Consultancy vacancy with UN/ISDR

The position is located in the Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) in Geneva, Switzerland under the overall guidance of the Director. The consultant will report to the Senior Programme Officer of the Advocacy and Outreach Unit and work closely with the Programme Officer for National Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction. Beyond the UN/ISDR secretariat staff’s support, the consultant will work in close collaboration with both an Intern recruited for the “Toolkit” project and another consultant, who will provide overall guidance to the Team.

Duties and responsibilities

Information Management
• Develop a consistent electronic and ‘hard copy’ library system of materials susceptible to serve the National Platform Toolkit. Documents and on-line resources in English, French and possibly Spanish or other national languages are primarily targeted.
• Maintain and continually update the related information files/ folders, in order to compile and organize all literature, reports, analyses and other documents
• Assist in updating information on National Platforms on the UN/ISDR secretariat’s NP web space – as and when relevant.
• Assist in providing information to internal and external stakeholders on the Toolkit project.
• Provide inputs to the Toolkit chapters introducing activities expected from National Platforms

Research and literature reviews:
• Perform internet based research for possible source material and literature relevant for major activities expected to be carried out by National Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction or otherwise referred to in the Hyogo Framework for Action
• Access UN and possibly other libraries for in depth reviews of grey literature – and other sources identified as crucial to help in implementing the Toolkit project. This activity may involve selected travel to meet with project partners.
• Review UN/ISDR briefing notes, PPTs, issue papers, web flyers for their relevance for the Toolkit
• Perform other duties as required.

Results expected
Easy to access library/database of information relevant to the Toolkit project’s major components of work developed. 

Competencies
Professionalism – Good academic and analytical skills. Judgment - Demonstrated sound judgment in applying expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems. Communications – ability to draft clearly and concisely, very good language skills. Planning & Organizing - Ability to organize, plan and implement work assignments. Teamwork - Good interpersonal skills, works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals, ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with different national and cultural backgrounds with sensitivity with respect for diversity.

Qualifications
Education: First level university degree or equivalent in Disaster Management, International Relations, Development, Public Administration/ Political Science, Environmental Science or a combination of some of these disciplines (multi-disciplinary background) or the equivalent combination of education and experience in a related area. 

Experience: Minimum two years of progressively responsible experience in the areas associated with this consultancy.

Language skills: Fluency in written and spoken English; French, Spanish, Portuguese or German language skills are a plus.

Other desirable skills: Advanced computer usage skills, in particular, familiarity with MS Office-Word, Excel, Power Point, Internet, e-mail applications etc. Knowledge of other applications such as Front Page, Publisher or multimedia tools would be useful.

Specialised knowledge and experience:
• Good knowledge/ familiarity with the concept and practice of Disaster Risk Reduction including related instruments, institutions/ stakeholders and key documentary resources (concept notes, toolkits, including the UN/ISDR publications “Words into Action” and the “Guidelines for National Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction”)
• Familiarity with international and national development agencies
• Proven analytical skills and ability to synthesize information in concise write-ups or reports
• Experience in operational disaster or development contexts – local, national or international is preferred
• Working knowledge in institutional strengthening/ organisational development and in strengthening (national) coordination mechanisms is a major asset, though not mandatory.