Consultant – Implementation Lead for Business Continuity and Private Sector Resilience

Result of ServiceThe business continuity planning initiative is successfully implemented across five economic sectors in Barbados, with at least 45 MSMEs supported in improving their BCPs. Workshops and training activities are delivered, communication materials are developed, impact stories and MHEWS case studies are documented, and a regional roadmap for private sector resilience is produced in coordination with key stakeholders. Work LocationBarbados Expected duration7 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground Created 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 160 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 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 recognizes the private sector as a key stakeholder in building resilience and reducing disaster risk. It calls for the integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) into business models and practices, particularly for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which are often the most vulnerable to disruptions. Business continuity planning (BCP) is a critical tool that enables companies to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, while contributing to broader national and regional resilience objectives. In the Caribbean, and particularly in Barbados, the private sector—especially MSMEs—faces significant exposure to natural hazards and climate-related risks. Disasters have repeatedly disrupted supply chains, damaged infrastructure, and caused long-term economic setbacks. Despite their central role in the economy, many MSMEs lack the tools and resources to prepare for and recover from such events. Strengthening their capacity through tailored BCPs is essential to safeguarding livelihoods, protecting investments, and ensuring continuity of services during crises. This consultancy is part of a broader initiative led by UNDRR in partnership with the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), building on activities and products developed throughout 2024 and 2025. The project is being implemented in three cities—Sendai, Barcelona, and Bridgetown—as part of a global effort to localize DRR strategies and promote private sector engagement. In Barbados, the project has established a strong foundation through collaboration with BCCI and other stakeholders, and this consultancy will contribute to the next phase of implementation, including the development of sector-specific BCP templates, impact documentation, and regional knowledge exchange. A preparatory regional workshop, co-designed with Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM), and a virtual session to share Caribbean experiences on business continuity are also planned as part of this effort. This consultancy will specifically support the development and practical implementation of these activities, ensuring effective engagement with MSMEs and other key stakeholders. Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Economic Affairs Officer, coordinate with UNDRR, BCCI, and other stakeholders to ensure timely execution. Maintain updated records of activities, risks, and progress. Support the preparation of consolidated project reports. Engage with at least 45 MSMEs to participate in BCP improvement activities. Conduct field visits to assess current BCP status and provide tailored support in some of those enterprises. Facilitate at least three support online sessions per enterprise. Document the progress and improvements of MSMEs’ BCPs. Lead the customization and pilot testing of BCP templates developed for five prioritized sectors. Collect and consolidate feedback on the sector-Specific BCP Templates from SMEs and sector representatives. Coordinate the finalization and formatting of adapted templates based on implementation feedback, ensuring user-friendliness. Lead the identification of five MSMEs with significant BCP improvements and conduct comprehensive interviews and documentation gathering (photos, quotes, testimonials). Draft compelling impact stories based on gathered information, ensuring alignment with project objectives and coordinating closely with UNDRR Communications Team. Organize and facilitate all workshops, including logistics, invitations, and materials. Coordinate the Training of Trainers (ToT) for at least 10 facilitators. Adapt and develop content for brochures, flyers, scripts, and other outreach materials for specific target audiences Manage the production process, including coordination with designers and printers, ensuring alignment with project branding and messaging. Ensure alignment with project branding and messaging. Maintain regular contact with BCCI and other associations. Lead the outreach and mobilization of MSMEs Document engagement activities and outcomes. Document at least five cases of private sector involvement in Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) in the Caribbean. Conduct consultations with strategic sectors (e.g., telecommunications, aviation) to understand their role in MHEWS. Engage with Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) networks and other private sector actors to gather insights. Draft communication materials for SMEs highlighting the value of MHEWS in protecting businesses. Lead the practical development and compilation of content for the regional roadmap for private sector engagement in DRR and supply chain resilience, incorporating strategic guidance from UNDRR Draft the concept note and agenda for a preparatory regional workshop in coordination with CARICHAM. Organize and facilitate a virtual session to share Caribbean experiences on business continuity. Coordinate stakeholder consultations and integrate feedback. Collect and organize all tools, templates, reports, and materials used throughout the project. Ensure proper archiving and accessibility. Assist with preparing the final project documentation package. Qualifications/special skillsA first-level university degree in business administration, project management, disaster risk reduction, environmental studies, communications, or a related field is required. A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in project implementation, coordination, or field-level support related to business continuity, disaster risk reduction, or private sector or related community resilience initiatives development is required. Familiarity with the Caribbean region, particularly Barbados, and its private sector landscape is required. Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and interact with diverse stakeholders, is required. Proven experience in direct engagement with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) or similar community-based organizations, including conducting field visits, providing practical technical assistance, or facilitating capacity-building workshops, is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required for this consultancy. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language 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.