National Consultancy for Leading the Development of Localized, Multi-hazard Community Disaster Preparedness Plans in the Zagros Region

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its passionate culture and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, working collaboratively to address the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly children and adolescents.

Job Overview:
The position focuses on developing Community Disaster Preparedness Plans (CDPPs) in the Zagros Mountain Range, which is ecologically and socially significant. The role involves addressing the increasing exposure of rural communities to natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and earthquakes, exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable practices. The consultant will work closely with local communities to create inclusive, child-sensitive, and gender-responsive disaster preparedness plans that align with national frameworks. This initiative is part of UNICEF's broader strategy to enhance community resilience and protect children from climate-related risks, ensuring their participation and inclusion in community planning processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the development of up to 40 Community Disaster Preparedness Plans (CDPPs) in selected high-risk counties across the Zagros provinces.
• Engage with local communities to ensure that the plans are participatory, child-sensitive, gender-responsive, and disability-inclusive.
• Collaborate with the National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO) and other stakeholders to align community plans with national disaster management frameworks.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops for local NGOs and volunteers to build their capacity in disaster risk planning.
• Develop training materials and conduct Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions on disaster preparedness.
• Ensure that the plans incorporate local knowledge and address the specific vulnerabilities of children, adolescents, and people with disabilities.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the CDPPs and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive reports documenting the process, outcomes, and lessons learned from the initiative.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Masters’ or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Social Development, or relevant fields.
• A minimum of 3 years of working experience in Disaster Risk Management, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Community Engagement.
• Proven experience in community-based disaster risk reduction and preparedness planning.
• Demonstrated ability to develop training materials and conduct TOTs on disaster preparedness.
• Strong understanding of inclusive approaches that consider the different needs of women, men, children, and people with disabilities.
• Familiarity with Iran’s disaster management system and experience working in the Zagros region is highly desirable.
• Excellent facilitation, coordination, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and report-writing skills in Persian, with advanced English knowledge considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Masters’ or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Environmental Sciences or Social Development. Higher or additional certifications or relevant published research will be considered advantageous, enhancing the candidate's profile for this consultancy role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant working experience in areas such as Disaster Risk Management, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Community Engagement. Experience in community-based disaster risk reduction and preparedness planning is highly desirable, along with a proven track record of developing training materials and conducting training sessions.

Languages:
Fluency in Persian is mandatory, with excellent communication and report-writing skills required. Advanced knowledge of English is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and produce high-quality documentation.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy role is focused on community-driven initiatives and requires a commitment to inclusivity and child protection. The position may involve working with local NGOs and volunteers, necessitating strong collaboration and capacity-building skills. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The consultancy will be evaluated based on technical and financial proposals, with a minimum technical score required for consideration. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.