Result of Service

The impact of the DRR Team and AMHEWAS programme is strengthened through technical support and capacity development of continental and sub-regional situation rooms, including diversification of early warning tools and bulletins to expand the product range and coverage of hazards and harmonization of early warning systems, thresholds and triggers, and standard operating procedures. Awareness raising and resource mobilization for the AMHEWAS programme.

Work Location

Addis Ababa

Expected duration

1 year

Duties and Responsibilities

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 coordinates international efforts in disaster risk reduction, and guides, monitors and reports on the progress of the implementation of the international strategy for disaster reduction, now the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2015-2030; campaigns to create global awareness of disaster risk reduction benefits and empower people to reduce their vulnerability to hazards; advocates for greater investments in disaster risk reduction to protect people’s lives and assets, and for increased and informed participation of men and women of all stakeholder groups 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 March 2015, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015- 2030 was adopted by the UN General Assembly. In alignment with the SFDRR, the African Union (AU) member states developed a new Programme of Action (PoA) for the implementation of the SFDRR in Africa. In addition to the seven global targets of the Sendai Framework, the PoA has an additional 5 targets. The PoA aims to achieve “substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries.” Early Warning Systems (EWS), which ensure people are prepared and ready to act in the event of a disaster, are one of the most effective measures that government can undertake to achieve substantial reduction of disaster losses. In that light, the PoA, as stipulated in the SFDRR, targets to substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments to people by 2030, and increase the number of countries with, and periodically testing, risk-informed preparedness plans, and response, and post-disaster recovery and reconstruction mechanisms. However, achieving these targets would require establishment of agile and interactive early warning systems at all levels to facilitate mitigation, response and recovery to increasing frequency and intensity of natural hazards. A regional and continental response has to be enhanced to proactively support member states in mitigating impacts of natural hazards and in event of a disaster. Observing from the recent disasters on the continent, hazards such as droughts, floods, tropical storms and cyclones, pests and epidemics have constantly affected more than one country simultaneously. Even where such hazards occur locally, the severity in which these events have manifested could easily overwhelm localized response. Many countries face multiple disasters at the same time. The African Union Commission (AUC) has developed an innovative response: the Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System (AMHEWAS) Programme. Endorsed by AU Heads of states in 2022, AMHEWAS represents a significant step towards achieving the goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. The programme’s primary objective is to drastically increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning and disaster risk information. This will play a crucial role in strengthening development, reducing poverty, and promoting resilience as outlined in AUC’s Agenda 2063. Under this framework, UNDRR is recruiting a consultant to support the capacity of the AUC in delivering on roadmaps and programmes outlined above. The Consultant will report to the Deputy Chief of Office, UNDRR Regional Office for Africa, and will work directly with the Head of Division of the Environment, Climate Change, Water and Land Management at the AUC in Addis Ababa on a daily basis, under the overall supervision of the Director, Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Directorate, African Union Commission. The technical Coordinator – Disaster Risk Reduction Consultant will be based at the AUC offices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and will undertake the following responsibilities: Capacity support to the AUC-DREA’s DRR Team on coordinating and managing the overall DRR actions, including planning, fine-tuning of activities and development of specific annual plans of action, while ensuring liaison and communication with all of the Programme’s stakeholders. Responsible for overall management of the activities of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Team, including the AMHEWAS programme. Coordinate the mainstreaming of DRR into relevant programmes and agendas of the African Union Commission and ensuring linkages, synergies and opportunities for joint programming. Facilitate and coordinate the implementation and monitoring of the implementation of the Africa DRR Strategy and Programme of Action. Liaise with Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and relevant Stakeholders including International Organizations and Development Partners on issues of DRR such as the Africa Regional Strategy and Programme of Action. Coordinate the preparation and development of reports, budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Unit, in consultation with the Head of Division of the Environment, Climate Change, Water and Land Management. Ensure the development of a Resource Mobilization Strategy with donor coordination for DRR Programmes and effective and timely financial and budgetary management and resource utilization Serves as Focal Point of the Commission on all issues relating to DRR and undertake all such work and duties as may be necessary for the effective execution of the functions and objectives of the Unit within the framework of the mandate of the Commission in the implementation of issues on DRR. Ensure effective coordination and implementation at continental and regional levels through enhanced coordination with Regional and United Nations conventions. Ensure networking and facilitation of peer reviews, information sharing and exchange.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Disaster Risk Management, Climate Science, Environmental Science, Social Science, or any other field related to disaster risk management 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. At least eight (8) years of experience in disaster risk reduction, climate action, or sustainable development is required. Experience at the national or international level in implementing Disaster Risk Reduction Programmes is required Experience in designing and development of policies and strategies and management at international organizations is required. Experience in policy analysis, development, programme/project management, implementation or monitoring is desirable. Experience in managing DRR programmes and having undertaken production of regional DRR strategies is desirable. Experience with international, regional and national policy processes and diplomatic negotiations related to DRR, environment, and climate change is desirable

Languages

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