Disaster Risk Management Consultant

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Description

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The IADB is seeking a consultant to provide knowledge transfer to the GoBH on a conceptual framework and practical methodologies for analyzing the risk factors underlying the impact of disasters, including cascading and systemic risk to be carried out post-disaster based on the DRM Act.

The IDB’s Rural Development, Environment and Disaster Risk Management Division (CSD/RND) will be responsible for the coordination of this contract; the Division will also be technically responsible for the execution of this contract and for the approval of the deliverables prepared by the consultant.

What you’ll do:

The direct beneficiary of this consultancy, due to the nature of the deliverables, will be the DRM Authority, which has been established by the new DRM Act as the entity responsible for implementing the analysis of the underlying risk factors related to the impact of disasters. That is, the conceptual framework and practical methodology for the analysis of the underlying risk factors of disasters – the deliverable of this consultancy – should be handed over to the DRM Authority to be able to execute it on its own.

The process of product development through this consultancy will require the involvement of a wide range of related stakeholders/organizations. The DRM authorities will play the main role in coordinating with these GoBH bodies.

The framework of the analysis of the underlying risk factors must follow those set out in the DRM Act. In general, the context of the analysis of the underlying risk factors can be similar in context to the Forensic Investigations of Disasters (FORIN) proposed internationally, for example, by the UN (2024) or IRDR (2016). In a nutshell, FORIN is a method to examine a materialized/impacted disaster from a multidimensional perspective (i.e., social, economic, traditional, cultural, institutional and structural/physical), to analyze in depth the cause-and-effect cascading relationships between each factor, to draw lessons and identify priority actions to be taken in the future, as well as to reflect them in decision-making for the development of strategies, policies, plans, and instruments, thereby realizing the building of disaster/climate resilience in the future. In other words, the Underlying Risk Factor Analysis or FORIN is not only about examining the loss and damage due to disasters through quantified statistics/data but is also a way to provide a broader perspective by having a variety of stakeholders discussing, sharing and qualitatively analyzing based mainly on their experiences, then integrate/compile a wide range of opinions (or qualitative factors) on why disasters materialized. The Pressure and Release (PAR) Model by Wisner (2004) should be a useful reference for understanding the conceptual framework of the analysis of the underlying risk factors or FORIN.

The conceptual framework and practical methodology provided by the consultant should not be limited to existing statics/data, but (i) should be implemented by a wide range of participants taking into account their experiences and opinions, (ii) should respect the traditions and culture of the Bahamas, and (iii) should be a methodology that the GoBH (or DRM Authority) can implement on its own. Specifically, the methodology of implementing the analysis of the underlying risk factors or FORIN should include practical methods through workshops (utilizing datasets from past events such as the DaLA).

This consultancy uses a development process methodology that fully involves the GoBH stakeholders. That is, the consultant does not simply hand over the conceptual framework and practical methodology developed on paper to the GoBH, but rather facilitates discussions to incorporate the opinions and information from the GoBH that are necessary to develop these deliverables.

The consultant shall:

• Collect and analyze the literature necessary to develop the analysis of the underlying risk factors or FORIN conceptual framework. The consultant will select literature that can be used in The Bahamas, taking into account the social, cultural and governmental background of the country. The collected literature will be systematized and summarized, then submitted to the IDB/GoBH in a form that will be incorporated into the consultant’s inception report (which includes the work plan). At the same time, the inception report (including the summary of the literature review) will be presented to the GoBH/IDB in person.
• Develop a conceptual framework for the analysis of the underlying risk factors for The Bahamas through discussion/exchange of views with the GoBH, either in person or online. The draft conceptual framework will be presented to the IDB/GoBH in person or online. The final version, incorporating comments received there, will also be submitted to the IDB/GoBH.
• Develop a draft practical methodology based on the conceptual framework that can be operated by the DRM Authority. The development process should be carried out through discussions/participation with the GoBH. The draft methodology will be submitted to GoBH/IDB and its summary/overview will be presented in person or online. The consultant will then incorporate the comments received into the final version of the methodology.
• Conduct a face-to-face knowledge transfer seminar/workshop to detail the steps taken with existing datasets and hand over the conceptual framework and practical methodology to the GoBH. The consultant will also propose to the GoBH a medium to long term action plan for the technical acquisition necessary to operate the methodology in case of disasters. This action plan will include training in its use as well as practical simulation exercises.

What you’ll need: 

Education:

• Minimum Master’s Degree. Academic knowledge in disaster risk management, disaster response, recovery, or reconstruction is required.

Experience:

• At least 15 years of experience in disaster risk management, damage estimation, post-disaster damage and loss assessment, disaster response, recovery, and/or reconstruction.  

Languages:

• Proficiency in English written and oral.

Source: https://iadbcareers.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/disaster-risk-management-consultant-6585

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