Technical Assistance Consultant (Namibia), Santiago Network

Together, we build the future UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core. We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Role Purpose

The Technical Assistance Consultant will originate and develop a framework that provides the institutional anchoring of an integrated multi-hazard early warning system for Namibia. This involves innovating and creating novel approaches to address the country's specific needs and challenges related to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. The consultant will provide expert advice, lead substantive components of the technical assistance, and drive improvements in the country's capacity to avert, minimize, and address loss and damage.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Early Warning Framework Development

Originating and developing a framework for institutional anchoring of an integrated multi-hazard early warning system in Namibia.

Innovating and creating novel approaches to address the country's specific needs and challenges related to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Providing expert advice on the development and implementation of the early warning framework.

Leading the needs assessment and gap analysis for the development of the framework.

Designing a multi-hazard early warning system roadmap and draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the National Emergency Operation Center.

Formulating an integrated multi-hazard early warning framework.

2. Validation and Training Material Development

Planning and executing stakeholder mapping to identify key institutions and individuals for validation.

Leading the validation process of the draft early warning framework, integrating findings into the final framework.

Designing and developing training exercises and materials, including a manual for implementing the framework, a summary slide deck, and presenter speaking notes.

3. Santiago Network Membership

Achieving or maintaining membership in the Santiago Network prior to commencement of the assignment, in line with the Santiago Network’s Guidelines for OBNEs

Duty Station(s)

Home based

Duration

Short-term assignment.

Skills

Climate Change, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Technical Assistance.

Education Requirements

Required

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in development studies, international relations, political science, environmental sciences and climate change, economics, social sciences, or related field with 9 years of relevant experience OR

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in any of the above or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience is required

Experience Requirements

Required

A minimum of 7 years of proven experience with an advanced university degree (or 9 years with a first-level university degree) in implementing similar types of technical assistance/activities.

Experience in project and programme management, involving technical assistance to developing countries on climate action, particularly on climate change adaptation and/or disaster risk reduction is required.

Demonstrated experience in implementing projects and initiatives related to early warning systems and frameworks in African states, particularly the Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action Systems (AMHEWAS); the operations of the African Union situation room; the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Humanitarian and Emergency Operation Center (SHOC) and other Disaster Risk Reduction frameworks in southern Africa and/or Namibia is required.

Desired

Professional experience in dealing with topics related to averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the effects of climate change and familiarity with the UNFCCC, Paris Agreement and Sendai Frameworks.

Language Requirements

English, Fluent.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the Santiago Network by providing technical assistance to Namibia, a country highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The position offers a chance to shape the development of an integrated multi-hazard early warning system framework, contributing to increased resilience and reduced loss and damage in the face of climate-related disasters