Result of Service

Through this consultancy, UNDRR and the partners of the initiative aim to have a better understanding about the current state of Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS) throughout Latin America and the Caribbean which will subsequently support implementation of the EW4All initiative in the region and contribute to achieving the collective priorities identified by signatories to the MOU signed between the European Union and leading regional and national actors.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

02.12.24 – 31.03.25

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), UNDRR has over 150 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 by working with the U.N. Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the science and technology community. The Americas and the Caribbean is the second-most disaster-prone region in the world. Between 2005 and 2023, the region experienced one out of four global disasters and accounted for approximately 58% of economic losses due to disasters of diverse origins. During this period, more than 80 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean were affected by disasters and climate change is already exacerbating this situation. Additionally, the region faces socio-economic challenges such as economic and political crises, inequality, unplanned urbanization and environmental degradation, which increase vulnerability and losses associated with these events. The Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, released in 2023, recognizes progress made in promoting a multi-sectoral approach to DRR and in the development of policies and plans accordingly. The review calls for increased support from countries in the region in areas such as the integration of climate change with DRR, the use of fiscal instruments for DRR investment and the implementation of nature-based solutions. It emphasizes the promotion of capacities for interdisciplinary, integrated and multi-sectoral assessment and planning and prioritizes decision-making processes informed by risk and calls for enhanced support for the implementation of the Gender Action Plan and the Early Warnings for All initiative. Early Warnings for All Initiative (EW4All) To be effective, early warning systems need to be risk-informed, multi-hazard, multi-sectorial, target communities most at risk, disseminate messages and warnings efficiently, ensure preparedness, and support early action. Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) include four pillars: 1) disaster risk knowledge; 2) observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting of hazards; 3) warning dissemination and communication; 4) preparedness and response capabilities. The four pillars of MHEWS need a governance architecture enabling interactions among those responsible and involved for each of the components, framing their implementation within the overall disaster risk management (DRM) governance mechanisms. Multi-sector and multi-stakeholder coordination, involvement of communities at risk, having an enabling institutional and legislative environment, clear roles and responsibilities, and adequate operational capacities, are essential for effective and consistent MHEWS. The EW4All Executive Action Plan outlines the initial actions deemed necessary to achieve universal coverage of multi-hazard early warning systems within five years and sets out the pathway to implementation. These initial steps include: 1. Mapping of actors (and MHEWS elements and initiatives); 2. Carry out national consultative workshop (s); 3. Gap identification and analysis for each of the four pillars, in addition to the interpillar on governance; 5. Develop a nationally defined implementation plan to close the identified gaps; and 6. Creation or strengthening of a national governance mechanism. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean intergovernmental entities and countries In May 2024, the European Union and regional and national DRM throughout Latin America and the Caribbean signed an MOU on Comprehensive DRM, with the ultimate aim of strengthening the partnership between the EU and the LAC region in the areas of the DP and DRM triggered by disasters induced by both natural and human induced hazards, as also exacerbated by climate change. Synergies and complementarities will be sought with the EU longer-term operations in the region which have also contributed to the development of DRR in the Americas, in areas of social protection, climate risk management and community resilience. The specific areas of cooperation outlined in the MOU text include: 1. Support the strengthening of national and/or subregional response capacities in case of emergencies and disasters; 2. Promote actions to strengthen the prevention, preparedness, response and early recovery capacities inter alia through risk information and knowledge, community preparedness, detection and monitoring of risks, and multi-hazard early warning systems, including through the United Nations Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All initiative; and 3. Promote the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and good practices in the area of comprehensive disaster risk management through regional mechanisms and cooperation frameworks. The consultant will be home-based and will be under the supervision of the Regional Coordinator for Early Warning for All at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean (ROAC). The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: • In consultation with inter-governmental organizations, national counterparts compile an inventory of early warning systems in each country in the region (at sub regional and national levels). For each case review: o Type(s) of EWS o Associated hazards addressed by EWS o Warning based on hazard or impact o EWS governance status o Status across each of the 4 pillars plus interpillar on governance o Key EWS gaps and implementation needs • As part of information gathering, conduct virtual workshops, surveys and interviews with key actors

Qualifications/special skills

Advance university degree in disaster risk reduction, climate change, sustainable development, or other related areas is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least four (4) years of experience in disaster risk reduction or early warning systems is required. Work experience with international, regional and national stakeholders in areas of disaster risk management, climate change and early warning systems is required. Experience with information management systems is desirable. Experience in the development and/or use of impact-based forecasts is desirable.

Languages

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

Additional Information

Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. *FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*. UNDRR values diversity among its staff. We welcome applications from qualified women, men, and people with disabilities.

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.