Consultant (governance of disaster risk reduction)

ISDR/C/14/2012

Background:

Created in December 1999, the United Nations 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 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 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 Prevention Web, publications on good practices, and by leading the preparation of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction and the organization of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

In the HFA, governments agreed to review the implementation regularly and requested UNISDR to “prepare periodic reviews on progress towards achieving [its] objectives and priorities.” Subsequently, UNISDR conducted a Mid-Term Review of the HFA in 2010-2011 through a participatory approach involving disaster risk reduction stakeholders, which concluded with eight recommendations for accelerating the HFA implementation. The Mid-Term Review also recommended that there should be a post-2015 instrument for disaster risk reduction. United Nations General Assembly Resolution 66/199 also requested UNISDR to facilitate development of a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction. The Chair’s Summary of the Third Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2011 referred to a first outline of a post- 2015 framework at the next Global Platform in 2013.

In the context of the above, UNISDR has initiated the consultation process towards the post-2015 framework on disaster risk reduction. To support the post-HFA consultation process, a set of working papers will be prepared to deepen understanding and knowledge of the issues, which are imperative to achieve substantial reduction of losses, in lives and socio-economic assets of communities and countries. Governance of Disaster Risk Reduction is one of the working papers identified for the consultation process.

Duties and responsibilities

The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Senior Coordinator of the Post-HFA process. The consultancy aims to assess how: natural and social sciences and technology have helped increase information and knowledge on disaster risk reduction; the current status of cooperation between the scientific community and policy makers on risk reduction; and successes, challenges and opportunities in applying scientific knowledge and tools to disaster risk reduction and resilience building. Based on this analysis, the consultant will draft a set of principles for enhancing the application of scientific and technological research results to policy and decision making processes towards resilience building. These principles may then be considered in the Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The tasks are as follows:

• Study the current status of the kinds of knowledge generated by natural science and technology for disaster risk reduction, which have contributed to the paradigm shift from disaster response to risk reduction, and then to resilience building. The study will also examine the current level of application and acceptance in the disaster risk reduction community of scientific knowledge and technological tools available, especially policy-makers in the governments.
• Study the contributions of the social sciences to the growing political commitment and social demand for disaster risk reduction since the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action in 2005. The study will also assess the strengths and weaknesses of existing knowledge and approaches generated in the social sciences for making the political and economic case of investment in disaster risk reduction.
• Identify opportunities and solutions for bridging existing gaps in research and overcoming the challenges for further increasing political commitment, economic investment and social demand for disaster risk reduction. This should be done in close cooperation with UNISDR partners, both individual experts and institutions in the science and technological communities.
• Put forward a set of principles for guiding the disaster risk reduction community, especially policy and decision makers, in the application of science and technology to reducing risk. A set of practical recommendations should be also included to bridge the existing gaps identified in knowledge and research on disaster risk reduction.

Expected Outputs:

• A draft analytical working paper will be produced at the end of the first six weeks for UNISDR comments, which will be followed by experts peer review and on-line consultations. The study will then reflect and integrate inputs received and submit the final report at the end of eight weeks work spread over a five month period.

Competencies:

Professionalism:

• Strong background, knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles and approaches to disaster risk reduction. Good knowledge of governance issues in the context of disaster risk reduction, climate change and sustainable development.

Communications:

• 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 audience;
• demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural sciences or social sciences, that is closely related to disaster risk reduction. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work experience

• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the field of research in disaster risk reduction, environment, climate change or related areas. Prior knowledge on the working of the United Nations System and its specialized agencies, fund and programmes, is an advantage.

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English. Working knowledge of French and Spanish is an advantage.