Disaster Risk Management Expert

Result of ServiceUpon completion of the consultancy, the outcome of the guideline and the strategy based on current status and projections; will show how the sustainable urban development is to be directed and what governance actions will be needed both in disaster risk management and informal settlements transformation, will assist in giving priority to issues that require immediate action by the SADC member states with the support of UN-Habitat. The guideline and strategy will be fair and transparent in defining the future and willingness to contribute towards the future of disaster risk management and response as well as informal settlements’ transformation in the region. Work LocationGaborone, Botswana Expected duration7 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Setting The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-HABITAT helps the urban poor by transforming cities into safer, healthier, greener places with better opportunities where everyone can live with dignity. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society, and the private sector to help build, manage, plan and finance sustainable urban development. Background UN-Habitat Regional Office for Africa (ROAf) established a structure of four sub-regional offices (East/West/Central/South) to strengthen UN-Habitat presence in sub-regional/country level by engaging sub-regional/country level coordination and activities including the UNCTs, the UN AFPs initiatives, governments, donors, development partners, sub-regional entities and any other relevant dialogues. UN-Habitat Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa covers 13 countries including South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, and Mauritius; and the SADC (South African Development Community) secretariat based in Botswana; and providing substantive assistance to the country level as well as sub-regional level. The SADC region is vulnerable to a range of natural and human induced/man-made hazards, and continues to experience an increase in the frequency, magnitude and impact of drought and flood events (amongst others). The Disaster Risk Management Strengthening in the SADC (DRMSS) aims to contribute to the reduction of the impacts of these hazards, to strengthen disaster risk management and the regional capacity for preparedness and response as well as to contribute to increased resilience. Furthermore, urban areas accommodated 43% of the population, which is predicted to surpass 70% by 2050, as acknowledged by the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). On average, almost half of the urban population lives in informal settlements with varied limited access to essential services, infrastructure and tenure security. The Regional Strategy for the Accelerated Transformation of Informal Settlements in the SADC is meant to provide a guiding framework that appreciates the complexities associated with informality and urban conditions in Southern Africa and promotes a coherent and integrated approach within the SADC development framework. The post is to provide technical support for the development of Disaster Risk Management guidelines for the SADC region under the project entitled “Disaster Risk Management Strengthening in The Southern African Development Community” and implement the SADC/UN-Habitat Joint Action Plan 2025-27 including the development of the SADC Regional Strategy for Transformation of Informal Settlements. Reporting Line The Project Development Expert work under the supervision of the Head of UN-Habitat Sub Regional Office for Southern Africa. The Consultant will work closely with the technical, the operation and the field project teams for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/project-related issues, and communications. Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of UN-Habitat Sub Regional Office for Southern Africa, and/or his/her designate, the Consultant will be responsible for the following duties: Duties and responsibilities 1. Disaster Risk Reduction Mainstreaming Guidelines for resilient urban planning and development • Communicate/coordinate with the SADC member states in close cooperation with SADC Secretariat on DRR • Conduct desk review for the existing legislation, policies, strategies and guidelines related to DRR in the member states • Lead the consultation process for the engagement of SADC member states • Develop Disaster Risk Reduction Mainstreaming Guidelines for resilient urban planning and development • Conduct virtual validation workshop for the DRR mainstreaming guidelines for resilient urban planning and development • Support and organize the print and publication of the DRR mainstreaming guidelines • Organize and conduct the training of trainer’s workshop in the guidelines developed above. 2. Risk informed Regional Strategy for the Transformation of Informal Settlements in the SADC member states • Communicate/coordinate with the SADC member states in close cooperation with SADC Secretariat • Conduct desk review for the existing legislation, policies, strategies and guidelines related to housing and informal settlements in the member states • Support the consultation process for the engagement of SADC member states • Support development of Regional Strategy for the Transformation of Informal Settlements in the SADC member states • Conduct validation workshop for the Regional Strategy for Transformation of Informal Settlements in the SADC member states • Contribute to the development of the Regional Action Plan for the implementation of the strategy Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Disaster Risk Management, Housing, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Management, or in a closely related field. A first level university degree in addition to five more years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the fields of sustainability of the built environment, resilience, housing, disaster risk reduction, disaster risk management or a related field. Knowledge of the SADC context is an advantage. Proven experience with the UN-Habitat, other UN agencies or international development agencies is regarded as an asset. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language would be an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. 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.