UNV project advisor / disaster risk management specialist

Background on the project “Enhancing National and Local Capacity in Disaster Risk Reduction in Lesotho”:

In 2006/7, the Government of Lesotho together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conducted a National Disaster Risk Reduction Capacity Needs Assessments (CNA). The assessment identified major resource constraints and capacity gaps in governance for disaster risk reduction (DRR) (institutional and legal systems), risk identification, information and knowledge management, emergency response and preparedness, and risk management applications. Following the capacity needs assessment, a National Action Plan has been envisioned to aid in capacity development in disaster risk reduction.

Consequently this project strategy focuses on strengthening the disaster management system in Lesotho and effective management of the impact of disaster risks within the context of sustainable development. Specifically, the project will support strengthening of government and UNDP capacities for i) Disaster risk reduction legal and institutional systems’ support – including review and development of DRR policies & legislations, and strengthening of organisational/institutional structures and systems for DRR; ii) Risk identification & assessment as well as development of user-friendly/people centered early warning systems; iii) integrating risk reduction in development initiatives; iv) Preparedness and emergence response to drought, snowfall, localised floods and hailstorms and widespread fires; and iii) Strengthening gender equality in the implementation of disaster risk reduction.

In the long term, the project will contribute to i) improved national and local disaster resilience and hence sustained national development; and ii) improved community preparedness and hence reduced losses due to disasters. The project will ensure that gender is mainstreamed in DRR activities including efforts to ensure full participation of women in decision making processes such as during policy development and community preparedness planning.

Functions of the UNV Project Advisor/Disaster Risk Management Specialist Under the direct supervision of Sustainable Development Specialist and through him/her the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, the UNV volunteer will provide technical support to UNDP, the UN Country Team (UNCT) and the Disaster Management Authority (DMA). Principal responsibilities of the UNV Project Advisor/Disaster Risk Management Specialist

In close collaboration with the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), under the Office of the Prime Minister, and UNDP Lesotho the UNV volunteer will work on the following tasks:

Improving national resilience to disasters by:

1. Guiding the DMA in reviewing, developing and strengthening the legal and institutional framework for disaster risk reduction; specifically a drought policy and the National Action Plan to be developed;
2. Facilitating and providing technical assistance in development and implementation of annual DRR plans for all structures of the disaster management system;
3. Providing technical assistance to improving risk identification and early warning mechanisms at national and local levels;
4. Providing technical assistance in initiating a community based risk management project as a pilot/demonstration project on use of risk assessment in development programming;
5. Leading the integration of disaster risk reduction into development policies and plans;
6. Providing technical support to the Office of the Resident Coordinator, UNDP and UNCT on Disaster Risk Reduction;
7. Working with the National Focal Point in the Office of the Prime Minister to provide technical assistance and guidance for implementation of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction;
8. Supporting/conducting trainings and workshops for stakeholders, decision makers, UNDP, and DMA staff to support 1.1-1.7;
9. Contributing to the Crises Prevention and Recovery knowledge network.

Strengthening/improving community emergency preparedness by:

1. Assisting in strengthening disaster preparedness and emergency response practices;
2. Providing technical assistance to strengthen gender equality in Disaster Risk Reduction;
3. Supporting the development and strengthening of village disaster plans and of community organization, action planning, implementation and awareness raising for DRM, with a focus on the most vulnerable communities and peoples;
4. Supporting/conducting trainings and workshops for district Disaster Management Committees and Village Disaster Management Teams to support 1. and 2.

Promoting volunteerism for development and peace by:

1. Participating in Lesotho Volunteer Forum and Lesotho Youth Volunteer Forum and actively engaging in the promotion, advocacy and integration of the volunteer ethos across all sectors;
2. Contributing articles/write-ups on field experiences and submitting them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
Additional responsibilities will include:
- Liaising and maintaining a close working relationship with different Government
departments, NGOs and civil society on behalf of UNDP, when appropriate, to ensure
a smooth linkage between UNDP and these organizations on matters of disaster
management;
- Liaising with different UN agencies at the UN Country Team Level in order to
provide information and promote strategies for collaborative/joint programming
within the realm of DRM;
- Participate in the development of project delivery reports and donor reports with
respect to the project;
- Provide the necessary administrative support.

Qualifications

- A post graduate degree in Development Studies with at least 5 years of professional experience;
- Relevant qualification in a disaster risk management-related discipline.

Experience

- Experience in emergency response and disaster risk reduction issues;
- Experience with developing/strengthening early warning systems and contingency plans;
- Strong PC based computer skills, Microsoft applications (in particular, Word, Excel and PowerPoint);
- Sound leadership and management skills and experience;
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work with limited or no supervision;
- Ability to communicate and work effectively in close coordination with many individuals, groups and divisions to complete tasks;
- Previous background in institutional environment of development cooperation (NGOs, UN system, multilateral cooperation, etc.) with preference given to candidates with experience in UNDP procedures;
- Good appreciation and understanding of local and diverse cultures and African experience an advantage;
- Fluency in written and spoken English.