Closing date:

Consultant, review of HFA priority for action 5/ core indicator 4

City/location:
Home-based
Organization:
International Recovery Platform

This job posting has closed

Vacancy: ISDR/C/18/13

United Nations Core Values: Integrity • Professionalism • Respect for diversity


Background

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in socioeconomic and humanitarian fields. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNISDR has around 100 staff located in its HQ in Geneva, Switzerland, and 5 regional offices and other field presences. Specifically, UNISDR coordinates international efforts in disaster risk reduction, and guides, monitors and reports on the progress of the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action; campaigns to create global awareness of disaster risk reduction benefits and empower people to reduce their vulnerability to hazards; advocates for greater investments in disaster risk reduction to protect people's lives and assets, and for increased and informed participation of men and women in reducing disaster risk; and informs and connects people by providing practical services and tools such as PreventionWeb, publications on good practices, and by leading the preparation of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction and the organisation of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The 2015 Global Assessment Report (GAR15) is a major initiative of UNISDR. It contributes to the achievement of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) through monitoring risk patterns and trends and progress in disaster risk reduction and through providing guidance, to governments and non-governmental actors alike, on why and how they can, together, reduce disaster risks.

Planned to be published prior to the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015, the GAR15 will provide evidence-based information to support the design of the successor arrangement of the Hyogo Framework for Action. In view of this, input papers that present research are sought. In particular, Hyogo Framework for Action Thematic Review/ Hyogo Framework for Action Indicator Research that provides evidence of change since 2005 through the lens of the 22 core indicators, and investigates the extent to which such change can be attributable to the components of the Hyogo Framework for Action, or other emerging issues are encouraged. The researches along 22 Hyogo Framework for Action core indicators are categorized into 16 Research Areas for Global Assessment Report 2015.

Review of PFA5/CI4 (Priority for action 5/ core indicator 4)

The International Recovery Platform (IRP), one of UNISDR’s coordinating partners for Global Assessment Report 2015, is tasked to analyze and summarize input papers for Research Area 13, specifically those that pertain to Hyogo Framework for Action Priority for Action 5, Core Indicator 4 (PFA5/CI4): Procedures are in place to exchange relevant information during disasters and to undertake post-event reviews.

The guiding principle for the review is that lessons learned from previous disasters should be included in emergency preparedness and response as well as in planning for recovery and rehabilitation. It is important that disaster risk reduction be included in all types of planning. Progress on this area shows that over half the countries undertaking the HFA Review in 2011-2013 stated substantial or comprehensive achievement in this area. However, several challenges remain, including difficulties of disseminating relevant information to all the affected actors in an emergency as well as coordinating post-event reviews, where such reviews were required. It is expected that this review shall offer insights on: (i) how to further enhance local capacities as well as foster both vertical and horizontal communication to deal with disaster risk reduction, resources should be devoted not so much to technical means, but to long-term institutional innovation and learning; and (ii) how local platforms could support social learning by the creation of a ‘collective memory’ based on the accumulation of knowledge and lessons learned from past disaster experience into preventative strategies.

An estimated of about 3-4 input papers (average of 25 pages each paper) are expected from different coordinating lead authors. These input papers will examine the following:

  • Gaps in sharing information for post-event reviews
  • Success stories on information sharing among national and local governments
  • Role of media (including social media) in sharing lessons
  • Capacity building for information sharing
  • Role of legislation and mandates in sharing information for post event reviews


The papers will to provide brief overview of overall retrospective progress across the indicator and look not only at the level of achievement in each area but will also identify key gaps and challenges that still need to be addressed, as well as in emerging areas, which were not identified in the Hyogo Framework for Action itself. In this context, International Recovery Platform seeks to engage the services of a consultant.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships

The Consultant will be supervised by the Head of International Recovery Platform secretariat, a position held by UNISDR.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant is expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Review and analyze all input papers, examining the following:

(i) what changes have been observed since the adoption of the Hyogo Framework for Action in 2005, and what has been the impact in terms of risk to society
(ii) to what degree has change been facilitated by the Hyogo Framework for Action or other emerging drivers of effective disaster risk management
(iii) determine if the change was adequately captured by the indicator in its current form and if not propose an alternative impact indicator
(iv) what elements will need to be developed for inclusion in the successor framework to the Hyogo Framework for Action

  • Synthesize key information and messages (i.e. gaps, success stories, role of media, capacity building, and role of legislation) to be shared for peer review
  • Finalize the “Synthesis of Priority for Action 5, Core Indicator 4 Synthesis” for Global Assessment Report 2015 of about 15-20 pages

In view of this timeline, the consultant is expected to perform the following for Priority for Action 5, Core Indicator 4: (i) 30 November – 31 December 2013 review all input papers, (ii) By 31 January 2014 produce draft synthesis paper (iii) Feb – April 2014 draft synthesis to be reviewed by authors and peers, (iv) By 31 May 2014 incorporate comments from authors and reviewers and submit final “Priority for Action 5, Core Indicator 4 Synthesis” to UNISDR, through International Recovery Platform.

Competencies

Professionalism: Strong background, knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles and approaches to disaster risk reduction. Familiarity with disaster risk reduction programmes and activities at regional, sub-regional levels and ability to identify and analyze regional and national priorities, needs and capacities and develop appropriate strategies and actions.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies and programmes; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required.

Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment.

Prior work experience with recovery related papers will be an advantage.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree in disaster risk management, development, public policy or a related field. A first- level university degree in combination of qualifying experience maybe accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of 7 years of experience working in the field of disaster risk reduction. In-depth understanding of the Hyogo Framework of Action and issues of post disaster recovery and reconstruction.

Language: Fluency in oral and written English.

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