Result of Service

In line with the “Comprehensive Risk Management” (CRM) approach ( www.undrr.org/crm ) promoted by UNDRR, the consultant will support the UNDRR regional office for Africa on the mainstreaming of the CRM approach and the application of its tools and resources with a focus on DRR and CCA governance.

Work Location

Nairobi

Expected duration

7 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Context: 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 disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations. Led by the Special representative of the Secretary General (SRSG), UNDRR has around 140 staff located in its HQ in Geneva, Switzerland, and 5 regional offices and other field presences. Specifically, UNDRR coordinates international efforts in disaster risk reduction and guides, monitors and reports on its implementation, particularly through follow-up and review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Advocates to create global awareness of disaster risk reduction benefits and empower people to reduce their vulnerability to hazards; for greater investments in disaster risk reduction to protect people’s lives and assets, for increased and informed participation of men and women in reducing disaster risk; and informs and connects people by providing practical services and tools such as Prevention Web, publications on good practices, and by leading the preparation of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction and the organization of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. In July 2019, the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa organized a peer-learning exchange on policy coherence between Disaster Risk Reduction(DRR), Climate Change Adaptation(CCA) and Sustainable Development attended by representatives of the DRR, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and CCA communities of 12 selected countries. Subsequently, UNDRR Regional Office for Africa gathered information from the workshop and conducted desk research on the level of policy coherence in sub-Sharan Africa and published a report in July 2020, titled: Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Pathways for policy coherence in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper recognized also the need to conduct more in-depth analysis of policy landscape and institutional arrangements for DRR and CCA at the country level as well as the need to identify entry points to establish a dialogue between DRR and CCA stakeholders. Those entry points have been identified in both risk assessment and financial planning. In light of those findings, four case studies were conducted and published in January 2022. The case studies provide key messages and priority actions for enhancing policy coherence between DRR and CCA practices at national level in Benin, Niger, Malawi, and Uganda as well as in Seychelles and Mauritius (forthcoming). In December 2022, UNDRR has conducted another peer learning regional workshop on Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Planning, inviting the six countries of the case studies. The workshop aimed at enhancing national capacities to develop and implement integrated plans between DRR and CCA, looking at the protection of productive sectors from climate impacts. Duties and Responsibilities: This consultancy is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer (Sendai Framework Monitoring) in the Regional Office for Africa in Nairobi and of the CRM Programme Management Officer in Bonn, and the overall supervision of the Deputy Director of UNDRR Regional Office for Africa, the consultant will undertake the following responsibilities: • In consultation with the supervisor, identify further suitable ways to roll-out the Comprehensive Risk management (CRM) approach in Africa. This could include the review of existing DRR and CCA governance instruments to support the development of integrated DRR and CCA strategies. • Provide inputs to National policy review and input (e.g. DRR strategies, National Adaptation Plans and/or National Development Strategies) and keep the document up to date. • Develop concept notes and identify speakers for the Africa Regional platform sessions related to Comprehensive Risk Management ( such as session Strengthening comprehensive risk management including national and local DRR strategies (DRR, climate change, SDGs etc) • Prepare and conduct national level Comprehensive Risk Management (CRM) approach workshops, gathering the key stakeholders at national level to mainstream the (CRM) (e.g. Benin, Cameroon and Seychelles) and identify needs and interests to further implement the approach at the country level. • Participate in discussions with various government stakeholders at national and local level, development organizations, and civil society organizations to customize the country level CRM approach • Support the team with advocacy and communication of UNDRR tools for the development and implement DRR Strategies that are aligned with the Sendai Framework, National Adaptation Plans (NAPs); • Support the team in inter UN cooperation and advocacy on CRM, especially with UNDP and UNEP

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international or development economics, geography, public management, public policy or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in any of these fields, in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of five years of experience in policy analysis for resilience in the context of developing countries in Africa is required. Experience with disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation or sustainable development is desirable. Previous experience working with UN or any other similar international organization is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Knowledge of other UN Official languages spoken in the African Region 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.