Expert on Climate Drivers in Southern Africa

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Position Title: Expert on Climate Drivers in Southern Africa
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. With a mission to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities across the UN and regional organizations, UNDRR operates in both developed and developing countries. The organization 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 various regional offices. UNDRR is responsible for guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which aims to support regional and national efforts to reduce disaster risks and enhance global awareness on the subject. The organization collaborates with UN Member States and a wide range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the scientific community, to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The position of Expert on Climate Drivers in Southern Africa involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of the climatic factors that influence disaster risk management in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The consultant will be responsible for analyzing how these climate drivers interact with local environmental factors to affect drought patterns, frequency, and severity. This role is crucial, given the region's vulnerability to droughts, which have significant impacts on agricultural productivity, water resources, energy supply, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer at UNDRR ROA and will be home-based for the duration of the project, which is expected to last for five months. The findings from this assessment will inform anticipatory actions and disaster risk management strategies in the region, ultimately contributing to enhanced resilience against climate-related disasters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Expert on Climate Drivers include conducting a thorough analysis of the climatic conditions in the SADC region, focusing on the factors that contribute to drought occurrences. The consultant will map out the interactions between large-scale climate drivers, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and local climatic conditions. The role requires the consultant to assess the implications of these interactions for disaster risk management and to provide actionable recommendations for enhancing resilience in affected communities. Additionally, the consultant will be expected to collaborate with various stakeholders, including SADC Member States and organizations involved in anticipatory action, to ensure that the findings are relevant and applicable to ongoing efforts in disaster risk reduction.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in climate science, meteorology, atmospheric science, 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 in lieu of the advanced degree. Furthermore, candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in climate science, particularly in early warning systems and impact-based forecasting. Experience working with the SADC Climate Centre, SADC Member States, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), National Disaster Management Authorities (NDMAs), and organizations engaged in anticipatory action such as FAO, WFP, IFRC, or Start Network is also required. Additionally, familiarity with the climate and institutional frameworks for drought monitoring and risk management in the Southern Africa region is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in climate science, meteorology, atmospheric science, or other relevant fields. In cases where candidates possess a first-level university degree in these areas, they must also have two additional years of qualifying work experience to meet the educational requirements. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complex climate dynamics and their implications for disaster risk management in the SADC region.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in climate science, particularly focusing on early warning systems and impact-based forecasting. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with the SADC Climate Centre and collaborating with SADC Member States, NMHSs, and NDMAs. Experience in conducting regional assessments related to drought disaster risk reduction and resilience is also essential, as the consultant will be expected to provide recommendations based on their findings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. While English is mandatory, proficiency in French is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with a broader range of stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of five months. It is important to note that due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Furthermore, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.