Scoping paper on lightning hazard and risk assessment Consultant

Result of ServiceDevelopment of a scoping paper (in English), aimed to inform the national DRR strategy and guiding national research priorities, which identifies progress, gaps and challenges regarding lightning hazard and risk assessment in Haiti. The scoping paper aims to advance risk knowledge, targeted to early warning systems, in Haiti. Work LocationHome based Expected duration4 months 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 (DRR). 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. In November 2022, the UN Secretary-General launched the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative to advance efforts to protect everyone in the world by the end-to-end Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS). UNDRR, together with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), leads the global coordination of the EW4ALL in close collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This initiative aims to ensure that all people everywhere are protected by early warning systems by 2027. As per the United Nations Secretary-General's Executive Action Plan, EW4ALL is based upon the following four pillars: Pillar 1: Disaster Risk Knowledge and Risk Management (led by UNDRR), Pillar 2: Detection, Observations, 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). Early warning systems (EWS) for lightning in the Caribbean are essential tools to reduce fatalities, injuries, and economic losses caused by frequent and intense thunderstorms in the region. Given the Caribbean’s high vulnerability due to outdoor livelihoods, tourism, and critical infrastructure exposure, EWS for lightning must integrate real-time detection networks, weather radar, satellite data, and predictive models to provide timely alerts. These systems enable authorities, businesses, and communities to implement protective actions, such as halting outdoor activities and safeguarding equipment. Strengthening local capacity, communication channels, and public awareness are key to ensuring that warnings reach at-risk populations effectively, ultimately enhancing resilience against lightning hazards in this highly exposed region. Lightning strikes in Haiti frequently result in serious casualties, with multiple lives lost during intense thunderstorms. In September 2018, five individuals were struck by lightning in Belladère’s Central Plateau. The region’s elevated terrain makes it particularly vulnerable to such incidents. Beyond personal harm, lightning has repeatedly damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted community services. These documented episodes underscore Haiti’s ongoing struggle with lightning-related casualties and the urgent need for improved early-warning systems, public education, and protective infrastructure. In this regard, the selected candidate will develop a scoping paper to increase risk knowledge about lighting in Haiti, aligned with the activities included in the national EW4All’s implementation plan. The supervision from UNDRR will be the responsibility of the Risk Knowledge Officer of the Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean (ROAC). Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in civil engineering, climate change, disaster risk management, 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 five (5) years of experience in the areas of disaster risk assessment, early warning systems, or risk assessment relevant to early warning systems and disaster prevention is required. Experience with hazards analyses and mapping, exposure characterization, vulnerability analysis or weather forecasting, and monitoring, is required. Experience with information management systems, including GIS, and with hazard assessment and mapping is desirable. Experience with at least one major government institution or international organization working on early warning/early action, disaster risk reduction/risk knowledge is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French and 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.