Consultant

Vacancy Notice number: ISDR/C/13/2008

Background and Context

The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) is a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder platform to enable societies to increase their resilience to natural, technological and environmental disasters and to reduce associated environmental, human and economic and social losses. A range of United Nations organizations and international partners participate in cooperation with Governments and civil society organizations. In adopting ISDR, the United Nations General Assembly (Res/54/219) endorsed the establishment of an institutional framework for its implementation consisting of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction (IATF/DR) and the inter-agency secretariat (ISDR secretariat).

The main functions of the secretariat are policy coordination, advocacy and information management, at the international and regional levels, to ensure synergy between disaster reduction strategies and those in the socio-economic and humanitarian fields.

General function

Under the overall authority of the President/Executive Secretary of the RECs, the guidance of the appropriate Commissioner/Director and direct supervision of and reporting to the head of the disaster units of the RECs, the DRR Officer shall provide overall support to the RECs in the implementation of the RECs’ DRR policy/strategy in line with the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015.

Specific responsibilities, duties and tasks

1. Facilitate incorporation of disaster risk reduction approaches in ongoing thematic/sectoral programmes of the RECs
2. Provide substantive backstopping and other support services to the disaster management units of the RECs in the performance of their functions as outlined in the respective sub-regional DRR policies/strategies
3. Support development, coordination and harmonization of national practices and capacities in disaster risk reduction and management in member states of the RECs
4. Undertake joint risk assessment and disaster loss assessment with national authorities
5. Assist the disaster units of the RECs to maintain liaison with the African Union, other Regional Economic Commissions, national governments, international development partners, the United Nations and its programmes and specialized agencies, inter-governmental institutions, major groups and other partners to support, promote and facilitate their activities and programmes to achieve the goal and objectives of the respective sub-regional DRR policies/strategies/mechanisms
6. Support the development of databases on national programmes in DRR to enable the disaster units DMU operate as a clearing house of disaster management information in the sub-regions
7. Help organize and prepare written reports, such as background papers, analyses, studies and reports on consultative and other meetings and conferences on DRR organized by the RECs
8. Assist the disaster units to manage sub-regional monitoring of disaster reduction interventions at country level and to prepare reports on progress in implementing the HFA and activities of the GFDRR in the sub-region
9. Lead or participate in field missions and draft mission reports and documentation
10. Draft Terms of Reference for, provide guidance to and assist in managing consultants contracted by the Commission in the performance of their assignments on DRR
11. Undertake any other functions, duties and tasks as specified by the President/Executive Secretary of the RECs and/or requested by the relevant Commissioner/Director or head of the disaster unit of the RECs.

Competencies

• Knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles and approaches to disaster risk reduction
• Familiarity with the operation of inter-governmental organizations and international development partners
• Practical experience in programme management and demonstrated planning and organizational skills
• Good analytical, research and problem-solving skills
• Ability to plan own works, work to tight deadlines
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with various partners
• Solid computer skills
• Effective communication skills

Qualifications

• Education: Advanced university degree in economics, development, management, public policy or related fields.
• Experience: At least 7 years of progressive professional responsibility in areas associated with this post, such as economic development, sustainable development, environmental management, humanitarian action, social policy and organizational management.
• Language: Ability to speak, write and understand both English and French is required.