Early Warning Expert (EW4All)

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Position Title: Early Warning Expert (EW4All)
Location: Nairobi, Kigali
Country: Kenya, Rwanda
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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 disaster risks. The organization aims to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities across both developed and developing 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 based in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in 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 2015-2030, while also supporting regional and national initiatives to catalyze action and enhance global awareness regarding disaster risk reduction. UNDRR collaborates with U.N. Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the scientific community to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Early Warning Expert will be responsible for the smooth implementation of the Water at the Heart of Climate Action (WHCA) project activities as outlined in the country workplan, with a particular focus on Pillar

• The role involves coordinating with consortium partners and ensuring that the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) can access additional funding for early warning initiatives. The consultant will provide guidance and technical support to MINEMA in developing and implementing an effective impact-based Early Warning and Early Action System under the EW4All Initiative and the WHCA Project. This position requires a strong understanding of disaster risk knowledge and the ability to support MINEMA in enhancing its capabilities in producing, accessing, and utilizing early warning information. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer at the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa and will be based in Kigali, Rwanda, for the duration of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's primary duties will include providing technical support to MINEMA in the development and implementation of an effective early warning system. This involves working closely with stakeholders to ensure that the system is responsive to the needs of the community and effectively integrates disaster risk knowledge. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting assessments of existing early warning systems, identifying gaps, and recommending improvements. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate training and capacity-building initiatives for MINEMA staff and other stakeholders to enhance their understanding and utilization of early warning systems. The role will require the consultant to engage in multi-stakeholder partnerships, organize consultations, and contribute to the development of strategies for disaster risk reduction. The consultant will also be expected to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the early warning system and provide regular reports on progress to the UNDRR.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree) in fields relevant to disaster risk reduction, early warning, meteorology, climatology, geomatics, hydrology, or hydrogeology. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 7 years of experience in disaster risk assessment, early warning systems, and risk analysis relevant to early warning systems, anticipatory action, and disaster prevention is required. Candidates should have experience with hydrometeorological hazards, vulnerability assessments, and weather forecasting. Experience in leading or contributing to country-led development initiatives and organizing multi-stakeholder partnerships is desirable, as is experience in hazard assessment and mapping, risk profiles preparation, and resource mobilization.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's degree) in relevant fields such as disaster risk reduction, early warning, meteorology, climatology, geomatics, hydrology, or hydrogeology is required for this position. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in disaster risk assessment, early warning systems, and risk analysis. Experience with early warning and early action initiatives, particularly in relation to hydrometeorological hazards, is essential. The ability to lead or contribute to strategy development initiatives and organize multi-stakeholder partnerships is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months. Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. 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. Additionally, the United Nations does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.