International Consultant for Disaster Risk Governance for Syria

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 aimed at reducing disasters. The organization is committed to ensuring synergies among disaster reduction activities across the United Nations and regional organizations, operating in 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 employs over 160 staff members, primarily based in its headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in various regional offices. The organization plays a critical role in guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-203

• It supports both regional and national implementations of the framework while catalyzing action and enhancing global awareness to mitigate disaster risks. 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 position of International Consultant for Disaster Risk Governance for Syria is primarily focused on strengthening national disaster risk reduction (DRR) governance in Syria. This will be achieved through the application of the Comprehensive Risk Management Approach, which is essential for establishing a National Multi-Stakeholder DRR and Climate Action (CA) Platform. The consultant will be responsible for developing an inclusive and gender-sensitive National DRR and CA Strategy and Action Plan. The role requires a deep understanding of disaster risk management, climate action, and sustainable development, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government entities and non-governmental organizations. The consultant will work closely with the Risk Governance Programme Management Officer and will be expected to produce several key deliverables, including a Policy Landscape Mapping Report, a zero draft of the National DRR and CA Strategy, and a final report summarizing lessons learned and recommendations for enhancing DRR governance at both national and local levels. The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements while still requiring a commitment to achieving the outlined objectives within the specified timeframe.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the International Consultant for Disaster Risk Governance include:

• Establishing strong relationships and coordination with the National Coordination Expert within the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management to guide the collection of relevant data, reports, and strategic documents related to DRR, CA, and Sustainable Development.
• Conducting an in-depth desk review of all collected data and documents to create a Policy Landscape Mapping Report that identifies key entry points for adopting the Comprehensive Risk Management approach in developing the National Strategy for DRR and CA.
• Engaging with key national counterparts, including the National Sendai Focal Point and various ministries, to solicit feedback on the Policy Landscape Mapping Report.
• Drafting Terms of References (ToRs) for the establishment of the National Multi-Stakeholder DRR and CA Platform in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
• Developing the zero draft of the National DRR and CA Strategy, ensuring alignment with the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement, and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
• Facilitating consultations with national entities and stakeholders on the zero draft of the National DRR and CA Strategy and the draft ToRs.
• Revising the drafts based on feedback from consultations and submitting the revised versions to UNDRR ROAS.
• Creating a draft National Action Plan for the Strategy’s implementation, including a results framework with strategic outputs, activities, indicators, baselines, targets, and estimated financial needs.
• Conducting a Final National Consultation and Validation workshop to validate the revised drafts and facilitate discussions on the draft National Action Plan. 1
• Submitting final versions of the National DRR and CA Strategy, National Action Plan, and ToRs to UNDRR ROAS for government validation and endorsement. 1
• Compiling a Final Report on the assignment, detailing lessons learned and recommendations for enhancing DRR governance.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include: • An advanced university degree in urban development, economics, social sciences, disaster risk reduction, disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, sustainable development, engineering, or a related field. • Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. • A minimum of 7 years of work experience in disaster risk reduction, management, or climate change adaptation is required. • Proven experience in national policy development related to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, or sustainable development is essential. • Experience in coordinating and consulting with governmental entities or multiple stakeholders during program implementation is necessary. • Familiarity with working alongside governmental authorities or academic institutions in the Arab region is required. • Desirable experience includes research and analysis, as well as academic writing. • Experience in integrating gender, disability, and human mobility considerations into disaster risk reduction frameworks and initiatives is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as urban development, economics, social sciences, disaster risk reduction, disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, sustainable development, engineering, or any related discipline. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they may still qualify if they have two additional years of relevant experience, which can substitute for the advanced degree requirement.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant work experience in disaster risk reduction, management, or climate change adaptation. Candidates should have a strong background in national policy development related to these areas and experience in coordinating with governmental entities or multiple stakeholders during program implementation. Familiarity with the Arab region's governmental authorities or academic institutions is also essential, as is experience in research, analysis, and academic writing. Additionally, candidates should have experience in integrating considerations of gender, disability, and human mobility into disaster risk reduction frameworks and initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written Arabic and English is mandatory for this position, as these are the primary working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable but not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy position is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The expected duration of the consultancy is from July 15, 2026, to July 14, 202

• Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.