Result of Service

The expected outcomes at both global and national levels for this project are the following: – Enhanced understanding of stress posed by disasters on public finance – Strengthened capacity for tracking DRR financing flows, assessing gaps in public spending, and identifying DRR financing needs – Increased investments into DRR from public, private, and international sources.

Work Location

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Expected duration

01.07.24-28.02.25

Duties and Responsibilities

Background Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG/ASG), UNDRR has over 140 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses, and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. It supports regional and national implementation of the Framework, catalyzes action, and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the science and technology community. The consultant will be based in Guatemala City, Guatemala and will report to the Economic Affairs Officer and support the project coordinator in the implementation of the DRR Financing Frameworks Initiative. The consultant will provide technical input for an integral DRR approach with a specific focus on Early Warning Systems and financing for Anticipatory Action. He/she will carry out research activities through desk research, structured interviews, dataset analysis, and other techniques to provide critical input for the project’s development. The consultant will also provide logistical services for the organization of meetings, high-level sessions, and other activities. Disaster Risk Reduction Financing Frameworks Investing in disaster risk reduction (DRR) for resilience is Priority 3 of the Sendai Framework. Finance remains one of the largest bottlenecks to protecting countries’ sustainable development from the devastating impacts of disasters. The midterm review of the Sendai Framework further stressed the need for accelerating investment in DRR as the current level remains vastly inadequate and issued several calls for action to this end. Recognizing the urgency for scaling up investment in DRR, UNDRR is committed to stepping up its work in this area and supporting countries in finding solutions to their challenges. Innovative approaches and “all hands on deck” are required to make significant progress in this area (business as usual has shown its limits). The political declaration of the high-level meeting on the midterm review of the Sendai Framework called upon States to strengthen their investment in disaster risk reduction. In particular, it called for: (i) identifying gaps in public spending on DRR and mainstreaming risk reduction into the financial framework; (ii) developing comprehensive DRR financing strategies, and (iii) promoting the development of innovative instruments and tools to finance DRR (GA Resolution 77/289). Responding to this call, UNDRR will work with the Executive Secretariat of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction, SE-CONRED by its acronym in Spanish and other entities such as the Ministry of Finance, MINFIN by its acronym in Spanish, and the Secretary of Planning and Programming of the Presidency, SEGEPLAN by its acronym in Spanish, as well as in articulation with private sector stakeholders and cooperation and financing institutions, to enhance national financial frameworks in Guatemala, promoting a risk-informed approach that aligns public investments and financial systems with DRR goals. The expected outcomes at both global and national levels for this project are the following: – Enhanced understanding of stress posed by disasters on public finance – Strengthened capacity for tracking DRR financing flows, assessing gaps in public spending, and identifying DRR financing needs – Increased investments into DRR from public, private, and international sources. Specifically, the consultant will perform the following activities as needed and requested by the Officer in charge: 1. Conduct desk review and data analysis of existing information for the development of a comprehensive report on the economic impact of disasters in Guatemala. Among other things, this should include data on the use of Anticipatory Action and associated financing in the country, coupled with an analysis of potential funding sources at national and global level. 2. Conduct interviews, desk research, dataset analysis, focus groups, and other consultations to source critical information for understanding the DRR Financing Landscape in Guatemala including the financing for pre-disaster phases, including early warning and Anticipatory Action. 3. Support the preparation of Financing for DRR working documents, minutes, reports, presentations, and other supporting documents for the execution of DRR Financing meetings, consultations, and workshops. 4. Support the organization and guarantee the logistics for the workshops, meetings, and consultations for the development of the project. 5. Participate in and provide input for the development of the roadmap to improve DRR Financing, including for pre-disaster phases.

Qualifications/special skills

A first-level university degree in Economics, Finance, Administration, Engineering, or related is required. Master’s degree in Economic Sciences, Statistics, Data Management, Disaster Risk Management, or related areas is desirable. At least 3 years of experience as a technical or research assistant and financial database management are required. Experience using database management tools is required. Experience in public finance, economic analysis and disaster risk reduction, or disaster risk management is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in Spanish is required for this consultancy. Knowledge of English is desirable.

Additional Information

Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.