National consultant for elaboration of the national disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategy for the Republic of Moldova

Background

Moldova’s economy, population, and environment are highly exposed and vulnerable to natural hazards. Climate change is expected to amplify exposure to hydro-meteorological hazards. Population of the country, especially in rural areas, is prone to different types of hazards, including drought, floods, severe weather, earthquakes, and landslides.

In this regard, UNDP and Civil Protection and Emergency Situations Service (CPESS) of the Ministry of Interior have started a two year “Moldova Disaster and Climate Risk Reduction Project” (September 2010 –December 2012). The objective of the project is to reduce disaster and climate risks in Moldova, covering the following key outputs: 1) Disaster risk assessment capacities strengthened and priorities identified at the national level to inform country disaster risk and climate risk management strategies and program development; 2) Vulnerabilities reduced and capacities strengthened to manage climate risks at local levels; 3) Strengthened capacity of UN Country Team to manage disaster and climate risks.

The project seeks to strengthen disaster and climate risk assessment capacities and identify priorities at the national level to inform country disaster risk and climate risk management strategies and program development. This will be done through the creation of a National Disaster Observatory and accompanying capacity development actions in risk analysis. In parallel, actions will be taken at the local level to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen capacities to manage climate risks at local levels. Local level risk management will be mainstreamed into local development planning processes. Project will support the elaboration of DRR Strategy.

UNDP Moldova is looking for a National Consultant to assist International Consultant in developing the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy for Republic of Moldova. The Local Consultant will assist International Consultant and will work under guidance of UNDP Project Manager. He/she will also work closely with the respective national partners, including state institutions, local authorities, civil society and international organizations. He/she will be responsible for the organization of missions for the International Consultant, conducting interviews/workshops together with international consultant, provide advice on the Legal framework of Moldova.

Scope of work

The objectives of this consultancy service are as follows:

• Assist international expert in an intensive participatory consultation process with stakeholders in Moldova through interviews, discussions and workshops;
• Assist international expert in organization and conducting two missions in Moldova with involvement with local stakeholders;
• Elaborate the National DRR Strategy and Action Plan together with the international expert;
• Prepare an inception and final reports together with the International Expert to UNDP and Civil Protection and Emergency Situations Service of the Ministry of Interior.

For detailed information, please refer to Annex 1 – Terms of Reference.

Requirements for experience

Academic qualifications:

Advanced university degree in law, sociology, public administration, planning environment or other relevant/ similar field.

Years of experience:

• At least 5 years of experience working with the national authorities and/or public administration preferably in the area of strategic planning and development;
• Relevant experience in the area of disaster risk management, community development and social development is desirable;

Competencies:

• Profound understanding of the DRR related legal framework in Moldova and experience in development of legal documents is desirable;
• Proven experience in developing reports and drafting strategic documents in an accurate and concise manner;
• Good organizational, time management and facilitation skills;
• Excellent negotiation, leadership and diplomatic skills;
• Excellent analytical and writing skills;
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Romanian, good command of Russian.