Consultant: Flood Risk Management Information System Expert

United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Yemen 🇾🇪

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Yemen

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15 Apr 2023

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

BACKGROUND

The UNESCO Gulf States and Yemen Office serves as the Cluster Office for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Based in Doha-Qatar, the UNESCO Gulf States and Yemen Office supports its Member States in the fields of education, natural sciences, culture, communication and information as well as social and human sciences.

Under the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and UNESCO’s Medium-term Strategy (2022-2029), the UNESCO Office in Doha is focusing its efforts towards promoting Science Technology and Innovation (STI) and scientific cooperation, natural resources management and biodiversity protection, as well as addressing water security, disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change.

In 2023, UNESCO Office in Doha launched the project “Building Climate-resilient Communities in Historic Cities in Yemen through Strengthened Disaster Risk Management and Awareness”. The overall objective of the project is to ensure that communities, households, and livelihoods in two disaster prone historic cities in Yemen are better protected, prepared and aware of disaster risk reduction measures.

To this end, UNESCO will provide urgent assistance to local authorities and vulnerable communities in the Old City of Sana’a and the Old Walled City of Shibam, through the establishment of an early warning system in the Old Walled City of Shibam, strengthening the existing early warning system in the Old City of Sana’a, increasing the communities’ disaster risk reduction awareness, and initiating the preparatory phase for the establishment of a Flood Risk Management Information System.

In order to prepare the grounds and build a solid foundation for the establishment of a Flood Risk Management Information System (MIS), UNESCO is seeking the services of an MIS expert to conduct a feasibility study to provide (i) a better understanding on the availability of data and information needed for the establishment of the MIS, as well as (ii) stakeholders/beneficiaries mapping and capacity development gaps, needs and priorities.

DESCRIPTION OF DELIVERABLES

The feasibility study – The Report (deliverable 1): The report should comprise the following three chapters:

  1. Mapping:
    • Provide context on the situation in Yemen: including but not limited to impact of years of conflict on the governance and institutional capacities, disruption of infrastructure and services, socio-economic situation, increased vulnerabilities, climate change;
    • Present overview and background information on previous and ongoing local efforts in the field of DRR;
    • Identification, mapping, and outreach to relevant stakeholders in the field of DRR, including local institutions, research centres, local experts, UN agencies and international organisations.
  2. Analysis:
    • Assess the willingness and ability of local institutions to use and maintain the MIS system;
    • Assess and identify the best positioned governance structure of the MIS: which entity is capable and legally authorised to host and manage the MIS and supporting entities for data collection and contribution;
    • Provide initial assessment of data management and sharing mechanisms (e.g. data server, cloud server, physical server, etc.);
    • Outline information gaps, capacity building needs (data collection, digitalisation, GIS, etc.) and potential challenges and risks for the establishment of the MIS.
  3. Opportunities and way forward:
    • Provide a roadmap for the establishment of the DRR-MIS in Yemen, stakeholders engagement strategy as well as addressing information and data gaps;
    • Recommendations on the way forward to scale up the ongoing DRR project.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Professionalism (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of statistics, computer sciences, ICT (information and communications technology), civil engineering, disaster management, or other related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work experience:
– Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in the field of the DRR, databases management, as well as mapping and GIS.
– Proven experience in analyzing and processing information and interpreting datasets.
– Experience working with local institutions, research centers or implementing agencies (NGOs, CSOs) is highly desirable.

Skills/Competencies:
– Good analytical and organizational skills.
– Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.
– Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations with national/local authorities, relevant institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
– Proven ability to communicate effectively and persuasively (orally and in writing) with various stakeholders at all levels, within and outside of the Organization.
– Solid IT and computer skills.

Languages: Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and Arabic.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.


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IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development