Disaster risk reduction consultant

Purpose

Under the day to day guidance of the REA, provides support to Country Offices (CO) in East and Southern Africa (ESAR) as well as coordination with external stakeholders in advancing disaster risk reduction (and how it contributes to resilience building).

Key tasks

Overall Tasks:

1. Support CO planning processes such as UNDAF as well as UNICEF/Government planning including Situation Analysis, Country Programme Document and Annual Work Plans.

2. Provide guidance and support for integrated and sector-specific DRR capacity development for UNICEF staff and counterparts.

3. Provide support to national capacity development activities in aspects of DRR and wider context of Climate Change Adaptation.

Horn Related Tasks:

4. Support CO to advance strategies to reduce risk and strengthen resilience of drought effected communities and households (through core programmes, social protection or other approaches).

5. Support country field offices, and their partners as appropriate, in ‘hot spots’ (regions on the periphery of the worst of the emergency) to develop a strategic approach to reducing drought related risk. Specifically to:
• Assess and analyze, vulnerability, capacity
• Ensure an analysis of livelihoods
• Coordinate with key partners and stakeholders
• Facilitate child focused and participatory approaches

6. Support CO technical teams (on the basis of above or similar analysis) to integrate DRR and wider risk reduction measures into their emergency and longer terms plans.

7. Support CO, as requested, to enhance government capacity to advance the HFA.

8. Coordinate at regional level with key inter-agency mechanisms and processes to ensure a best possible agency approach.

9. Coordinate with UNICEF DRR Adviser in EMOPS, Geneva.

Competencies

• Planning and Analysis: Strong knowledge of concepts and practice in terms of understanding vulnerability and livelihoods. Hands on experience in VCA/PVA/HVCA or similar community based methodologies for the assessment and analysis of disaster risks. Knowledge of wider planning tools and approaches, community participation approaches (PRA, RRA etc). Good grasp of sustainable livelihoods approach and or Household Economy Approach.

• Professionalism: Current knowledge of DRR global trends, policies, planning and mainstreaming strategies; analytical skills and ability to identify problems and propose solutions; conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; demonstrated ability to provide leadership and take responsibility for incorporating gender and diversity perspectives into substantive work.

• Planning and Organization: Demonstrated ability to independently organize, plan, develop and integrate several programmes/activities, with both attention to detail and the broader context.

• Teamwork: Strong inter-personal skills demonstrated by the ability to lead and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavour; ability to build trust and develop and maintain effective work relationships in a multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

• Communication: Excellent communication and negotiation skills, including ability to defend and explain difficult issues with respect to key decisions and positions to staff, senior officials and members of intergovernmental bodies.

• Judgment/Decision-making: Strong, sound and mature judgment and decision-making skills; ability to manage and coordinate many different activities/operations, and to make difficult decisions under pressure; demonstrated ability to take effective initiative in stressful situations.

• Technological Proficiency: Solid computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Qualifications

Education

• An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, international relations, public policy or related area.
• A first level university degree with relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience in a related area may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in programme formulation, planning, management and evaluation. Some of this experience should be in disaster risk reduction.

Languages

• English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of regional languages is highly desirable.