Consultant for Strengthening Risk Knowledge in Haiti at the Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM)

Result of ServiceEnhanced coordination and implementation of Haiti’s risk knowledge for multi-hazard early warning systems, including improved institutional mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, and data interoperability, leading to strengthened capacity for multi-hazard risk assessment, timely alerts, and proactive responses, ultimately contributing to disaster resilience and sustainable development. Work LocationPort-au-Prince, Haiti Expected duration5 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesCreated in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) serves as the designated focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating efforts to reduce disasters and fostering synergies among UN disaster reduction activities, regional organizations, and activities in both developed and developing countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG/ASG), UNDRR has a team of over 150 staff members based at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and across regional offices. The office guides, monitors, analyzes, and reports on progress in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. It supports regional and national efforts to implement the Framework, catalyzing actions and raising global awareness to reduce disaster risk through collaboration with UN Member States and a broad range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the science and technology community. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sendai Framework underscore the vital importance of strengthening early warning systems to bolster resilience against crises and disasters, thereby advancing sustainable development. Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) play an essential role in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation by providing timely, accurate alerts to vulnerable communities, helping to mitigate the impacts of dangerous events. For these systems to be effective, they must encompass all types of risks, prioritize the most exposed populations, ensure efficient communication channels, and foster proactive responses. They should be grounded in scientific and technical knowledge while focusing on the needs of vulnerable individuals and sectors, adopting a systemic approach that considers all relevant risk factors. In November 2022, the UN Secretary-General launched the Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative, aiming to advance efforts to protect everyone worldwide through comprehensive, end-to-end Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS). UNDRR, in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), leads the global coordination of EW4ALL, working closely with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The initiative aims to ensure that all people, everywhere, are protected by early warning systems by 2027. According to the UN Secretary-General's Executive Action Plan, EW4ALL is structured around four pillars: Pillar 1—Disaster Risk Knowledge and Risk Management (led by UNDRR), Pillar 2—Detection, Observation, Monitoring, Analysis, and Forecasting of Hazards (led by WMO), Pillar 3—Warning Dissemination and Communication (led by ITU), and Pillar 4—Preparedness to Respond (led by IFRC). An inter-pillar governance mechanism supports sustainability and clarifies roles and mandates across these components. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is supporting Haiti in enhancing its disaster risk governance, particularly focusing on establishing an effective, inclusive, and legally supported Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS) and strengthening governance frameworks for disaster risk management and climate change adaptation. The initiative aims to address identified gaps in legislation, coordination, capacity, and operational mechanisms to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance disaster preparedness and resilience. Haiti, in particular, launched this initiative in November 2023 after conducting consultations to identify gaps within its multi-hazard early warning system. The analysis focused on four key pillars: risk knowledge, observation and forecasting, alert dissemination, and preparedness and response. It highlighted the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach that involves active community participation and a supportive institutional environment. Given Haiti’s vulnerability to geological, hydrological, and meteorological hazards—exacerbated by socio-economic challenges such as poverty and inequality—the development of a robust early warning system is crucial. The country has established a National Disaster Risk Management System (NDRMS) and a corresponding plan for 2019–2030, with the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGCP) overseeing the Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS). While this system aims to anticipate threats and enable rapid responses, further strengthening is necessary to effectively address the complex risks faced by Haiti. To enhance Haiti’s early warning capabilities, a strategic roadmap for MHEWS implementation from 2025 to 2030 has been developed. This plan intends to improve all aspects of the system—from risk knowledge to communication and response—by prioritizing actions aligned with the Sendai Framework’s objectives. Supported by both national and international stakeholders—including UN agencies, civil society, and development partners—the roadmap emphasizes a coordinated, multi-sectoral, and community-centered approach. Its success depends on effective governance, resource mobilization, and tailored interventions that address Haiti’s specific vulnerabilities, ultimately aiming to save lives, protect property, and foster sustainable development, In this context, the selected candidate will focus on supporting activities related to Pillar 1, particularly coordination among national institutions, international projects, agencies, and the private sector when needed. The consultant will liaise with the national EW4ALL in-country focal point and coordinate the work of national consultants within each identified institution—namely DGCP, UHM (Hydrometeorological Unit of Haiti), and CNIGS (Centre National de l'Information Géo-Spatiale). Supervision from UNDRR will be provided by the Risk Knowledge Officer at Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean (ROAC). Duties and Responsibilities - Development of the legal framework and technical terms of reference for integrating the DTS system and the “haitidata.org” database with hydrometeorological information from the “Meteo-Climat-Hydro” (MCH) database of UHM. - Development of procedures and operational protocols - Definition of the minimum and sufficient observation network required for risk assessment and real-time monitoring, to complement satellite data, in coordination with CNIGS and DGCP. This will be based on the existing UHM and CNIGS networks, ensuring site security, operational robustness, sustainability, and alignment with identified high-risk areas. - Support to UHM management in activities directly or indirectly related to improving risk knowledge. Qualifications/special skillsAcademic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in civil engineering, climate change, information and data management, disaster risk management, hydrology, meteorology, or a related discipline is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least two (2) years of experience in the areas of hydrology, meteorology, disaster risk reduction or information management systems is required. Experience with information management systems, including GIS, and with hazard assessment and mapping is desired. Familiarity with Haitian institutional context, data environments, and relevant stakeholders (e.g., DGCP, UHM, MHEWS, National Office of Statistics) is desirable. Experience working independently and collaboratively within multi-stakeholder environments is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable. Additional InformationDue 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 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.