Current Opportunities at United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Supports the implementation of the African Road map for Impact-based Early Warning Systems for Early Action and Transboundary risk management and facilitates and participates in the exchange of knowledge and experience and to the establishment of triangular cooperation mechanisms with international and global stakeholders active in the field of impact-based early warning system for early action and transboundary risk management and related scientific research activity, Disaster Risk Reduction / Disaster Risk Management authorities at international and global level, as well as with other international organizations active in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction /DRM.  Assists in the development and review of the legal and institutional framework for the identification of roles and responsibilities of Disaster risk reduction stakeholders from continental to the regional, sub-regional, national, and sub-national levels. Participates in field missions, and cooperates with external consultants, government officials, and other parties, drafts mission summaries, etc.
• Contributes to the identification of funding opportunities, preparation of proposals, development, implementation, and monitoring of projects related to the African Road map for Impact-based Early Warning Systems for Early Action and Transboundary risk management, aligned to the Plan of Action for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Africa. Contributes to the preparation of budget plan and funding proposal providing technical inputs aimed at enhancing the UNDRR added value, and supports the recruitment of technical experts to boost the implementation of activities in beneficiary entities.
• Supports the design, development, and rolling out of training for the development, customization, and operational use of hydro-meteorological modelling for impact-based early warning systems, including by contributing to the installation and customization of the common open-source platform for the exchange, analysis and redistribution of disaster risk reduction data and information, supporting the definition, testing and endorsement of Standard Operating Procedures for use of the platform, and, ensures the link-up of the relevant stakeholders into the continental network.  
• Undertakes outreach activities, liaises with stakeholders to access infrastructure, software and services needed to develop and deploy data/information products; promotes and supports disaster risk-informed decision-making processes; supports the organization and roll-out of training workshops, seminars, etc., makes presentations on assigned topics/activities; assists in the development of training of trainers and training on the job for the design of contingency/emergency plans activated by risk scenarios forecasted in the early warning messages.
• Facilitates, in coordination with the Sendai Framework Monitoring Officer, the collection and management of inputs to support the monitoring of target G of the Sendai Framework,  performs data collection, and supports the development and implementation of databases, data analytics, modelling of hazard and risk scenario and other strategies that optimize the risk understanding for its multipurpose applications including, among others, for impact-based early warning systems for early/anticipatory actions and transboundary risk management
• Maintains and strengthens regular contact with other implementing partners and beneficiaries, including, among others, the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD), the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), African Governments, Disaster Risk Reduction stakeholders, technical-scientific partners, universities and research centers, ensuring timely dissemination of relevant information related to the programme implementation.
• Provides assistance in the organization and roll out of consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. Upon request from the Chief of the Office and of the Deputy Chief of the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa, represents UNDRR at Inter-Agency meetings, seminars, etc. on Early Warning Systems for Early Action and transboundary risk management, makes presentations to groups on UNDRR activities and advocates issues of concern.
• Supports the development and roll out of awareness campaign for the effective communication and use of early warning messages; contributes to the development of customized messages for the different end users, with specific focus on Disaster Risk Reduction / Disaster Risk Management officers and general public.
• Supports the development and implementation of coherent policy documents and drafts various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, and inputs to publications. Provides inputs for the development of strategic papers, talking points, speeches, and presentations for the Chief and Deputy Chief of the Office as well as for senior management, related to project activities, outcomes, and policy making.
• May perform other duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, early warning systems or other relevant specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, management, economics, physics, engineering, mathematics, environmental science, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration or related area is required.
• Work experience in the establishment and operationalization of impact-based Early Warning Systems is required.
• Experience in facilitating partnerships among Disaster Risk Reduction/Disaster Risk Management institutions and academia is desirable.
• At least two (2) years of work experience in development and monitoring of work plans, procurement and financial reporting is desirable.
• Work experience in the African region is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

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Institutional Arrangements:

• This opportunity is based in Victoria, Seychelles. He/She will report remotely to the Associate Programme Management officer and the Programme Management Officer at the Regional Office for Africa, under the overall supervision of the Deputy Chief of Office. He/She will further work to ensure close coordination with the DRMD.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• The consultant will work in close collaboration with the national DRR authority – the DRMD to enhance the collection, management and governance and application of disaster loss data. He/She will also support the national authority in inputting data in DesInventar and enhancing reporting on the Sendai Framework Monitor (SFM). Strong engagement with other national DRR stakeholders will be required. 

Upon agreement with the above, the consultant will:   

• Overall project management support for the implementation of the Resilience building and Disaster Response Management in the Indian Ocean (RDRM-IO) project  in the Seychelles, which includes:

Data management:

• Conduct a diagnostic of disaster loss data; 
• Provide recommendations for the harmonization of data across DesInventar and SFM at national level, including the hazard list and data collection tools 

Collection of data: 

• Support the government in the collection of disaster loss data to enhance the Government's and partners' access to risk information and reporting on the Sendai Framework. As much as possible, all data should be disaggregated to the maximum degree possible by sex, age, disability status, economic, geographic/administrative area.
• Provide recommendations for the alignment of current data collection tools with SFM / DesInventar data needs. 
• Support the national DRR authority in the process of validating the newly collected loss data;
• Support the DRMD team with capacity building on DesInventar
• Support the data entry and update of DesInventar and SFM. 
• Support project partners to identify budget data. 
• Support project partners liaising with the relevant authorities for the assessment of EWS.

Governance:

• Conduct a mapping of institutions and organisations who collect and produce disaster loss data and the tools they employ /produce an overview of other government bodies and organizations who collect data on disaster and climate related losses describe the data, the sources of this data, the methodologies used;
• Support the National DRR authority with clarifying data needs from each sector and for which purpose (DesInventar, SFM, analysis etc.)
• Provide recommendations on how to enhance institutional linkages to facilitate the sharing of disaster loss data among sectors and institutions; 
• Support the National DRR authority in strengthening institutional arrangements and developing institutional channels for data sharing with selected sectors; 
• Support the national DRR authority in raising awareness across relevant national institutions working on disaster loss data and the tools available for the management and analysis of disaster loss data (DesInventar and SFM) to enhance their capacity to collect, monitor and archive disaster data; 

Application / use of data: 

• Consolidate loss databases and facilitate agreement on the use of such information for disaster management purposes particularly in relation to preparedness and EWS;
• Support the national DRR authority in producing analysis reports, using existing and new disaster loss data from DesInventar; 
• Support data efforts of the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC). 
• Design and roll out a dissemination plan to make the analysis relevant to selected sectors.

General: 

• Facilitating, and contributing substantive inputs into training workshops on risk data, loss data, data management, data governance, data literacy. 
• Facilitating consultations with UN and national authorities.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree in disaster risk, risk analysis and management, risk modelling (including hazard, vulnerability and exposure) or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with a minimum of 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in disaster risk reduction, information management, data analysis is required.
• Knowledge of the national, regional and international context on DRM/DRR is required.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Deadline : Dec 13, 2023