Technical Advisor to Support the Coordination and Implementation of Sessions of the IX Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean (RP27)

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 to reduce disasters. The organization aims to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities carried out by the United Nations, regional organizations, and related initiatives 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 has a workforce of over 150 staff members located at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in regional offices around the globe. 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 supports regional and national implementation, catalyzes action, and raises global awareness to reduce disaster risk by collaborating with U.N. Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the science and technology community. The consultant will work closely with the government of The Bahamas to facilitate the coordination and organization of the IX Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean (RP27), scheduled to take place in 2026 in Nassau, The Bahamas. This platform is co-organized by UNDRR and the government of The Bahamas, and it represents a significant opportunity for member states to share experiences, build capacities, transfer knowledge, and showcase successes related to disaster risk reduction, particularly focusing on resilient recovery. The event aims to enhance participation and commitment from various actors and stakeholders in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, emphasizing comprehensive disaster risk management as a vital component of sustainable development, especially for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Platform will be conducted in a hybrid format, featuring an intergovernmental segment that includes a ministerial meeting and a technical meeting on the implementation of the Regional Action Plan (RAP).

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor will play a pivotal role in ensuring the coordinated preparation, delivery, and follow-up of all sessions related to the IX Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (RP27). This position requires the consultant to work collaboratively with UNDRR staff, government delegates from The Bahamas, and other partners involved in organizing various sessions of RP2

• The consultant will be responsible for supporting the review and development of the RP27 agenda, coordinating meetings with the RP27 Advisory Council, and organizing key events such as the High-Level Segment/Ministerial Meeting, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and receptions. The role also involves providing guidance on the requirements for all agenda sessions, ensuring systematic follow-up on the organization of different sessions, and promoting gender and geographical balance among speakers. The consultant will be expected to liaise with logistics providers to ensure high-quality service delivery and support the drafting of the Chair’s Summary and high-level communiqué of RP2
• Additionally, the consultant will prepare the programme digital brochure and proceedings, coordinate translation and editing services, and support the development of the RP27 After-Action Review, capturing lessons learned from the event. The position is home-based and will be supervised by the Deputy Chief of UNDRR's Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean.

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

• Supporting the review and development of the RP27 agenda;
• Assisting UNDRR in preparing and coordinating meetings with the RP27 Advisory Council as needed;
• Organizing the High-Level Segment/Ministerial Meeting, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and receptions as part of RP27;
• Leading the compilation and dissemination of requirements for all agenda sessions, including plenary, parallel, special and side-event sessions, and learning labs;
• Ensuring systematic follow-up on the organization of different sessions, including concept notes, scripts, methodological arrangements for virtual and hybrid formats, speaker lists and biographies, invitations and confirmations, presentations, and other audiovisual materials;
• Promoting gender and geographical balance among speakers and including representatives of persons with disabilities and youth;
• Liaising with logistics providers to ensure high-quality delivery of services and session organization;
• Supporting the drafting of the Chair’s Summary and high-level communiqué of RP27;
• Preparing the programme digital brochure and proceedings, including coordination of translation, editing, and design services; 1
• Supporting coordination between Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and UNDRR, and organizing RP27 sessions led by or involving the Government of The Bahamas; 1
• Liaising with other United Nations agencies to promote engagement and contributions to the programme; 1
• Supporting the development of the RP27 After-Action Review, including lessons learned from different segments and focal point groups.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, natural resources management, disaster risk management, international relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in disaster risk reduction, climate change, sustainable development, or a closely related field is essential. Additionally, experience with intergovernmental mechanisms, disaster risk reduction platforms, tools, and related frameworks is required. Familiarity with the mandate, work, and activities of the United Nations or any other international organization is desirable, as is experience in event management, including organizing, leading, and facilitating workshops and meetings, preferably in international or intergovernmental settings.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, natural resources management, disaster risk management, international relations, or a related field. In cases where a candidate holds a first-level university degree, they may still qualify if they have two additional years of relevant work experience, which can substitute for the advanced degree requirement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in fields related to disaster risk reduction, climate change, sustainable development, or closely related areas. Candidates should have experience with intergovernmental mechanisms and disaster risk reduction platforms, tools, and frameworks. Experience working with the United Nations or other international organizations is highly desirable, as is a background in event management, particularly in organizing and facilitating workshops and meetings in international or intergovernmental contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position, as these are the primary languages of communication for the role. While English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, proficiency in Spanish is essential for effective communication and documentation related to the RP27 sessions.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be home-based, with an anticipated duration from September 14, 2026, to March 31, 202

• Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. The United Nations strongly encourages female candidates to apply, as UNDRR values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified women, men, and individuals with disabilities. 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.