CONSULTANT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Urban Governance Assistant for DRR in Southern African Cities
Issued on: 18 November 2014
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UN-HABITAT
DUTY STATION: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
FUNCTIONAL TITLE: Urban Governance Assistance for DRR in Southern African Cities
DURATION: 10 months (170 Days) from 1st January 2015
CLOSING DATE: 28 November 2014
BACKGROUND
The Southern African region and South-West Indian Ocean are very exposed to the impacts resulting from recurrent climatic-related hazards such as cyclones, floods and drought, compounded by the effect of global warming. Other natural threats are earthquakes and volcanic activity, while some disasters are caused by anthropogenic interventions (land/environmental degradation, uncontrolled urbanisation, etc.). For this reason,Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique and the Union of Comoros, have joined efforts in 2010 to cooperate in the technical, strategic and governance areas to reduce risks of disasters, adapt to climate change and build urban resilience. To this end, they requested the support of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)for this purpose.
With the financial support of the Disaster Preparedness of European Commission Humanitarian Office (DIPECHO) UN-Habitat conducted the feasibility study in 2011 for establishing a Technical Centre for Disaster Risk Management, Sustainability and Urban Resilience in Southern Africa (DIMSUR) to support the countries and, in a multi-phased manner, cover other southern African countries. The process of regional consultations reached that consensus on that the purpose of the DIMSUR is to provide DRR, CCA and urban resilience technical assistance and knowledge to address the needs of the Governments in alignment with regional and global strategies to reduce the vulnerability and build the resilience of communities to natural and other hazards.
The Centre will offer the first services to Member and other Southern African Countries by the second semester of 2014 and its flagship, as decided by the Member Countries, will be on Urban risk reduction and resilience (URR&R).The joint decision for adopting this theme was based on the perception – confirmed through a Baseline Study conducted in 2013 - that urban areas are becoming increasingly vulnerable in southern Africa largely due to fast-paced urbanisation, which is compounded by a capacity gap and a low degree of awareness.
With the financial support of the Disaster Preparedness of European Commission Humanitarian Office (DIPECHO) UN-Habitat conducted the feasibility study in 2011 for establishing a Technical Centre for Disaster Risk Management, Sustainability and Urban Resilience in Southern Africa (DIMSUR) to support the countries and, in a multi-phased manner, cover other southern African countries. The process of regional consultations reached that consensus on that the purpose of the DIMSUR is to provide DRR, CCA and urban resilience technical assistance and knowledge to address the needs of the Governments in alignment with regional and global strategies to reduce the vulnerability and build the resilience of communities to natural and other hazards.
The Centre will offer the first services to Member and other Southern African Countries by the second semester of 2014 and its flagship, as decided by the Member Countries, will be on Urban risk reduction and resilience (URR&R).The joint decision for adopting this theme was based on the perception – confirmed through a Baseline Study conducted in 2013 - that urban areas are becoming increasingly vulnerable in southern Africa largely due to fast-paced urbanisation, which is compounded by a capacity gap and a low degree of awareness.
In parallel, UN-Habitat will also implement the Achieving Sustainable Reduction of Risks through Consolidation of Multi-Hazards Architectural DRR Solutions and Physical Planning in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique with the financial support of Disaster Preparedness of European Commission Humanitarian Office (DIPECHO IV)
The project concerns Mozambique, Malawi and Madagascar and is meant to consolidate the results demonstrated in these three countries by UN-Habitat and its partners through DIPECHO I to III (from 2008 up to present) at the local, provincial and national levels, according to the "Learning how to live with the hazards" approach, initiated by this UN Agency in Mozambique in 2002. Among the key results expected, the project will improve resilience at the urban level through trainings and on-the-job exercises with 11 target cities in the three countries.
An innovative and user-friendly URR&R tool has been drafted and will be consolidated to be implemented through both projects. Piloting and improvement of the tool will be conducted in selected cities in the four DIMSUR countries in 2015. To support the finalization of the tool and the delivery of the modules, an international consultant familiar with the subject and operational in the three working languages of the DIMSUR/DIPECHO (English, French and Portuguese) is needed.
The project concerns Mozambique, Malawi and Madagascar and is meant to consolidate the results demonstrated in these three countries by UN-Habitat and its partners through DIPECHO I to III (from 2008 up to present) at the local, provincial and national levels, according to the "Learning how to live with the hazards" approach, initiated by this UN Agency in Mozambique in 2002. Among the key results expected, the project will improve resilience at the urban level through trainings and on-the-job exercises with 11 target cities in the three countries.
An innovative and user-friendly URR&R tool has been drafted and will be consolidated to be implemented through both projects. Piloting and improvement of the tool will be conducted in selected cities in the four DIMSUR countries in 2015. To support the finalization of the tool and the delivery of the modules, an international consultant familiar with the subject and operational in the three working languages of the DIMSUR/DIPECHO (English, French and Portuguese) is needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme of UN-Habitat Mozambique, in coordination with the DIMSUR Secretariat and the DIPECHO IV DRR Coordinator, the consultant will be responsible for:
- Support the consolidationof the preliminary version of the Pilot Trainings and the Pilot modules of the Tool that will be tested as a 3-day exercise in selected cities, including self-assessment questionnaires and other preparatory material;
- Compile good practices of urban resilience in different sectors (e.g. governance, resilient architecture, basic services, livelihoods, social protection, physical planning, etc.) to establish a sourcebook to support the Tool and to be used by local governments in the targeted countries;
- Directly support the technical team in the delivery of the pilot training module in at least four (4) selected cities among the four countries (Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique and the Union of Comoros);
- Provide continued support for coordination of a regional platform for compilation of good practices and exchange of information on urban resilience with key partners such as OCHA, OXFAM, World Vision and other members of the Regional Inter-Agency Standing Committee (RIASCO) in Southern Africa, as well as to promote joint events and initiatives;
COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of human settlements and urban risk reduction and resilience issues. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Knowledge or understanding of countries in transition (especially Mozambique) and adaptation related challenges and priorities. Ability to conduct data collection and technical assessment using various methods, including field missions and interviews. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; upports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Judgment/ Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
EDUCATION
Masters degree in Urban Studies or Disasters Risk Reduction and Resilience;
WORK EXPERIENCE
At least 2 years of working experience in the fields of urban governance and/or disaster risk reduction and resilience;
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Fluency in English, French and Portuguese is required;
OTHER SKILLS
- Capacity to analyse and synthesise information;
- Ability to work independently
- Excellent writing and research skills;
REMUNERATION
Payments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications should include:
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
• CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a personal History Profile.
• The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
• Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
• CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a personal History Profile.
• The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
• Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:
- Educational Background (incl. dates)
- Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
- Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
- Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
- Expectations regarding remuneration
Please also be advised that since April 15th 2010, applicants for consultancies must be part of the
UN-HABITAT e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-Roster
through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org
UN-HABITAT e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-Roster
through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org
All applications should be submitted to:
e-mail: info.mz@unhabitat.org,
e-mail: info.mz@unhabitat.org,
Deadline for applications: 28 November 2014
UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact:recruitment@unon.org
