Consultant - Regional Disaster Risk and Preparedness Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) was established in December 1999 and serves as the focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating efforts to reduce disaster risks. With over 150 staff members, UNDRR operates from its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and has regional offices. The organization plays a crucial role in guiding, monitoring, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–203

• UNDRR advocates for increased investment in disaster risk reduction and promotes inclusive, gender-responsive approaches to risk management. It also supports knowledge sharing through various platforms and tools, including Prevention Web and the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, which is responsible for designing and implementing ECOWAS programs and policies, collaborates with UNDRR to enhance regional disaster preparedness and resilience. This partnership aims to strengthen regional cooperation and solidarity to reduce disaster impacts and humanitarian needs in West Africa.

Job Overview:
The position of Regional Disaster Risk Assessment Consultant involves conducting a comprehensive analytical exercise to support ECOWAS and UNDRR in enhancing disaster risk reduction and preparedness planning in West Africa. The consultant will be responsible for analyzing existing disaster risk assessments and information tools across ECOWAS Member States, identifying key gaps and good practices, and developing a consolidated, multi-hazard regional disaster risk overview. This overview will synthesize risk information, including data on hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and transboundary risks, to inform risk-informed decision-making and preparedness planning at both regional and national levels. The consultant will also engage with stakeholders to ensure the relevance and accuracy of the findings and recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include developing an inception report that outlines the methodological approach and analytical framework for the assignment, compiling and analyzing existing disaster risk assessments and information systems, assessing data availability and quality, identifying gaps and good practices, and producing structured analytical outputs. Additionally, the consultant will synthesize multi-hazard risk information, integrate gender and disability data, and produce a coherent regional risk profile. Organizing stakeholder consultation workshops to present findings and gather feedback is also a key responsibility, along with delivering final outputs that meet agreed quality standards and timelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in disaster risk management, civil protection, environmental sciences, geospatial sciences, public policy, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in these fields combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, or related fields at the regional or international level is required. Experience in risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, and the design or implementation of disaster risk management programs is desirable, particularly within multi-country or regional contexts. Familiarity with regional and international disaster risk reduction frameworks, especially with ECOWAS systems, is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as disaster risk management, civil protection, environmental sciences, geospatial sciences, or public policy. A first-level university degree in these areas, combined with additional work experience, may also be acceptable. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of disaster risk management and preparedness planning.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, or related fields. Candidates should have experience working at the regional or international level, particularly in risk assessment and vulnerability analysis. Experience in designing or implementing disaster risk management programs, especially in multi-country or regional contexts, is highly desirable. Familiarity with regional and international frameworks for disaster risk reduction is also essential, along with technical knowledge of multi-hazard risk assessment methodologies and emergency preparedness systems.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of eight months, with the consultant working under the general supervision of the Programme Management Officer at the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa. The position may involve travel to various ECOWAS Member States for in-country assessments and stakeholder consultations. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any fraudulent activities related to job applications.