Consultant — Child-sensitive Disaster Risk Reduction

Job Description

Background & Rationale
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) has a strong local dimension.

Not only are local communities well aware and informed about disaster risk and have been reducing such risk independently for centuries[1], disaster risk, as a function of hazard, vulnerability, exposure and capacity, also physically manifests at the local level[2].
Proponents of decentralization argue that local governments are able to access local knowledge and data, and are thus able to implement more efficient decision-making based on local needs.

Furthermore, the fundamental objectives of decentralization enable greater accountability to the communities at risk.

Indeed, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which was adopted on 18 March 2015 in Sendai, Japan, specifically acknowledges the role of local governments in risk reduction.

The framework emphasizes the importance of empowering “local authorities and local communities to reduce disaster risk, including through resources, incentives and decision-making responsibilities, as appropriate”.[3]
However, while it makes theoretical sense that decentralization should present opportunities for strengthening DRR, there is little documentation on exactly what works well and what does not when it comes to legislation for DRR, what obstacles are likely to be encountered, and how they can be overcome.[4] Despite the fact that local governance is recognized as key to successful DRR in both academia and global policy, and while it is likely that DRR will be carried out in the context of decentralized governance[5], there is no large body of literature on either decentralization and DRR, or the role of local government in achieving successful DRR.[6] Given the inherently complex interplay of power, knowledge and access to resources among diverse groups of actors at the local level, how UNICEF can support local governments to implement DRR for communities at risk is particularly important.
Good disaster risk management can mitigate the impact of hazards on children and families.

UNICEF is increasingly working with local governments in DRR.

Between 2011 and 2014 approximately 95 UNICEF COs engaged in some type of decentralization and local governance related programming,and a third of these COs report engagement in DRR at the local governance level.[7]Some examples include:
· UNICEF Nepal has strengthened capacity and capability of stakeholders to integrate child-focused DRR and preparedness and response measures into local development plans.
· UNICEF Philippines is closely coordinating with and supporting key national government agencies and selected local government units (LGUs) in strengthening systems for preparedness, assessment, response planning and overall disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

As of late 2014, at least 21 LGUs, including 11 LGUs in Haiyan-affected areas, had started integrating child-centred disaster risk management and climate change adaptation in their DRRM plans and local development plans.
Given the global emphasis of the role of local governments in DRR, the number of COs engaging in this area is likely to increase.

COs have identified the need for clear and evidence-based technical guidance in this area.[8]
The proposed study is commissioned to generate evidence and knowledge on what works and lessons learned and to develop short technical guidance based on UNICEF experience and beyond, in order to better support, scale up and maximize the impact of the efforts by UNICEF and partners.
Purpose
This assignment forms part of a set of three deliverables by the Social Inclusion sector to develop programmatic steps for UNICEF engagement in DeLoG, as well as guidance on Output Indicator P7.D.3, which emphasizes the importance of subnational level planning and monitoring systems that explicitly address risks.[9]
The purpose of this assignment is to support evidence-based UNICEF programming on DRR within a DeLoG context.
Expected results: (measurable results)
The specific objectives of the assignment are to a) identify international best practices and lessons learned in DRR programming within a DeLoG context;

b) to assess the de jure and de facto situation of local governance and DRR in 3 selected countries through a desk review and field research;

c) to document and assess UNICEF engagement in DRR within a DeLoG context through a desk review of UNICEF documentation, field visits and a workshop with UNICEF COs;

and d) to formulate approaches through which UNICEF can more systematically support DRR within a DeLoG framework in the form of a Technical Guidance Note.
Scope of work and key tasks
This assignment is to be conducted in two phases.

Phase 1 will focus on a literature review and field research looking at the de jure and de facto situation of local governance and DRR in 3 selected countries[10]focusing the analysis on the following dimensions:
· DRR institutional framework
· DRR policy and planning framework
· DRR budgeting processes and financial flows
· Implementation of DRR services
· Accountability and participatory mechanisms
In addition, Phase 1 will focus on reviewing UNICEF DRR programming in the 3 selected countries through a review of programme documents, meetings with responsible UNICEF staff and visiting of project sites.
Phase 2 will involve the development of three case studies of UNICEF engagement in DRR within a DeLoG context as well as the development of an evidence-based Technical Guidance Note for UNICEF COs on DRR within a DeLoG context.
Duty Station
Remote Based with travel to selected COs.
Timeframe
Start date: 1 December 2015
End date: 31 May 2016
Key competences, technical background, and experience required Deadline
*·*Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in public policies, social science or other related fields.
· A minimum of 10 years of senior level working experience in the fields of DRR and DeLoG, including hands-on expertise providing technical support and advisory to local governments.
· Experience and knowledge of UNICEF programming on DRR is an asset.
*·*Fluency in written and spoken English.
· Proven strong writing, research, analysis, facilitation and editing skills
[1]Scott, Z.

and M. Tarazona.

2011. Decentralisation and Disaster Risk Reduction.

Study on Disaster Risk Reduction, Decentralisation and Political Economy.

GAR.
[2] Ibid
[3] Sendai Framework, 2015 p.8
[4]Scott, Z.

and M. Tarazona.

2011. Decentralisation and Disaster Risk Reduction.

Study on Disaster Risk Reduction, Decentralisation and Political Economy.

GAR. and, IFRC and UNDP.

2014.

Effective law and regulation for disaster risk reduction: a multi-country report

IFRC and UNDP.
[5] Ibid
[6] Ibid
[7] Stocktake UNICEF engagement in Decentralization and Local Governance (DLG)
[8] Ibid
[9] Final results framework UNICEF Strategic Plan 2014-2017 (2014)
[10] Selection of countries will be done in coordination with HATIS and SI sections, taking into account fair representation of different contexts (e.g., federal vs

unitary states as well as stage of decentralization reform process) and existing UNICEF programming on DRR in these countries.
How to apply:Applicants are requested to send their submissions to < pdconsultants@unicef.org >with subject line:
“**Consultant — Child-Sensitive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) within a Decentralization and Local Governance (DeLoG) Context**” by 13th November 2015, 5:00pm EST.
Applications must include:
· Cover letter,
· A proposed work-plan and
· CV, and
· P-11 form1
· Indicate where you heard about this advertisement
Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above

Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.
NOTE: Files should not exceed 5.0MB limit
UNICEF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture

Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply

Closing date: Nov 13,2015

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How to Apply

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

[1]*P 11 form can be downloaded from our website at*(http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc)

Job Categories: Consultancy and Training Jobs. Job Types: Full-Time. Job expires in 30 days.

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