Early Warning Expert (EW4All)

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Position Title: Early Warning Expert (EW4All)
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
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 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 various UN agencies and regional organizations, operating in 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 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, which is a global blueprint for disaster risk reduction. UNDRR collaborates with UN Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the scientific community, to enhance global awareness and action towards reducing disaster risks. The organization is particularly focused on the development and implementation of effective Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS), which are essential for disaster risk reduction, resilience building, and climate change adaptation. In 2022, the UN Secretary-General launched the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, which aims to provide comprehensive global early warning system coverage by 2027, co-led by UNDRR and the World Meteorological Organization, along with other key partners.

Job Overview:
The Early Warning Expert will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the Strengthening Early Warning and Early Action in Kenya project, as outlined in the country workplan. This position is crucial for supporting the roll-out of the EW4All initiative in Kenya, which includes collaborating with the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) to establish and strengthen the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). The expert will be responsible for the inception and establishment of the National Coordination Cell for Early Warning and Early Action, which involves capacity development and staffing of the cell. The role also requires connecting the National Coordination Cell to the African Union Commission (AUC) and the ICPAC Situation Room, guided by the AMHEWAS and ICPAC frameworks. The expert will advocate for the use of early warning and early action information in policy planning, investment, and budgeting decisions across relevant sectors. Additionally, the position involves conducting cost-benefit analyses and engaging with counties through the Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative. The consultant will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is expected to contribute significantly to enhancing the legal and institutional framework for early warning and early action in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Early Warning Expert include:

• Supporting the implementation of the EW4All initiative in Kenya, ensuring alignment with national priorities and frameworks.
• Collaborating with NDOC to establish and strengthen the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.
• Inception and establishment of the National Coordination Cell for Early Warning and Early Action, including capacity development and staffing.
• Facilitating connections between the National Coordination Cell and the African Union Commission (AUC) and ICPAC Situation Room.
• Strengthening the legal and institutional framework for early warning and early action in Kenya.
• Advocating for the integration of early warning and early action information into policy planning, investment, and budgeting decisions across sectors.
• Conducting cost-benefit analyses related to early warning systems and engaging with local governments through the Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative.
• Developing and utilizing risk information to inform decision-making processes for anticipatory actions based on warnings.
• Monitoring and reporting on the progress of project activities and outcomes. 1
• Engaging with stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society, and international organizations, to foster collaboration and partnerships.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree in fields relevant to disaster risk reduction, such as Disaster Risk Management, meteorology, geomatics, or related disciplines. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in these fields combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must possess at least five years of experience in disaster risk assessment, early warning systems, and risk analysis relevant to early warning systems, anticipatory action, and disaster prevention. Experience with hydrometeorological hazards, vulnerability assessment, and weather forecasting is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in leading or contributing to country-led development initiatives and organizing multi-stakeholder partnerships, events, or consultations. Experience with major government institutions or international organizations focused on early warning/early action or disaster risk reduction is desirable, as is experience in hazard assessment and mapping, risk profiles, and capacity strengthening.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in areas relevant to disaster risk reduction, such as Disaster Risk Management, meteorology, geomatics, or related fields. A first-level university degree in any of these fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of disaster risk reduction and early warning systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in disaster risk assessment, early warning systems, and risk analysis. Candidates should have a proven track record in early warning/early action initiatives, particularly concerning hydrometeorological hazards such as floods and droughts. Experience in vulnerability assessment, weather forecasting, and monitoring is also essential. Furthermore, candidates should demonstrate experience in leading or contributing to strategy development initiatives at the country level, as well as in convening and organizing multi-stakeholder partnerships and consultations. Experience with government institutions or international organizations focused on disaster risk reduction is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in English to fulfill the responsibilities of the role and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to last for 12 months, and applicants must reside in Nairobi, Kenya, and be authorized to work in the country. 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. The organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.