Duties and Responsibilities
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 140 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, 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. Effectively addressing the climate emergency requires robust mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk reduction (DRR) actions. Conversely, risk-blind planning can and, in certain instances, has given rise to new risks and maladaptation. Therefore, DRR must incorporate considerations of climate change, and climate action, including climate change adaptation (CCA), cannot succeed without seamless integration with DRR efforts. UNDRR prioritizes addressing the climate emergency through its Strategic Framework 2022-2025, emphasizing the integration of DRR and climate action. Comprehensive Risk Management (CRM) is holistic, aimed at avoiding, addressing, and reducing various risks associated with climatic and non-climatic hazards. It involves managing risks through near-, medium-, and long-term risk reduction and adaptation actions, fostering active collaboration among government institutions, non-state actors, and other stakeholders. By promoting risk assessment, capacity development, and policy alignment, CRM contributes to achieving the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). This study will focus on the last aspect by developing a policy landscape for the State of Pará and reviewing how a vertical integration with the national risk and disaster risk management plan (PNGRD), which is being drafted, together with a sectoral adaptation plan for DRR in Brazil should be accomplished. Despite significant progress in individual DRR and CCA initiatives, there remains a gap in the integration of these efforts at regional, national, subnational, and local scales across the Americas and the Caribbean. Enhancing policy coherence can lead to a more effective and efficient use of resources, enhanced resilience, and better outcomes for sustainable development. By conducting a detailed analysis of current policies and practices, this consultancy aims to identify gaps, opportunities, and pathways for strengthening the integration of DRR and CCA at the subnational level in Brazil, specifically in the State of Pará. Previous studies in regions such as the Caribbean, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific have demonstrated the benefits of such integrated approaches. These studies have identified key lessons and best practices that can be adapted and applied to other regions, including Brazil. The position as Comprehensive Risk Management for Enhancing Policy Coherence between Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) in the State of Pará, is home-based and coordinated through the UNDRR Regional Office of the Americas and the Caribbean in Panama, and the UNDRR Office in Bonn, Germany. The consultant will collaborate closely with technical experts and program officers at UNDRR, besides other relevant organizations. When required, the consultant might be asked to travel to the UNDRR offices for an in-person working session to review draft analyses and outputs.
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, climate change, disaster risk management, or a related discipline is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • A minimum of ten (10) years of proven experience in conducting comprehensive literature reviews, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations for policy and practice is required. • Experience with global climate change and disaster risk reduction frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework is required. • Previous experience in CRM implementation and a track record of engaging with diverse stakeholders across government, academia, and international organizations is desirable. • Experience in stakeholder engagement and consultation, including conducting interviews, surveys, and facilitating workshops or focus group discussions with diverse stakeholders at global, national, and subnational levels is desirable. Applicants for this consultancy are required to reside in Para State, Brazil and be authorized to work in Brazil. Please explain below.