Strengthened disaster risk reduction in the Caribbean through greater fostering of the Hyogo Framework for action priorities for action at the local, national and regional levels (DIPECHO Caribbean 2013-2014)

Vacancy posting: UNISDR-ROAM/DIP/CAR-BAR/026/2013

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

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk 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 socio-economic and humanitarian fields. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNISDR has over 100 staff located in its headquarters 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.

DIPECHO Action Plan for the Caribbean 2013-2014

The 2013-2014 DIPECHO Action Plan for the Caribbean aims to establish greater collaboration and coordination between partners, allowing programming of common outcomes and the harmonization of practices. Furthermore, it focuses on improving communication and dissemination of DRR key contributions in the region, by capturing evidence of success on how DIPECHO projects have allowed the most at risk communities to anticipate, withstand, adapt and sometimes, recover quickly from disasters.

Context of the consultancy

The consultancy is related to the UNISDR regional project within the framework of the DIPECHO Action Plan for the Caribbean 2013-2014.
The regional project to be implemented by UNISDR includes the following elements:

1. Improving communication and dissemination of DIPECHO DRR tools and initiatives in the region,
2. Further advancing in the development of a common strategy towards DRR, as well as
3. Contributions to the consultation process leading to the post-2015 framework for DRR.

Duties and responsibilities:

The following points will provide an overview of the duties and responsibilities of the regional coordinator within the UNISDR DIPECHO project for the Caribbean:

• Coordinate, together with the UNISDR regional office for the Americas, DIPECHO partners, and ECHO the implementation of activities under the framework of the 2013-2014 UNISDR DIPECHO project at the regional, national and local level.
• Serve as liaison officer between National Emergency Management Organizations, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Association of Caribbean States, DIPECHO partners, and UNISDR with regards to the implementation of the UNISDR DIPECHO Project activities.
• Support the coordination of activities to be implemented by DIPECHO partners related to the DIPECHO Action Plan 2013-1014 related to the following 5 areas of exchange:

1. Early Warning Systems;
2. Hospital and Safe Schools;
3. Country Documents;
4. Tools and initiatives;
5. DRR Communication.

In this sense, follow up on common activities identified by DIPECHO partners.

• Support updating of at least one national DRR strategy considering the use of tools generated through the DIPECHO projects.
• Contribute with inputs based on the prioritization criteria to regional strategies/plans of action: CDM 2013-2018 currently developed by CDEMA and stakeholders; as well as the Disasters Vulnerability Reduction plan to be implemented by the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in 2013/2014.
• Support the revision of country documents in the 7 to 8 countries (Barbados, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago) by applying the “Set of Criteria to prioritize DRR at the national level” using the standardized country format for the preparation of country documents closely coordinating with the respective National Emergency Officer, UNISDR, DIPECHO partners and other relevant regional and national DRR partners.

Related activities:

1. Liaise with NEMOs and DIPECHO partner related to the preparation of national consultation workshops to update the country profiles, as well as the validation of the DIPECHO country profile by the corresponding national authorities, national DIPECHO partners and other relevant stakeholders;
2. Prepare a report of the national consultation processes leading to 8 updated/prepared country profiles (including the results from the national workshop)

• Support the national liaison officer, NEMOs and DIPECHO partners in the preparation of the country document for Guyana and Cuba using the standardized country format for the preparation of country documents and applying the “Set of Criteria to prioritize DRR at the national level”.
• Support UNISDR and ECHO activities concerning regional consultation and coordination processes within the framework of UNISDR DIPECHO project (e.g. one regional HFA2 and two national consultations).
• Promote and encourage the use and dissemination, among national and other relevant DRR stakeholders, of the tools and knowledge produced by the DIPECHO projects.
• Provide administrative and operational back up for the implementation of all UNISDR DIPECHO project activities in the region.
• Support the update of the website for the DIPECHO Action Plan 2013-2014 for the Caribbean.
• Support the update of the common calendar of events and activities.
• Support at least two countries in the preparation of activities related to the International Days for Disaster Reduction 2013 and 2014
• Prepare monthly progress reports.
• Prepare a final project report with a detailed description of project activities and results following DIPECHO reporting format.
• Other project activities as requested by the UNISDR.

Programmatic Functions:

• Keep staff of the UNISDR regional office for the Americas and ECHO informed about activities, progress, achievements, and challenges.
• Support the organization of regular coordination meetings of the DIPECHO projects, record and distributing minutes to the relevant partners, ECHO and UNISDR.
• Maintain close coordination with the UNISDR Project Manager regarding regional and national processes and coordination with different partners.
• Develop an annual and final narrative report describing the status of project activities and results. The report needs to be prepared according to the format required by ECHO, and will be approved by the UNISDR.
• Support the preparation of a regional report of the “Application of Set of Criteria for Prioritizing National DRR Actions” which was developed in the 2011-2012 DIPECHO Action Plan, and its integration into the 8 updated Country Documents under the framework of the 2013-2014 Action Plan.

Requirements:

Competencies:

Professionalism

• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field.
• Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection.
• Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.
• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.

Communication

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and organizing

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
• Uses time efficiently

Client orientation

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients " and seeks to see things from clients' point of view
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect
• Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions
• Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems
• Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects
• Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client

Education:

• Minimum Advanced University or equivalent experience in social sciences, national resource management, disaster risk management or related fields.

Required experience:

• A minimun of 5 years of professional experience  in the field of disaster risk reduction climate change, and/or sustainable development;
• Project management or coordination experience with regional character.
• Knowledgeable of the work carried out by the UNISDR Americas office;
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills;
• Experience in leading and facilitating workshops and meetings;
• Knowledge of intergovernmental mechanisms, DRR Platforms, tools and mechanisms related DRR and DIPECHO
• Functional knowledge of ECHO action plans and DIPECHO projects;
• Excellent English speaking and writing skills; working knowledge of Spanish and French is an asset.
• Availability to work trips in the region.