About United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reductionis part of the United Nations system, working to promote international cooperation and address global challenges. As a UN entity, it contributes to the organization’s mission of maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting international cooperation in solving international problems and encouraging respect for human rights.

Job Summary

This consultancy provides an opportunity to contribute specialized expertise to United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s mission in international cooperation and sustainable development. Working in Panama, you will apply your professional skills to address complex challenges in international cooperation and sustainable development and support the organization’s programmatic objectives. This role offers the flexibility of consultancy work while contributing to meaningful international development outcomes with global impact.

Key Details

• Job Title:Risk Knowledge Coordination Support – Early Warnings for All (Haiti)
• Grade:CON
• Location:Panama City (Remote work possible)
• Department:United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
• Contract Type:Consultancy
• Salary Range:$50,000.0 – $120,000.0 USD annually

Qualifications

• Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in hydrometeorology, climate change, disaster risk management, or related discipline is required.
• Academic Qualifications: 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.
• Academic Qualifications: At least five (5) years of experience in the areas of early warning systems, hydrometeorological hazards assessment, weather forecasting or warning and disaster prevention is required.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience with more than one major government institution or international organization working on early warning or early action, disaster risk reduction or risk knowledge is required.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience in early warning systems and hydrometeorology is required.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience working on project coordination, multi-stakeholder partnerships, events, or consultations is desirable.
• Academic Qualifications: Knowledge and understanding of the context and challenges specific to fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable countries (FCV) Prior engagement with the three key institutions in HaitiDGPC, UHM, and CNIGSand within international projects in Haiti is desirable..
• Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• Fluency in French is required for this consultancy.
• Language: Knowledge of English or Spanish is desirable..

Skills

• The office guides, monitors, analyzes, and reports on progress in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
• For these systems to be effective, they must encompass all types of risks, prioritize the most exposed populations, ensure efficient communication channels, and foster proactive responses.
• They should be grounded in scientific and technical knowledge while focusing on the needs of vulnerable individuals and sectors, adopting a systemic approach that considers all relevant risk factors.
• The initiative aims to ensure that all people, everywhere, are protected by early warning systems by 2027.
• An inter-pillar governance mechanism supports sustainability and clarifies roles and mandates across these components.
• Haiti, in particular, launched this initiative in November 2023 after conducting consultations to identify gaps within its multi-hazard early warning system.
• The analysis focused on four key pillars: risk knowledge, observation and forecasting, alert dissemination, and preparedness and response.
• It highlighted the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach that involves active community participation and a supportive institutional environment.
• While this system aims to anticipate hazards and enable rapid responses, further strengthening is necessary to effectively address the complex risks faced by Haiti.
• To enhance Haitis early warning capabilities, a strategic roadmap for MHEWS implementation from 2024 to 2027 has been developed.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Professional development opportunities
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Inclusive and collaborative work environment

How to Apply