Consultant for Situational and Gap Analysis of Soil Properties Data in Flood Risk Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is a collaborative initiative between the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF SPC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. This organization focuses on enhancing disaster risk management and resilience in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through research, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. The organization aims to provide actionable recommendations and support for integrating soil properties data into flood risk assessments, thereby improving disaster preparedness and response in the region. The organization operates in multiple Caribbean nations, working closely with various stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting a comprehensive situational and gap analysis of soil properties data in relation to flood risk assessments in Caribbean Small Island Developing States. The consultant will be responsible for developing a work plan and research methodology, engaging with stakeholders, and synthesizing findings into a final report with actionable recommendations. The role requires a deep understanding of soil science, hydrology, and environmental engineering, as well as experience in stakeholder engagement and policy analysis. The consultant will work collaboratively with various stakeholders to identify gaps in current practices and propose solutions for integrating soil data into disaster risk management frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Conducting a comprehensive desk review and baseline assessment of existing literature and policies related to soil properties and flood risk assessments in Caribbean SIDS.
• Engaging with stakeholders to gather insights and establish a contact list of key participants for focus group meetings.
• Analyzing existing flood risk assessment practices and identifying gaps in data and methodologies.
• Organizing and conducting online focus group meetings to discuss local knowledge and priorities regarding soil management.
• Preparing a preliminary report on the situational and gap analysis findings.
• Synthesizing findings from the desk review and stakeholder consultations into a final report with actionable recommendations for integrating soil properties data into flood risk assessments.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Soil Science, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of five years of relevant experience working within Caribbean SIDS, with a documented history in soil property characterization and hydrology. Proficiency in pedology and hydrogeology, particularly in understanding soil-water interactions and hydraulic conductivity, is essential. Experience in planning and organizing multi-stakeholder focused group meetings, as well as technical and policy-related documentation and reporting, is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Soil Science, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of soil properties and their implications for flood risk assessments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience working within Caribbean Small Island Developing States. Candidates should have a proven track record in soil property characterization and hydrology, demonstrating their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Experience in stakeholder engagement and conducting focus group meetings is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. This proficiency is necessary for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of reports and documentation. While English is the mandatory language, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this role.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is seven months, and the work location is Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The position is not associated with any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.