home-based but may require travel to Mozambique and Angola based on project needs. The consultant will work closely with national and local governments, regional organizations, and various stakeholders to enhance disaster risk management capabilities and improve resilience in the targeted regions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Assisting in the development and implementation of UNDRR’s programs and activities in Lusophone countries, focusing on early warning and early action, risk information, and disaster risk reduction. This involves liaising with the UN system and national/local governments.
• Collaborating with regional organizations such as AUC, SADC, SHOC, ECCAS, ACMAD, AGRHYMET, and ECOWAS to leverage their services for enhancing national capacities and connecting national systems like AMHEWAS.
• Leading the organization of workshops and capacity-building initiatives on early warnings, risk assessment and mapping, and risk governance in Lusophone African countries.
• Assisting national organizations in developing risk assessment and mapping tools, including disaster loss tracking systems, and reporting to the Sendai Monitoring Framework. Supporting the establishment of systems and procedures for early warnings and actions, analyzing legal and institutional frameworks, and organizing simulation exercises.
• Supporting national and local authorities in improving risk governance mechanisms, enhancing local resilience, and strengthening partnerships with academia and research centers, including engagement with the Africa Network of Centres of Excellence for Disaster Risk Reduction. The consultant will provide assistance both on-site and remotely to ensure continuous engagement with national, subnational, and regional organizations and partners.
• Preparing various written outputs, including project reports and substantive support for consultative meetings and conferences, which involves proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, and preparing documents and presentations.
• Participating in or leading field missions and drafting mission summaries as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in areas relevant to Disaster Risk Management, Climate Science, or Disaster Risk Assessments. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must possess at least five (5) years of experience in Disaster Risk Reduction, early warning, disaster risk management, risk assessment, or hazard mapping. Experience in hazard assessment or spatial hazard mapping and analysis, particularly in relation to droughts and floods, is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Disaster Risk Management, Climate Science, or Disaster Risk Assessments. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in areas such as Disaster Risk Reduction, early warning systems, disaster risk management, risk assessment, or hazard mapping. Candidates with experience in hazard assessment or spatial hazard mapping, particularly concerning droughts and floods, will be viewed favorably.

Languages:
Fluency in both Portuguese and English is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders in Lusophone countries.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of six months. The position is home-based, but travel to Mozambique and Angola may be required based on project needs. The United Nations emphasizes that it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.