Consultant for Child-Centered Disaster Risk Reduction (CCDRR) Model

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. With a mission to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to defend children's rights and help them fulfill their potential. The organization focuses on various areas including health, education, protection, and emergency response, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. UNICEF's commitment to building a better world for children is evident in its collaborative efforts with other UN agencies and local governments, particularly in challenging environments.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing a child-centered Disaster Risk Reduction (CCDRR) model in schools across selected municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). This initiative is part of a larger Joint UN Programme aimed at enhancing disaster risk governance in the region. The consultant will work closely with schools to empower children to actively participate in identifying risks and planning disaster preparedness strategies. The primary objective is to create a sustainable model that not only benefits students but also extends to their families and communities, fostering resilience against disasters. The consultant will be responsible for leading the development of a comprehensive methodology, overseeing the formation of school CCDRR teams, facilitating workshops, and scaling the model to additional schools, ensuring that children's voices are central to the process.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive methodology and work plan for implementing the CCDRR model, ensuring alignment with the Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF). This includes creating a timeline and tools for school risk self-assessment.
• Oversee the formation of multidisciplinary CCDRR teams in selected pilot schools, ensuring active participation from students through the establishment of a student-led CCDRR club.
• Design and facilitate participatory risk assessment workshops to support CCDRR teams in identifying and analyzing risks within the school environment.
• Guide CCDRR teams in developing and implementing tailored DRR school improvement plans based on risk assessment findings.
• Design and deliver capacity-building workshops for school staff and students to enhance sustainable DRR practices.
• Support the scale-up of the CCDRR model to three additional schools, integrating lessons learned from the pilot phase to enhance effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Education, or other relevant Social Sciences. A minimum of two years of proven experience in developing and implementing DRR programs, particularly in school settings, is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate expertise in participatory methodologies involving children and youth, possess strong facilitation and training skills, and have the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders including school staff, students, parents, and local governance. Knowledge of the local context in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in relation to the education sector and disaster risk landscape, is essential. Strong leadership, project management, and team oversight skills are also necessary, along with familiarity with safeguarding and ethical standards in working with children.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Disaster Risk Reduction, Education, or other relevant Social Sciences is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of disaster risk management and the educational frameworks necessary for effective implementation in school settings.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in developing and implementing disaster risk reduction programs, preferably within educational contexts. This experience should include strategic leadership roles and a proven track record of working collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve program objectives. Familiarity with the Comprehensive School Safety Framework and its application in school-based DRR initiatives is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in B/H/S (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian) and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and for the successful implementation of the CCDRR model in schools.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The consultant is expected to use their own equipment, including a computer and necessary software, to fulfill the requirements of the assignment. The consultant's presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina may be required based on the methodological needs of the project. The selected candidate will not be considered a staff member under the UN regulations and will not receive benefits such as medical insurance or leave entitlements. They will be responsible for their own tax liabilities and must ensure that any necessary visas and health insurance are valid for the duration of the contract. Additionally, selected candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 prior to commencing the assignment.