Consultant to Support the Numerical Modelling for Regional Assessment Reports on Disaster Risk Reduction (RAR27) through Case Studies

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. The organization aims to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities across the United Nations and regional organizations, addressing both developed and developing countries. UNDRR is led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and has a workforce of over 150 staff members based in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in various regional offices. The organization plays a crucial role in guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-203

• It actively supports regional and national efforts to implement the framework and works to catalyze action and raise global awareness about disaster risk reduction, collaborating with UN Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the scientific community. The UNDRR Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean has produced two Regional Assessment Reports on Disaster Risk Reduction (RAR), with the first published in 2021 and the second in 2024, focusing on disaster risk reduction financing in Latin America and the Caribbean. These reports highlight significant progress in protecting lives from extreme events while also illustrating the increasing economic costs associated with disaster risks in the region, which account for over 53% of global losses over the past 25 years. The organization emphasizes the need for integrated approaches to enhance resilience through disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation strategies, particularly in light of the vulnerabilities faced by women, children, the elderly, and Indigenous communities during disasters.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a vital role in supporting the numerical modelling of multi-hazard probabilistic risk assessments for the upcoming Regional Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (RAR27). This position involves utilizing results from four selected countries to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals and to advance the implementation of the Sendai Framework. The consultant will work from a home-based location and will be supervised by the Risk Knowledge Officer of the UNDRR Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean. The primary focus of the consultant's work will be to quantify the cost of inaction at various levels—regional, national, and local—by reviewing the progress made in implementing the Sendai Framework and assessing disaster risk-informed sustainable development. This includes analyzing contributions of the Sendai Framework to the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, and other relevant agendas, as well as providing the latest regional multi-hazard risk estimates using established probabilistic metrics for both baseline and future scenarios. The consultant will also propose methodologies and approaches to assess the costs associated with inaction, employing both retrospective and prospective analyses to highlight the urgency of financing sustainable development through disaster risk reduction efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the numerical modelling of multi-hazard probabilistic risk assessments for the RAR27, ensuring the integration of results from four selected countries.
• Analyzing and quantifying the costs of inaction related to disaster risk reduction at regional, national, and local levels.
• Reviewing the implementation progress of the Sendai Framework and its contributions to sustainable development goals.
• Conducting analyses of disaster risk reduction financing in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on the economic losses associated with disaster risks.
• Developing methodologies and approaches for assessing the costs of inaction, utilizing both retrospective and prospective analyses.
• Engaging with expert technical stakeholders and peer reviewers to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the assessments.
• Preparing reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations for disaster risk reduction strategies.
• Collaborating with UN Member States and various partners to promote awareness and action on disaster risk reduction.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in engineering sustainable development, social sciences, disaster risk management, or a related discipline.
• A first-level university degree may be accepted in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience.
• A minimum of fifteen years of experience in disaster risk reduction and the development of regional or global reports.
• Proven experience in multi-hazard probabilistic risk modelling, including specific experience with wildfires.
• Experience in engaging with expert technical stakeholders and peer reviewers is desirable.
• Familiarity with at least one United Nations agency, major government institution, or international organization working on probabilistic risk metrics is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as engineering sustainable development, social sciences, disaster risk management, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have at least fifteen years of relevant experience in disaster risk reduction, particularly in the development of regional or global reports. Experience in multi-hazard probabilistic risk modelling, including wildfires, is essential. Additionally, the consultant should have experience in engaging with expert technical stakeholders and peer reviewers, as well as familiarity with working in a United Nations context or with major government institutions or international organizations focused on probabilistic risk metrics.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this consultancy role, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, which would enhance communication and collaboration within the organization and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and is expected to last from August 17, 2026, to June 16, 202

• Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. The United Nations strongly encourages female candidates to apply, valuing diversity among its staff and welcoming applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender or disability status. 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, and does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.