Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems Consultant

Countries in the Pacific are vulnerable to a variety of natural hazards, many of which are caused of intensified by climate change, including floods, droughts and tropical cyclones. Others, including earthquakes and tsunamis, stem from geophysical processes but can have equally devastating impacts.These hazards cause serious disruptions to the developing states in the Pacific including human, material, economic and environmental losses. Increasingly, such events are also leading to population displacement and influencing patterns of migration, as affected communities are forced to relocate, temporarily or permanently, due to the destruction of homes, livelihoods, and essential services.  IOM recognizes that a natural hazard results in a disaster when the event exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. In line with IOM’s global institutional objective to drive solutions to displacement, the Organization works in partnership with governments across the Pacific to prioritize building communities’ resilience to minimize the impact of hazards, reduce displacement and create more conducive conditions enabling people to safely stay or move. IOM’s work includes the strengthening of disaster risk information, communications and messaging, and translating warnings into action at the local level. The Organization supports the Early Warnings For All (EW4ALL) initiative, as well with the Weather Ready Pacific to promote inclusive access to timely and actionable warnings across the Pacific. Against this backdrop, the consultant will provide technical review, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation of a regional peer-to-peer learning exchange in support of IOM’s project to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems in the three focus countries.

Deliverable 1: Preliminary Desktop Review Report

Timeline: July (15 days)

Output: A Preliminary EWS Review Report with mapping of key EWS Stakeholders and recent/ongoing interventions in the three focus countries 

Considerations: Conduct a comprehensive desktop review of EWS systems in Fiji, PNG, and Vanuatu. Analyze national and sub-national progress against the four EW4ALL pillars: (1) Risk Knowledge, (2) Monitoring & Forecasting, (3) Warning Dissemination, and (4) Preparedness & Response. Consolidate existing reports and assessments from IOM, government, UN agencies, and development partners. Identify and map stakeholders, key systems, assistance gaps and priority areas for EWS improvement. Based on this analysis, provide targeted recommendations for project interventions at both national and sub-national levels that align with IOM’s mandate and comparative advantage.

Deliverable 2: Validation and Consultations on Desktop Review

Timeline: August (8 days)

Output: Updated gap analysis in the EWS Review Report with consultation summaries

Considerations: Conduct in-person and/or remote consultations in Vanuatu, Fiji, and PNG focused on gaps and challenges. Validate findings from the preliminary review with national and local stakeholders. Participate in IOM-led trainings, simulations, and workshops as needed to inform the report. Update the report based on consultation feedback, confirming EWS gaps, priorities, and procurement needs.

Deliverable 3: Final EWS Situation Brief and Gap Analysis

Timeline: September (7 days)

Output: Consolidate deliverables 1 and 2 into a final EWS Situation Brief and Gap Analysis Report with recommendations.

Considerations: Develop EWS Situation Brief for Fiji, PNG, and Vanuatu. Finalize a cross-country comparative gap analysis aligned with EW4ALL and national DRR strategies. Include specific analysis on hazard coverage, warning systems integration, community-level outreach, and technology use. Layout of the report can be handled by IOM through a separately contracted graphic designer. This report will be used as the foundational document for the peer-to-peer learning exchange

Deliverable 4: Preparation for Regional Peer-to-Peer Learning Exchange

Timeline: September – November (10 days)

Output: Finalized Workshop Concept Note, Participant List, and Speaker Briefs.

Considerations: Draft a concept note for a regional peer exchange workshop, identifying focus topics and learning areas based on the final EWS Situation Brief and consultations with key stakeholders. Coordinate with government and non-government actors to guide the agenda and sessions.Identify and support the liaison with participants, presenters, and speakers relevant to EWS and DRR in the Pacific.

Deliverable 5: Facilitation and Reporting on Peer-to-Peer Exchange Workshop

Timeline: December (6 days)

Output: Workshop Report including session summaries, evaluations, and follow-up recommendations.

Considerations: Act as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) during the regional peer exchange. Provide facilitation support and ensure flow of the event. Work with IOM hired note takers to document key outcomes and develop a final report capturing insights, recommendations, and commitments made during the exchange.

Total Work time: 46 Working Days