Lao PDR: Short-term international for revision of Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA) progress report

The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015 was established with a view to help countries build resilience against natural disasters, especially by being more prepared. The Hyogo Framework for Action was one of the key outcomes of the United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction (UNWCDR) in 2005 that was attended by 160 Member States. Laos is one of the 160 countries that has been actively undertaking HFA. In 2009, Lao PDR first assessed the state of disaster risk management in the country using the HFA Monitor as a tool. Since then, United Nations and other development partners have been supporting the Lao Government to undertaken various disaster risk reduction efforts. In the recent years, we have emphasized the importance of coordination in the disaster reduction efforts and established the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) on disaster management. Together with National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), IASC has acted as a forum for us to share information and collectively decide in such a way to collaborate in an efficient and effective way.

In order to evaluate the progress so far in implementing HFA and form a basis for further improvement the disaster risk management in the country, a multi-stakeholder workshop was held on 27-28 September 2010 in Vientiane. The outcomes from the workshop was collated and used as main outputs for HFA interim report, which was submitted to UNISDR on 15 October 2010. Nevertheless, the submitted report is considered to be a first draft, which requires further information and data from various organizations working on disaster management and disaster risk reduction. In order to finalize the report, following steps have been proposed:

* Continuation of gathering data and information to improve the HFA draft interim report.
* A follow-up workshop to finalize the report with participation from central, provincial and district levels in early January 2011.
* Circulate the report to IASC members to seek further inputs.
* Final review in February 2011.
* Submit final country report by mid of April.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:

Output 1:
collect, collate and organize data from HFA stakeholders working in disaster management and risk reduction areas. Ensure that data as per HFA guideline gaps are filled to enable analytical discussion in the second consultation workshop.

Output 2:
assist UNRC/NDMO and UNISDR in the preparation of 2nd multi-stakeholders consultation workshop with the participation from central, provincial and district levels. Ensure that all the inputs from the participants are recorded and reflected in the final HFA Progress report for Laos.

Output 3:
ensure that all the inputs/comments from the stakeholders are reflected in the final HFA Progress report that would be uploaded on-line.

Detailed Terms of reference can be downloaded at http://www.undplao.org/vacancies

Competencies

* Excellent analytical and communication skills
* Ability to work in teams
* Results orientation

Required Skills and Experience

* Advanced University Degree preferably in disaster management or disaster risk reduction/management or other fields related to the area of the assignment
* Some knowledge on Hyogo Declaration and Framework
* Excellent analytical and conceptual thinking
* Ability to work in teams and good communication skills
* Good interview and follow up skills

Experience:

* Experience in disaster management, security and training
* Experience in carrying out interview and producing reports
* Experience in coordination in a multi-sectoral environment
* Previous experience in developing countries highly desirable
* Prior knowledge of UN system especially OCHA, WFP, institutional mandates, policy and guidelines is an added advantage

Languages:

* Excellent written and verbal communication skill in English are mandatory. Knowing Lao language would be an asset.

Requirements for submission of applications:

a) All interested and qualified candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP website at http://www.undplao.org/vacancies or http://jobs.undp.org. The UNDP will only accept applications submitted on-line. Please ensure that before making on-line application, you have completed the UNDP Personal History Form (P11). The electronic version of the P11 can be downloaded from http://www.undplao.org/vacancies (Current Vacancies Section). The completed P11 form further should be uploaded while applying on-line;

b) Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information and demonstrate that they are qualified:

* A resume and cover letter;
* Strongly recommend submission of examples of recent, relevant work related to Disaster Management and Reduction
* A list of three references;

c) Remuneration will depend on the selected consultant’s qualification and experience and will be in compliance with applicable UN rates.

Note: Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.