Training Consultant

Result of ServiceUNDRR is developing an in-person and virtual training programme designed to equip a cadre of facilitators and implementors with the knowledge and skills required to apply the AER methodology themselves. The training will combine simulations, case studies and interactive exercises to strengthen both technical expertise and facilitation capacity, while flexible online modalities will expand access across regions. Through this capacity-building effort, countries will be better positioned to apply AERs systematically and consistently, thereby generating rapid, evidence-based assessments that support the objectives of the EW4All initiative and contribute to the development of more effective, inclusive and trusted early warning systems. Work LocationRemote Expected duration01/11/25 - 28/02/26 Duties and ResponsibilitiesEstablished 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), UNDRR has over 150 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, 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 (EWS) are widely recognized as one of the most effective measures for reducing disaster risk, saving lives and minimizing losses when hazards occur. To accelerate global progress, the United Nations Secretary-General launched the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative in 2022 with the objective of ensuring that every person on Earth is protected by life-saving early warning systems by 2027. The initiative is structured around a four-pillar framework of risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting, dissemination and communication, and preparedness and response led respectively by UNDRR, WMO, ITU and IFRC. In 2025, the Inter-Pillar Technical Coordination Group has called for a “sprint mode” of implementation, which prioritizes the deployment of methodologies that can assess the overall performance and effectiveness of EWS and generate evidence to inform improvements. Within this context, the After-Event Review (AER) has emerged as a key methodology for iterative learning and improvement of EWS. The AER provides a structured learning process to examine what was expected to happen before/during a hazardous event, what actually occurred, why it happened and how systems can be improved. It captures lessons learned, identifies good practices and highlights gaps across the EWS value cycle from hazard detection and risk analysis to warning dissemination, and community preparedness and response. By translating findings into actionable recommendations, the AER enables governments and stakeholders to continuously strengthen their EWS and enhance public trust in them. To institutionalize this approach, UNDRR is developing an in-person and virtual training programme designed to equip a cadre of facilitators and implementors with the knowledge and skills required to apply the AER methodology themselves. The training will combine simulations, case studies and interactive exercises to strengthen both technical expertise and facilitation capacity, while flexible online modalities will expand access across regions. Through this capacity-building effort, countries will be better positioned to apply AERs systematically and consistently, thereby generating rapid, evidence-based assessments that support the objectives of the EW4All initiative and contribute to the development of more effective, inclusive and trusted early warning systems. Duties and Responsibilities: This consultancy is home-based. Under the supervision of the EW4All Programme Management Officer, Risk Knowledge, Monitoring and Capacity Development Branch (RKB), and in consultation with the EW4All Global Pillar Leads (WMO, ITU, and IFRC), the consultant will undertake the following: A. Training Design 1. Review existing AER methodological guidance, UNDRR training practices, learning methods. 2. Develop a modular curriculum (core & optional modules) suitable for both in-person (3 days) and virtual (6–8 sessions) delivery; 3. Integrate modules on trauma-informed, neutral and constructive dialogue in reviews as well as ethics, confidentiality and do no-harm principles 4. Ensure training is interactive using case studies, group work, simulations, role-plays, mock AER facilitation B. Training Package Development 1. Prepare a. Participant manual/handbook comprised of core (AER methodology; planning, data collection, analysis of EAR; translating findings into actionable recommendations) as well as specialized modules (facilitating politically/emotionally-sensitive discussions; ethical and do no-harm approaches; communication and diplomacy skills; institutional learning) b. Facilitator guide (session notes, timing, facilitation tips); c. Presentation slides; d. Practical exercises on the timeline analysis, root cause analysis, recommendation planning matrix, etc.; e. Templates (TORs, stakeholder mapping, checklists, reporting formats). 2. Ensure accessibility and usability in low-resource contexts C. Piloting 1. Deliver one in-person pilot training (3 days, ~20 participants) in coordination with UNDRR and partners; 2. Deliver one virtual pilot training (6–8 online sessions); 3. Collect feedback via pre/post-training surveys, participant reflections, and debriefs. D. Finalization and Handover 1. Revise the training package based on feedback from pilots; 2. Produce a final, ready-to-use AER Training Package; 3. Provide recommendations for scaling up training (regional roll-outs, ToT models) Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in disaster risk reduction, emergency management, social sciences or related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with a minimum of 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least 7 years of professional experience in DRR, EWS, evaluations, and training design is required. Experience in developing and delivering training packages for UN, governments, or humanitarian partners is required. Experience in facilitation methods (adult learning, participatory exercises, online learning, etc.) is desirable. Familiarity with AER, PERC, and other post-event review methodologies is desirable. LanguagesFluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. 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.