Consultant for strengthening early warning systems

Result of ServiceA model flag- based early warning system is designed and successful completion of the first phase of the flag-based early warning systems. Work LocationSolomon Islands Expected duration10 Sept- 25 Dec 2025 Duties and ResponsibilitiesCreated 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 150 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 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. Early warning systems should be people-centred, end-to-end, multi-hazard, trusted and accessible to all. They should consider the unique needs and capacities of different groups, including persons with disabilities and those living in vulnerable situations. The Government of Solomon Islands has made a tremendous progress and investment to strengthen early warning systems. Gender and disability are integrated and referenced in the national disaster management plans and strategies, however, implementing them in the field remains challenging. 14% of Solomon Islands’ population has disability according to the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office’s population census 2009. Persons with disabilities are more likely to be injured or affected during the disasters. To support the disability inclusive early warning systems, UNDRR jointly the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS), the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the Disabled People’s Association of Solomon Islands (PWDSI) is planning to establish flag-based early warning systems in Solomon Islands. This initiative aims to enhance accessible, inclusive, and end-to-end early warnings for persons with disabilities in the Solomon Islands. planning to existing early warning services and products to ensure that they are accessible, useful, and actionable by the persons with disabilities. Duties and Responsibilities The consultant will work under the supervision of Programme Management Officer at UNDRR Pacific Subregional and will closely coordinate with the Disabled People’s Association of Solomon Islands (PWDSI), the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS), and the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO). The consultant will undertake following duties: - Provide project management and relevant administrative support, including planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting for flag-based early warning systems (EWS) - Coordinate and collaborate with the Disabled People’s Association of Solomon Islands and the Meteorological Services in supporting the development of model flag-based EWS. - Provide technical support and quality assurance to local service providers in the design of a model flag-based Early Warning System (EWS).Support the design and facilitation of capacity building sessions on inclusive early warning systems and inclusive disaster management - Support coordination with a range of stakeholders, including UN agencies, international and national organizations, the private sector engagement on early warning. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree in business administration, social sciences, public administration, disaster risk management or related field is required. A first-level university degree with at least 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Minimum 7 years of experience in the areas of project management, early warning systems, disaster risk management, resilience, or public administration and related field in Solomon Islands is required. Work experience with relevant national and sub-national stakeholders in Solomon Islands is required. Experience in project management is desirable. LanguagesFluency in English is required. Additional InformationDue to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. No FeeTHE 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.