Result of Service

The main product following this consultancy will be a final report that provides comprehensive documentation of key existing resources, initiatives, actors and capabilities. Furthermore, it will include detailed findings from stakeholder interviews as well as recommendations for enhancing cross-cultural collaboration and integrated fire risk reduction.

Work Location

Home based

Expected duration

02/09/24 – 01/12/24

Duties and Responsibilities

Background and context: Established 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 catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. Effective fire risk reduction and management requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, domains, scales and geographies, encompassing all aspects of prevention and mitigation, to preparedness, response and recovery. To support enhanced cross-sectoral, multiscalar collaboration, and integrated fire risk reduction, a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of resources, initiatives, actors and capabilities involved in fire risk reduction and management is required. The objective of this consultancy is to scan, collect, and document key resources, initiatives, and actors across public and private sectors related to fire risk reduction and management. This will support the formulation of how the Centre of Excellence can add value to ongoing efforts, and where appropriate, further collaboration in fire risk reduction and management, including by providing a detailed and organized repository of information. The Consultant will report to the Co-Coordinator of the Centre of Excellence with additional supervision by the Chief of the Risk Knowledge, Monitoring and Capacity-Development Branch and in consultation with partners at the World Meteorological Organisation. Responsibilities: The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: Desk Research – Conduct a comprehensive literature review of existing resources, initiatives, actors and capabilities involved in fire risk reduction and management, encompassing relevant sectors, scales and domains. – Identify and document relevant policies, strategies, investments and programmes at local, national, and international levels. – Review academic articles, reports, and publications related to fire risk reduction and management. Data and Information Collection and Mapping – Collect data on key resources, including but not limited to technologies, tools, funding opportunities, and training programs. – Identify and document key initiatives, including ongoing and completed programmes, projects, best practices, and case studies. – Map key actors involved in fire risk reduction and management, including State institutions, international organizations (IOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector entities, academic and research institutions, and community groups. Stakeholder Engagement – Develop a list of key informants and stakeholders for interviews and discussions. – Conduct interviews and discussions with key informants to gather qualitative data and insights on fire risk reduction and management practices and collaboration efforts. – Summarize findings from interviews and integrate them into the final report. Documentation and Reporting – Organize, synthesize and document all collected data and information in a systematic and accessible format. – Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the findings, including recommendations for enhancing cross-sectoral, multiscalar collaboration, and integrated fire risk reduction. – Develop an executive summary and presentation of key findings for dissemination to stakeholders.

Qualifications/special skills

A master’s degree in environmental science, disaster management, public policy, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with at least two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in research and data collection, particularly in the field of fire risk reduction and management or disaster risk reduction, is required. Experience in fire risk reduction and management practices and familiarity with the various stages of risk reduction is desirable. Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and conducting qualitative interviews is desirable. Experience in drafting and delivering reports and presentations within timelines is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Additional Information

Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

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.