Result of Service

Provide a set of recommendations to enhance infrastructure resilience in Colombia.

Work Location

Colombia

Expected duration

9 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 140 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyses action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with U.N. Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disaster risk and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations. Since its establishment in 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has advocated for and supported stakeholders to understand the importance of resilient infrastructure, particularly critical infrastructure, and supported efforts to increase investments in resilient infrastructure globally. This is further emphasized with the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015, in particular target D on substantially reducing disaster damage to critical infrastructure. UNDRR further scaled up its focus on the topic following the Global Platform (GP) 2017 Declaration. This momentum was further strengthened with the launch of the Coalition for Disaster Risk Reduction at the SG’s Climate Summit in 2019. UNDRR was a founding member of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and currently supports its efforts throughout. This consultancy supports the implementation of UNDRR’s engagement in the infrastructure resilience sector by assisting in the development of policy guidance materials and knowledge products of relevance to the objectives of UNDRR. Duties and responsibilities In an effort to address the resilience of countries and communities against disaster risks and climate change impacts, UNDRR will support countries in enhancing their infrastructure resilience through the implementation of the Global Methodology for Infrastructure Resilience Reviews developed in collaboration with CDRI. This includes implementing the Principles for Resilient Infrastructure and conducting infrastructure resilience stress testing at the national level to support national governments in assessing the level of resilience in infrastructure and its related services and thus help them make better policy and investment decisions. Under the supervision of the Economic Affairs Officer of the Regional Office for The Americas and The Caribbean and in coordination with UNDRR Office in Geneva, the consultant will provide support to the national government of Colombia in assessing the level of infrastructure resilience. The activities will include: a. Research and analysis of current existing institutional arrangements, policies, legislations, regulations, risk assessment practices, and activities around resilience of critical infrastructure at the national level; b. Organizing a local stakeholder process, including consultations with governmental representatives and infrastructure stakeholders to best identify needs and requirements; c. Establish a technical working group with stakeholders to provide feedback and support to the deliverables; d. Gathering data, performing and supporting risk analysis; e. Running UNDRR’s infrastructure stress test and principles scorecard tool; f. Drafting an implementation plan and policy recommendations; g. Organize workshops and consultations with stakeholders; h. Conduct a deep dive using the Global Methodology on a specific sector based on the findings and recommendations; i. Identify project specific recommendations based on sectoral deep dive; j. Developing a final report with findings from the whole resilient infrastructure review process of the UNDRR/CDRI global methodology; k. Preparing communication and outreach products including supporting stakeholders and national focal points in their engagement in international events.

Qualifications/special skills

A first-level degree in civil engineering, architecture, urban planning, infrastructure resilience, environmental sciences, disaster management, policy administration, public policy, or a related area is required. At least five years of experience in the field of urban resilience, infrastructure management, climate change adaptation, sustainable development, disaster risk reduction or related areas is required. Experience in policy processes related to infrastructure in Colombia is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in Spanish and English is required.

Additional Information

“Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.” *FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*. UNDRR values diversity among its staff. We welcome applications from qualified women, men, and people with disabilities.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.