Consultant for Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children, saving lives, defending rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. UNICEF employs thousands of staff members globally, dedicated to building a better world for every child, every day, and is committed to never giving up on this mission.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide technical and strategic advice to the UNICEF project team and contracted consultants, focusing on enhancing community capacities for disaster risk management and emergency preparedness. The role involves guiding the development of risk assessments, training programs, and contingency plans tailored to local needs. The consultant will work on two main outcomes: improving community leaders' capacities in risk management and establishing critical preparedness routes in selected municipalities. The consultant's work will be conducted remotely, with scheduled visits to Caracas, Venezuela, as needed, ensuring constant communication with the UNICEF team and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advise and review processes related to disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness, including training programs and risk assessments in prioritized municipalities.
• Develop and revise contingency plans, early warning systems, and evacuation protocols tailored to local needs.
• Train local authorities and community leaders in emergency preparedness and response.
• Facilitate workshops and drills to test emergency plans.
• Collaborate with community organizations to integrate emergency preparedness into daily activities.
• Promote community participation through consultations and participatory activities.
• Develop sustainability strategies for emergency plans, including partnerships with NGOs and the private sector.
• Maintain communication with UNICEF and provide timely updates on project progress and challenges.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as engineering, environment, geography, economics, international relations, or social sciences.
• Alternatively, a first university degree combined with 5 additional years of professional experience in emergency management or disaster risk reduction may be accepted.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in advising on risk management and emergency preparedness initiatives, preferably focused on children.
• Knowledge of early warning systems and evacuation protocols.
• Strong training and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with UNICEF's Core Commitments for Children is an asset.
• Experience in developing countries and emergency contexts is also considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in fields related to engineering, environment, geography, economics, international relations, social sciences, or other relevant areas. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with significant professional experience in emergency management may be acceptable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of proven professional experience in risk management, emergency preparedness, and response initiatives, with a focus on children at the regional level. Experience in advising on projects and initiatives in these areas is essential, along with a strong understanding of community engagement and local governance.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language (English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be performed remotely, with travel to Caracas, Venezuela, as needed. The consultant is responsible for their travel expenses, which should be included in the financial bid. The position emphasizes the importance of maintaining communication with the UNICEF project team and stakeholders, ensuring timely delivery of all expected deliverables. UNICEF promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The selected candidate will be subject to background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.