Consultant

Vacancy number: ISDR/C/26/2011

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for diversity

Background

UNISDR is the secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction. It was created in December 1999 and is part of the UN Secretariat with the purpose of ensuring the implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction. Governments around the world have committed to take action to reduce disaster risk, and have adopted a guideline to reduce vulnerabilities to natural hazards, the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015. Its thrusts are: to make disaster risk reduction (DRR) a priority; know the risks and take action; build understanding and awareness; reduce risk; and get prepared and ready to act.

The work of UNISDR supports those objectives, by helping obtain commitment from public authorities to implement disaster reduction policies and actions; stimulating partnerships across disciplines and sectors to expand risk reduction networks; advocate, support public education about risk and risk reduction and stimulate the increase of scientific knowledge about risk and disaster impacts.

Objectives

The objectives for this consultancy are:

- To scope and report on existing networks and communities of practice within the wider disaster risk reduction, climate change and development field, as part of a larger review of best practice and trend in engaging multi-stakeholders, in particular civil society organizations.
- To review and recommend mechanisms by which knowledge and information about what is happening locally and nationally can be discussed (interactive dialogue), captured, stored and disseminated. This should enable learning within and across civil society communities, practitioners and partners; and the transfer of effective practice.
- To identify networks and communities of practice that link to other policy processes ( for example Rio+20 Earth Summit and Climate Change Conference of the parties), as well as those that could link to the implementation and consultation process in the lead of the post Hyogo Framework for Action; and ISDR Global and Regional Platforms.

Output

Produce a report that will result in three focused options

- The first option will look at new ways to make networks and communities of practice “accessible” to multi-stakeholder groups, offering recommendations for an online platform - especially for civil society organizations.
- The second option will be tailored and structured around Prevention Web or UNISDR website tools for networks and communities.
- The third option will explore partnering with an existing network or community of practice and sharing the responsibility for its maintenance.

Each option will identify the technical, resources (financial and human) and practical implications to effectively provide a functional and successful system that stakeholders would engage with, and most importantly that would be sustainable.

Competencies

Professionalism

- Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Communication

- Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Qualifications

Education

- Advanced university degree advanced degree in Social Science, Information Management, Communication, International Studies or related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

- A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in Knowledge Management or related areas.

Language

- Fluency in oral and written English.

Other

- Knowledge and experience in stakeholder consultation requirements.