National disaster management policy consultant

Background

The Objectives of the GoG-UNDP Project Initiation Plan were to
- Identify the baseline of current disaster risk management in Guyana and support provided by the various development Agencies, including but not limited to emergency response capabilities.
- Address most pressing issues related to disaster response and risk reduction that builds on a comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction Programme in agreement with the Office of the President
- Design of a project document for a 3-year UNDP support to Government of Guyana in line with GoG-UNDP CPAP and in coordination with concerned agencies like IDB, JICA, WB.

Main areas of work identified in the three year project that was prepared under initiation plan include
- Equipping CDC and National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) with appropriately trained staff.
- Strengthening Early Warning Systems for Floods and Droughts
- Update of the national disaster preparedness Plan initiated, including response plans for key individual agencies/ sectors
- Establishment of Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis System
- Development of Disaster Preparedness Plans and strengthened response preparedness at community level
- Enhancement of Emergency Communication Systems
- Strengthening of Search and Rescue Capability
- Improved Shelter management
- Development of Mass Casualty Plans
- Establishment of a National Disaster Risk Management Coordination Platform
- Drafting of a Disaster Risk Management Policy

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is also providing support to the GOG for a technical cooperation “Design and Implementation of an Integrated Disaster Risk Management Plan” (GY-T1050). The specific objectives of the TC are to:
(i) evaluate climate-related disaster risk;
– involving application of the IDB Indicators of Disaster Risk and Risk Management and a Flood Risk Evaluation
(ii) strengthen national capacity for integrated disaster risk management (IDRM);
– involving, among other things, the development of a National IDRM Plan; formulation of a Disaster Risk Management; design of a national public education campaign on flood risk management in Guyana and its pilot implementation; design of a national public education campaign on flood risk management in Guyana and its pilot implementation; development of guidelines for incorporating IDRM in agricultural planning and environmental management;
(iii) support the future implementation of the IDRM plan through an investment program in disaster prevention and mitigation.
- Design of an investment program in flood prevention and mitigation - Preparation of a list of priority engineering works; and maintenance plans of existing works to 3 improve flood control and protection; Preparation of engineering designs for prioritized flood protection works.

Objective of the consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to develop a Draft National Disaster Management Policy for Guyana that is informed by current thinking, more recent developments in the field of disaster management and takes into account the international or regional agreements or obligations that Guyana has entered into.

Tasks

The Consultant will:
-- Review the existing Disaster plans, development documents and other documents that set out disaster issues, policy statements and recommendations.
-- Review internationally accepted practices, trends and current thinking in the field of disaster management; disaster policies of other countries as well as relevant international and regional obligations or commitments of Guyana
-- Conduct consultations on disaster policy issues and recommendations.
-- Based on the results of (a), (b) and (c) prepare a draft National Disaster Management Policy inter alia incorporating the following elements:
- Global Warming and Climate Change Adaptation;
- Disaster Risk Reduction integration into sustainable development;
- Gender Equality Mainstreaming in Disaster Management;
- Integration of Early Recovery concept into the Disaster Response.

Inputs
The CDC will provide the Consultant with its requirements and all relevant documentation to facilitate the completion of the consultancy.

Deliverables
The Consultant’s mandate will result in the following deliverables:
-- An inception report with detailed work plan and methodology
-- A Draft National Disaster Management Policy
-- Mission report with recommendations for finalization and implementation of the Policy.

Education/ Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Political Science, Law, Development Studies or a related discipline
- Experience: Proven experience in similar consultancies/ assignments performed. Experience in Disaster Management would be a distinct advantage.
- Language/ Communication Requirements: Excellent spoken and written English.
- Strong communication skills both oral and written.
- Experience of work in Caribbean/Latin American Region in the area of disaster management would also be an advantage.
- Ability to produce a consolidated report.