Kiribati National EW4ALL Consultant

Result of ServiceThe national multi-hazard early warning systems roadmap has been developed for Kiribati. Work LocationTarawa, Kiribati Expected duration25 May-24 Oct 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. The Sustainable Development Goals and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 identify strengthened early warning systems (EWS) as a critical component of building resilience to disasters and crises and, by extension, contributing to sustainable development. EWS are key elements of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, as they help reduce or avoid the detrimental impacts of hazardous events. To be effective, EWS need to be risk-informed, target communities most at risk, disseminate messages and warnings efficiently, ensure preparedness and support early action. EWS include four pillars: 1) risk knowledge, 2) observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting, 3) warning dissemination and communication and 4) preparedness and response capabilities. As part of the Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative, the Government of Kiribati hosted a national consultation workshop on early warning and anticipatory action on 19-21 March 2025. The workshop represented a significant stride in country’s efforts to establish people-centred and multi-hazard early warning systems. The objective of the workshop was to take stock of needs, gaps and priority actions on EWS to develop a national multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) roadmap. The Government of Kiribati, under the leadership of its Office of the President (The Office of Te Beretitenti) and the Kiribati National Expert Group on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (KNEG) led the consultation process. More than 80 participants, including 33 Mayors and Clerks from 18 outer islands, representatives from the key government and non-government agencies, and development partners took part in the national workshop to identify key challenges, needs and priority areas for developing national multi-hazard and inclusive EWS. The workshop resulted in the initial draft of needs assessment which will be the basis for developing MHEWS roadmap. UNDRR Pacific Subregional Office is seeking to recruit an experienced national consultant to support the Government of Kiribati to design its national multi-hazard early warning systems roadmap. The incumbent will be based in Tarawa, Kiribati and work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer and in close coordination with the Office of the President. The national consultant will work closely with relevant government departments which are under the leadership of Office of the President and with EW4ALL partners, to undertake the following duties: • Work closely with the Kiribati Climate Change and Disaster Management Departments and the Kiribati Meteorological Service in Tarawa, Kiribati, and EW4ALL partners to advance the design of the national multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) roadmap. • Support the validation of MHEWS needs, gaps and priority activities through consultations with a wide range of EWS stakeholders in Kiribati, including different government agencies, mayors in outer islands, and non-government agencies. • Support the design and completion of the national MHEWS roadmap for Kiribati. • Support the government-designated national focal point(s) for EW4ALL in streamlining and promoting the initiative across line ministries, relevant coordination platforms including support to the design and running of consultation and trainings, support to undertake mapping/ stocktake of EWS in Kiribati and development of national EWS roadmap. • Support the coordination with a range of concerned stakeholders, including UN agencies, international and national organizations, the private sector and others, as part of the long-term process to harmonize and develop EWS initiatives in the country under the common EW4ALL. Qualifications/special skillsBachelor's Degree in Disaster Risk Management, Social Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, or related field is required. • Minimum two years of experience in the areas of early warning systems, disaster risk management, resilience, or public administration in Kiribati is required. • Work experience with relevant national and sub-national stakeholders in Kiribati is required. • Work experience in drafting strategic planning documents, reports and conducting consultations with stakeholders is desirable. LanguagesFluency in English and Gilbertese 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.