Disaster Data Specialist

Result of ServiceThe country has a strengthen disaster information management system and improve the Sendai framework monitoring report. Disaster data is consolidated and a coordination mechanism is functional for enabling the collection, analyse and use of disaster data. Work LocationSeychelles Expected duration4months 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 risk reduction (DRR) activities of the United Nations (UN) and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. 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. DRR is of critical importance both for development and humanitarian action, and the Sendai Framework links these domains in activities related to disaster preparedness, early warning, recovery and ‘build back better’. Through the United Nations Plan of Action on Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience, UNDRR plays a leadership role in integrating DRR across the UN system and supports bridging of development and humanitarian communities. Through the UN Plan of Action, the UN System commits to strengthen its joint ability ‘to effectively support national and local communities in early warning, preparedness, response and recovery’ (Result 2.2). UNDRR promotes the generation and application of information produced through disaster loss and damage data for open access by Governments and UN-partners for enhancing evidence-based decision making. The analysis of data collected consistently enhances access to quality information on hazards, exposure and vulnerability essential for informed planning and effective response. UNDRR supports this endeavor with the help of three connected tools: DesInventar that is becoming Disaster Tracking system, a harmonized disaster loss and damage database; the Sendai Framework Monitor (SFM), a global reporting tool for member states tracking periodically their progress on the Sendai Framework implementation; and the Risk Information Exchange (RiX), a living repository of open-source global, regional and national risk data. The consultant will support the government of Seychelles in managing disaster data, with a focus on the consolidation and use of disaster loss and damage data to support disaster risk reduction actions, mainly early warnings and early actions. This work involves consultations and coordination with national institutions working on collecting, consolidating, treating and using disaster data. Key outcomes of this consultancy include the consolidation of disaster data, a coordination mechanism for disaster data from the collection to the use with a clear identification of technical assistance needs; support in the rollout of the new Disaster tracking system in the country; and the development of follow up support strategies with government, development, and humanitarian partners. The consultant will report remotely to the Programme Management Officer at the Regional Office for Africa, under the overall supervision of the Early Warning and Risk Knowledge Coordinator. Duties and Responsibilities The consultant will work in close collaboration with national institutions to evaluate and identify opportunities to enhance production, access and use of disaster loss and damage data in collaboration with current initiatives. In coordination with agencies and stakeholders, the consultant will carry out the following activities: A. Understanding the current institutional landscape of disaster loss and damage data management 1. Collect and analyse existing policies, institutional frameworks and identify stakeholders involved in managing disaster data; 2. Conduct an inventory of current disaster loss and damage data quality and accessibility, including data sources, data collection and management mechanisms, and data-sharing or exchange protocols; 3. Evaluate the information management platforms and tools used by government agencies from data collection, storage and analysis to access and use; 4. Carry out a quick assessment of the technical and human resources capacities of national institutions involved in managing disaster data in order to assess the maturity of the country to collect and use disaster data; 5. Understand and highlight the current use of disaster loss and damage data in early warning systems and early action frameworks. B. Development of a workplan and capacity building plan for enhancing the consistency in collecting disaster loss and damage data and managing the existing data 1. Propose or review a workplan that, among others, i) takes into account the existing framework mentioning the roles, responsibilities, and collaboration mechanisms for stakeholders as well as the reinforcement necessary, ii) mentions the review of the standards, protocols, and guidelines for the collection, management, sharing, and use of disaster loss and damage data to ensure consistency, and accessibility; 2. Develop a capacity-building plan to enhance the technical and institutional capacities of national institutions in managing disaster loss and damage data for decision making and reporting to regional and global platforms; 3. Establish a monitoring and evaluation system to assess the effectiveness of the proposed actions, the sustainability of the disaster tracking system and ensure continuous improvement, reporting to SFM and uploading data into DesInventar. C. Other tasks 1. Perform other duties to support the successful planning and implementation of DRR and disaster loss and damage, Risk Knowledge Work involves frequent interaction with DRR stakeholders, counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in national government institutions and specialized bodies, UN specialized agencies at national and sub-national levels. Institutional Arrangements Women candidates are encouraged to apply. The consultant is expected to i) provide a work plan for the consultancy period; ii) submit monthly progress reports in addition to specific deliverables (e.g., assessment report, guidelines, etc), and iii) participate in relevant technical and coordination meetings. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in areas relevant to disaster risk reduction, early warning, meteorology, geomatics, or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least 5 years of experience in the areas of disaster risk reduction, disaster loss and damage management or relevant humanitarian or development is required. Experience national context on DRR/DRM is required. Experience in information management, data analysis, statistics, and post disaster loss and damage assessment is desirable. Experience in the UN or any other similar international organization related to disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, response and recovery is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English and French 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.