Consultant - implementation of the risk reduction index in West Africa

Background

DARA is an independent organization, based in Madrid, Spain, committed to improving the quality and effectiveness of aid for vulnerable populations suffering from conflict, disasters and climate change. DARA’s Risk Reduction Index (RRI) provides an analysis of the conditions and capacities for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA). It is an action-oriented research programme that aims to shed further light on how to improve risk management within most vulnerable countries across different regions of the world. After a first pilot phase conducted in seven countries in Central America during 2010, the next phase of the RRI is now underway in West Africa. The RRI will examine seven countries in West Africa, including Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Senegal. The RRI will be carried out in partnership with UNISDR and ECOWAS. DARA is seeking to recruit a motivated and committed person to fill the consultancy role of Country Focal Point for the implementation of research activities in the country.

Consultant/focal point profile

The Country Focal Point will have primary responsibility for the research to be conducted in the field. S/he will identify areas within the country and potential participants for the study, and will play a key role in ensuring that the data is collected and local perceptions are adequately represented, mainly through the use of a questionnaire and interviews. S/he must also be able to help present and validate findings through a series of workshops to be held at the local and national levels. The incumbent should be based in the country for which s/he is applying, and should be able to participate in an initial training session to be held in April 2012 in the region (location TBD). This training will include training in the UN/ISDR Local Government Self-Assessment Tool, which will also be implemented locally.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Identify 3 areas within the country that are most suitable for the purposes of the RRI research (according to established selection criteria).
• Provide maps of the areas identified and justification for their selection.
• Identify and contact potential participants for the study within each research area, and secure their participation.
• Conduct timely data collection within the research areas through the use of a questionnaire and/or interviews.
• Ensure questionnaires are answered fully and accurately.
• Support preliminary analysis of regional-level findings and elaborate draft synthesis report for each research area.
• Act as a reference point for the UN/ISDR Local Government Self-Assessment Tool.
• Conduct one workshop in each research area.
• Conduct one workshop at the national level.
• Participate in a regional-level workshop (TBD).
• Support preliminary analysis of regional-level findings and elaborate draft synthesis report for each research area.

Qualifications, experience & skills required

• Sound knowledge of disaster management, DRR and/or CCA.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience working in the country.
• Thorough knowledge of the country at the local/regional level and specifically related to development issues.
• High level of proficiency in written and spoken English (and French depending on the country).
• Computer literacy in MS-Word, Excel.
• Interpersonal communication and interviewing skills.
• Report writing skills in English.
• Capacity for analysis and sound judgment.
• Ability to work effectively with others at all levels.
• Firm belief in teamwork, gender equality, participatory approach, community-based action and sustainable development.
• Experience with local, national, and international NGOs.
• Experience with other sectors, including government and private, an advantage.