Governance and Urban Resilience Sub-Regional Coordinator (Western Balkans)

Result of Service• Baseline study with the main recommendations of intervention and developing key indicators to follow up the progress of the initiative Strengthening Transboundary Collaboration and Capacities on Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning System in the Western Balkans developed • Cities in the region engaged through the MCR2030 network, tools and resources that can support the understanding of different risks and potential actions for tackling those identified; cities connected in the MCR2030 network; peer learning activities and knowledge sharing among cities organized. • Beneficiary countries supported with adapted expertise and tools for strengthening risk governance, including operationalization of National Platforms, better coordination among ministries and transboundary cooperation. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration8 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesCreated 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 150 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 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. 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 disaster risk and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses, and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports local and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk. The key focus of the consultancy is to support for the Strengthening Transboundary Collaboration and Capacities on Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning System in the Western Balkans initiative currently implemented by UNDRR with the financial support of the AICS in order to strengthen disaster and climate resilience in the three countries (Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia) of the sub-region. The consultant will support the development of the subregional scoping study on the status of risk knowledge, risk governance, early warning systems, and transboundary cooperation as well as engagement of local actors in the MCR2030 initiative. Main responsibilities, include: The consultant will report to Programme Management Officer under the overall supervision of the Deputy Chief, within limits of delegated authority • In coordination with UNDRR ROECA and liaising with stakeholders, conduct a scoping study on thematic 3 pillars, main output being a baseline study with the main recommendations of intervention and developing key indicators to follow up the progress of the initiative. • Provide support to risk governance-related activities, including technical expertise and the strengthening of national platforms for disaster risk reduction. Promote coherence between global and regional agendas, particularly in aligning disaster risk reduction (DRR) with climate change adaptation, sustainable development, and other relevant frameworks. Contribute to advancing risk-informed governance, including through work on risk financing mechanisms and their integration into national and local governance systems. • Engage cities in the region through the MCR2030 network; identify tools and resources that can support the understanding of different risks and potential actions for tackling those; support connections with other cities in the MCR2030 network; supporte peer learning activities and knowledge sharing; prepare advocacy messages to elevate and bring visibility to best practices. • Work with selected cities to undertake resilience assessment and to support the development of local DRR Strategy and Action Plans, in coordination with the city authorities and UNDRR team. • Coordinate organization of two MCR2030 related workshops in 3 countries, with focus on MCR2030 introduction and sharing available tools and resources, risk-informed urban planning and governance, and local DRR strategy development aligned with the Sendai Framework and SDG targets. Facilitate sessions with relevant stakeholders, including local governments, civil society, and national authorities. • Coordinate organization of annual MCR2030 network country meeting to review progress on resilience building activities, facilitate cross-city dialogue, and highlight good practices and challenges. Present local DRR strategies or initiatives for feedback and scaling. Ensure outcome reports and country specific recommendations are captured. • Organize a peer exchange of one city in the region with the MCR2030 Resilient hub to facilitate hands-on learning on inclusive risk governance and strengthen horizontal cooperation and mentorship at local level, enabling cities to replicate successful urban resilience practices. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, public administration, social sciences, or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with at least two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of five years of working experience in the field of project management, climate change adaptation, sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, or urban planning is required. Experience in disaster risk reduction and risk management within South-Eastern Europe region is desirable. Experience with MCR2030 Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in English is required. Knowledge of one the following languages: Serbian, Macedonian or Albanian 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.