Local Consultant for Disaster Risk Awareness and Education Campaign

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus and keeping the global environment under review. With a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. The organization plays a crucial role in addressing emerging environmental issues and mobilizing international cooperation to tackle global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. UNEP's Climate Change Division specifically focuses on delivering strategic guidance and high-impact actions to support countries in their transition towards climate stability, aligning with global climate goals and the Paris Agreement.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to enhance the capacity of women and fishing communities in Timor-Leste to understand early warning systems and climate-related disaster risks. The consultant will lead a targeted disaster risk awareness and education campaign, facilitating training sessions and updating communication materials tailored to the needs of women in rural and vulnerable communities. The consultant is expected to collaborate closely with UNEP, the PMU Gender Expert, and project teams to deliver key deliverables, including a desk review, a concept note for the awareness campaign, and various educational materials. The consultant will also run awareness campaigns in multiple locations, targeting fisher communities and fostering collaboration among stakeholders in disaster risk management activities. The role requires a strong commitment to gender equality and inclusive participation, ensuring that the training and engagement are culturally appropriate and effective in reaching the intended audience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key duties, including conducting a desk review and developing a workplan for the awareness campaign. They will create a concept note outlining the campaign's objectives and strategies, review gender-responsive information and education communication materials, and run awareness campaigns in designated locations. The consultant will also support the strengthening of community-level networks that bring together women and other stakeholders to enhance collaboration in disaster risk management activities. Additionally, the consultant will be tasked with reporting on the campaign's effectiveness, including pre-test and post-test evaluations, and compiling a lesson-learned report on the activities targeting fisher communities. The consultant will need to ensure that all activities align with UNEP's goals and contribute to the overall success of the GCF programme aimed at enhancing early warning systems in Timor-Leste.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Disaster Risk Management, Environmental Science, Public Health Management, Social Science, Climate Change, Community Development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of five years of experience in gender-related work, particularly in developing and facilitating training programs and community awareness campaigns on early warning systems, is required. Experience in the environment, climate change, and the impact on health and marine sectors is essential. Strong knowledge of gender equality and inclusive participation, along with experience working with women's groups, local NGOs, and community leaders in Timor-Leste, is highly desirable. Familiarity with local customs and practices is also important to ensure culturally appropriate training and engagement.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Disaster Risk Management, Environmental Science, Public Health Management, Social Science, Climate Change, or Community Development is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of disaster risk management and climate change, as well as the social dynamics affecting vulnerable communities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience, particularly in gender-related work and the development and facilitation of training programs and community awareness campaigns. Experience at both national and community levels, especially in the context of environmental and climate change issues, is crucial. Candidates should have a proven track record of working effectively with diverse stakeholders, including women's groups and local organizations, to promote inclusive participation in disaster risk management initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English and Tetun is required for this consultancy. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the awareness campaign.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based in Dili, Timor-Leste, with an expected duration of five months. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts. This role is part of a larger initiative aimed at enhancing early warning systems to build resilience against hydro-meteorological hazards in Timor-Leste, with a focus on benefiting the entire population, particularly vulnerable communities.