Result of Service

The updated Words into Action Guide on Risk Assessment will support the implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction by equipping governments and key stakeholders with practical and specific advice on assessing risks. The update will focus on improving the clarity of the existing guidance and in updating text to reflect recent developments, tools, progress and feedback. Particular attention will be paid to how risk assessment can contribute to the development of Early Warning Systems (EWS), as well as to assessing whether current EWS take into account all risks to the most vulnerable in the territory they cover. Relevant to all sectors, the Guide is expected to: • Help governments better align efforts in ensuring achievement of sustainable economic, environmental, social, and governance outcomes • Focus on high level principles through signposting existing risk assessment methods, tools and processes that relevant actors could find useful and applicable based on their respective contexts • Guide risk assessment that can feed into the development of EWS and assess whether current EWS are considering all risks to the most vulnerable in the territory they cover

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

01/01/24 - 29/02/24

Duties and Responsibilities

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. UNDRR’s Words into Action (WiA) Guides aim to ensure global access to expertise, communities of practice and networks of Disaster Risk Reduction practitioners. The focus on offering specific advice that is feasible and people-centred to accelerate action towards achieving the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. While these guidelines are not meant to be exhaustive handbooks, those who need more in-depth information will find advise on key steps to take to strengthen risk reduction action as well as references to other sources of information. Words into Action Guides are usually produced through a knowledge co-production methodology, which draws on a WiA Working Group to ensure a participatory approach that ensures a wide and representative diversity in knowledge sources. WiA is primarily a knowledge translation product, converting a complex set of concepts and information sources into a simpler and synthetized tool for understanding risk and learning. It is also meant to be a catalyser for engagement of partners and other actors. In 2017, the Words into Action Guide on National Disaster Risk Assessment: Governance System, Methodologies and Use of Results was published and disseminated worldwide. Given the pace and breadth of recent advances in Risk Assessment, a number of users both internal and external to UNDRR have suggested an update to reflect recent developments. Based on this feedback, updating of the Words into Action Guide on Risk Assessment was included as one of the Risk Understanding activities in the provisional workplan for the Early Warnings for All initiative launched by the Secretary General in 2022, co-led by UNDRR and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Duties and Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Global Risk Analysis and Reporting Section and in coordination with the UNDRR Communication, Advocacy and Knowledge Management Section, the consultant will provide technical support to updating the Words into Action Guide on National Disaster Risk Assessment: Governance System, Methodologies and Use of Results, published in 2017. The consultant will also ensure close collaboration with the internal and external experts on risk assessment and other key stakeholders. Specific areas of support include: On the guidance update and development phase: • Provide technical advice on the most effective approach and content outline and ensure that the Guide is well structured for the targeted audience • Support coordination of the consultation process (internal and external) by soliciting and integrating gaps, technical inputs, good practices, and other references • Support proactive contact with relevant practitioners and experts and, if required, coordinate key discussions to solicit relevant inputs, contributions, and best practices • Analyse contributions received and summarize them in a meaningful format, and integrate them into the WiA Guide On the guidance public consultation phase • Develop a draft questionnaire for public consultation and feedback • Support planning and preparation for relevant events for stakeholder consultation and dissemination On the finalization of the guidance (publication consultation and final draft) • Review all feedback received, summarize, and track all contributions, and consult with experts on any specific issues that should be debated and agreed upon • Collate and consolidate comments from public consultation(s) phase • Integrate contributions, propose edits in the text and consolidate final version for approval • Work closely with the graphic designer in understanding content to communicate, validating graphs proposed and review the designed version to ensure that the content is properly reflected On the dissemination strategy for the WiA Guide • Provide technical inputs for the communication plan • Advice on strategic opportunities to disseminate the Guide • Review tools in support to launch prepared by Communication teams • Provide technical advice on capacity development tools to complement the WiA Guide

Qualifications/special skills

A Master's degree in disaster risk management, environmental or natural resource management, international development, political science, or another relevant field is required. A recognized first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of fifteen (15) years relevant experience in risk financing, risk modelling, climate change, sustainable development, humanitarian action or a related field is required. Experience in collaborative publication coordination and drafting substantive sections or reports required. Experience engaging with governments, NGOs, or the private sector on risk assessment related work is required. Experience in development and writing of normative and/or technical reports through multi-stakeholder engagement, input and collaboration process is required. Experience in developing and establishing effective relationships with different stakeholders is desirable. Experience in working in the UN system or any other similar international organization related to disaster risk reduction, climate change, sustainable development is desired.

Languages

Fluency in English is required.

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.