Result of Service

Identification and desk review of Business Continuity Plan (BCP) tools available and their applicability in connection to a UNDRR´s project on strengthening the disaster resilience of SMEs, in consultation with experts in the selected cities (as feasible); the development of a methodology for businesses to prepare their BCPs; and an analysis ensuring the fulfilment/compatibility as well as interconnections between the methodology developed and relevant ISO standards (e.g. ISO 22301), local tools (e.g. business continuity plan tools in the cities of Sendai, Barcelona and Bridgetown), and existing UNDRR-supported tools (e.g. the Resilience Maturity Assessment tool, Business Resilience Toolkit, Resilience in a Box, etc.).

Work Location

Home based

Expected duration

01 Oct to 31 Dec 24

Duties and Responsibilities

Org. Setting 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), UNDRR has over 140 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and 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. UNDRR thereby focuses particularly on ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to disaster risk reduction, in raising awareness and engaging representatives of all relevant stakeholder groups in the strategy discussions. Background and Context Economic growth and community well-being are directly impacted by disasters. As key members of communities and drivers of growth, private sector companies have an important role to play in reducing disaster risk. With threats to communities and economic livelihoods increasing, the private sector continues to grow its understanding of where to adapt and respond. To drive change and leadership from the business community, the ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies was started by UNDRR in 2015 as the mechanism to support the private sector to become a key partner in reducing disaster risk. It has grown to over 580 members and 30 networks across the world. As an outcome of the midterm review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Reduction, there is a need and appetite to increase engagement and learn lessons to effect change in how the private sector invests in a risk-informed sustainable future. The consultancy is focused on supporting the development of BCPs within a project to strengthen the disaster resilience of SMEs across different cities. Responsibilities Reporting to the head of the Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement Unit and working under the supervision of the programme manager, the consultant will be required to perform the following tasks: 1. Conduct a desk review of BCP tools available in connection to the objectives of UNDRR´s project to strengthen the disaster resilience of SMEs across different cities. 2. Implement an analysis demonstrating how the proposed methodology is compatible with relevant ISO standards (e.g. IS 22301). 3. Demonstrate how the methodology developed is interconnected with relevant UNDRR supported tools (e.g. the Resilience Maturity Assessment tool, Business Resilience Toolkit, Resilience in a Box, etc.). 4. Develop a methodology for businesses to prepare their novel BCPs within the context of the project considering business continuity for disaster and climate resilience, the methodology should include adequate resources such as a proto-type, templates, guidance notes for businesses and trainers, notes on how to integrate the BCP to management systems. 5. Secure that the methodology accommodates for adjustment to local contexts; for example, by incorporating city-specific components, compatibility with pre-existing tools, guides or other materials on DRR relevant to the cities of Sendai (Japan), Barcelona (Spain), and Bridgetown (Barbados). 6. Develop guidance on how to digitize the tool (i.e. ability to make the tool available online as a public good). 7. Consult with SMEs and conduct pilot testing with end users (as feasible) and incorporate feedback into the BCP methodology.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree in sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, business management, economic development, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with a minimum of 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience and project references in the area of disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, climate change, business administration or a related field is required; Experience in business continuity management and business resilience is required; Experience developing business continuity plans (BCP) is required; Experience running consultations and policy development processes with the private and/or public sector is desirable; Experience using digital information and communication technologies is desirable; Experience evaluating information needs and to provide appropriate and targeted information accordingly is desirable; Experience in the private sector is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language 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.