Consultant - Country case study on law and disaster risk reduction

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (the IFRC) is seeking a consultant to undertake a country case study on Law and Regulation for the Reduction of Risk in Natural Disasters in Vietnam. This 7-week study will include a 3-week country visit and drafting a 35-45 page project report. It is to be undertaken in cooperation with the Viet Nam Red Cross on dates to be agreed between 1 October and 7 December 2012. The remuneration offered will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Case study

This case study is part of a global research project on how law supports disaster risk reduction at country level, which the IFRC is undertaking in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It follows on from a National Law Desk Survey Report already completed for Vietnam and will analyse relevant laws and regulations at national level, as well as in one province and selected local government areas. The analysis will be based on legal research and stakeholder interviews at national, provincial, local government and community levels. The study aims to identify:

• good practices enabled or mandated by legislation, including good examples of wording/drafting, institutional structures, coordination and planning between sectors, and involvement of civil society and communities, that provide the basis for effective reduction of risk from natural disasters; and
• gaps in the legal, institutional and resources framework for DRR against natural disasters, and the views of stakeholders about what forms of regulation or implementation would be effective in closing these gaps, especially at the community level.

The terms of reference of the case study may be obtained from the attachment.

Key activities of the research consultant

• Initial briefings with IFRC, VNRC and UNDP.
• Development of a detailed work plan
• Organisation and scheduling of interviews.
• Study and analysis of relevant legal framework for DRR and reference material provided by IFRC.
• Consultations with VNRC, UNDP, government entities, non-governmental organizations, local level government authorities, civil society organisations and other actors involved in DRR.
• Draft a 35-45 report on law and disaster risk reduction in Vietnam according to the ToR of the Project and any guidelines on structure and content provided by the IFRC.
• Incorporate the comments of the IFRC and other stakeholders into the report as necessary.

All documents and correspondence will be in English.

Reporting requirements

• Provide the Asia Pacific Disaster Law Coordinator and with an update or initial draft of research findings within two weeks of commencing the project to ensure the consultant is on track;
• Email / telephone contact with Asia Pacific Disaster Law Coordinator as required;
• Maintain communication with IFRC country delegation as required.
• Provide a final report by the specified due date.

Consultant attributes

The following qualifications and experience are required for consultants for this assignment:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent experience in one or more of the following:
- law, obtained in Vietnam or in another state with a similar legal structure;
- international and/or comparative law;
- development assistance or other discipline relevant to disaster management or disaster risk reduction.
• A minimum of 7 years’ professional experience in one or more of legal practice, legal research, development and governance assistance to states, disaster management or disaster risk reduction.
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills, including a proven capacity to undertake research on national legislation and to analyse regulatory regimes.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative frameworks in the field of disaster management.
• Proven high-level policy skills and capacity to involve decision-makers, UN organizations and civil society.
• Demonstrated capacity to write clear and well-structured reports in accordance with agreed terms of reference and within specified time constraints.
• Ability to work independently towards reaching the expected objectives.
• Proven communication skills. Experience in interviewing stakeholders and/or in group facilitation or focus groups is desirable.
• Excellent spoken and written English with ability to convey ideas clearly in writing and orally, and a willingness to conduct interviews with a Vietnamese language interpreter. Basic spoken comprehension of Vietnamese would also be an asset.