Consultant

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

Vacancy no ISDR/C/04/2008

BACKGROUND

The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) is a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder platform to enable societies to increase their resilience to natural, technological and environmental disasters and to reduce associated environmental, human and economic and social losses. A range of United Nations organizations and international partners participate in cooperation with Governments and civil society organizations. In adopting ISDR, the United Nations General Assembly (Res/54/219) endorsed the establishment of an institutional framework for its implementation consisting of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction (IATF/DR) and the inter-agency secretariat (ISDR secretariat).

The main functions of the secretariat are policy coordination, advocacy and information management, at the international and regional levels, to ensure synergy between disaster reduction strategies and those in the socio-economic and humanitarian fields.

In January 2005, the World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR, 18-22 January 2005, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan) took place and represents a landmark in worldwide understanding and commitment to implement a disaster risk reduction agenda. This commitment was captured in the Hyogo Declaration and the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters adopted at the WCDR.

The Hyogo Framework constitutes the essential guide for implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction in the coming years and it constitutes an unprecedented conceptual shift that takes account of the complexity of action in disaster risk reduction and the large variety of actors whose inputs are required in the pursuit of this objective. It provides the basic concepts and prescribes and expected outcome; details three strategic goals for disaster risk reduction and a set of five priority areas for action; and assigns tasks to stakeholders at difference operational levels to reach the expected outcome.

Within the ISDR system, a Thematic Platform on Knowledge and Education has been formed by interested partners to provide leadership and guidance on this area of risk reduction. The Platform is still at an early stage of development but has already undertaken a number of initiatives, including a Guidelines Document for integrating disaster risk reduction and safe schools for public education authorities. It is also planning a one-day Workshop on Preventing Educational Exclusion through Disaster Resilient Schools as a side event prior to the International Conference on Education, Geneva, November 2008.

A consultant experienced in the educational aspects of disaster risk reduction is sought to undertake three tasks:
(i) to finalize an existing draft version of the abovementioned Guidelines Document (approx. 15,000 words), including by undertaking a peer review process and preparing a version for layout and printing,
(ii) to provide informed advice and draft documents for the planning and execution of the abovementioned one-day Workshop on Preventing Educational Exclusion through Disaster Resilient Schools, and
(iii) to provide advice and support on the strengthening of the ISDR Thematic Platform on Knowledge and Education, for example in respect to work planning, consultation and networking.

Duties and responsibilities

Finalize the Guidelines Document for integrating disaster risk reduction and safe schools for public education authorities (approx. 15,000 words), including by incorporating revisions suggested by members of the Thematic Platform on Knowledge and Education and other experts, preparing a draft ready for layout and printing by September 30th, and assisting in its distribution via Internet and in print form by November 15th.

Support the planning and execution of a one-day Workshop on Preventing Educational Exclusion through Disaster Resilient Schools as a side event prior to the International Conference on Education, Geneva, November 2008, by preparing a draft Concept Note for the event, a draft programme with suggested speakers, a School Disaster Reduction and Readiness Checklist, a short policy note on disaster reduction and educational exclusion and a draft advance outcome document, and by assisting with advice and drafting services during the Workshop.

Provide advice and support on the strengthening of the ISDR Thematic Platform on Knowledge and Education, particularly by providing advice on work planning, providing briefings to meetings of the Platform, establishing consultation processes to support the development of written products, and linking the Platform’s peripheral network using social networking tools.

Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment

1. Guidelines draft for comment, and subsequent Internet and print versions.
2. Draft Workshop programme, checklist, policy note and outcome document.
3. Enhanced activities of the ISDR Knowledge and Education Platform.

Performance Indicators

- Quality of written products, as indicated by their relevance, completeness, accuracy and fluency, as judged by the Thematic Platform on Knowledge and Education and the ISDR secretariat
- Quality of advice on the planning and conduct of the Workshop, as reflected by its consistency with the expectations of the key participants from education and disaster risk reduction sectors
- Quality of engagement with the main parties involved - members of the Knowledge and Education Platform, Workshop organizers, educator participants, and ISDR secretariat, as indicated by the effectiveness of interactions with others and the completeness and timeliness of delivery of products and advice, and as judged by the Thematic Platform on Knowledge and Education and ISDR secretariat

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism:
Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to programme management (disaster risk reduction; education; political affairs, sustainable development policy and humanitarian action); practical experience in programme/project management and administration; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; familiarity with and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments give; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.

Communications:
Good communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports, studies and other communications and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style.

Creativity:
Ability to actively seek to improve programmes/services, offer new and different options to solve problems/meet client needs, and promote and persuade others to consider new ideas.

Technology Awareness:
Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets and other statistical applications, internet, etc.

Teamwork:
Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.

Qualifications

Education:
Advanced university degree in economics, social or physical sciences and business administration or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related area.

Experience:
At least 5 years progressively responsible in the specific area associated with the assignment.

Language:
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; fluency in one or more official UN languages is desirable.

Other skills:
Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines. Knowledge of and experience in disaster risk reduction, with demonstrated skills in advocacy, networking, meeting organization, and document preparation.