Early Warning Expert
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the UN system's focal point for coordinating disaster reduction efforts. It guides, monitors, and reports on the Sendai Framework, supporting global and national implementation. This role supports the Water at the Heart of Climate Action (WHCA) project, focusing on Pillar 1 and enhancing early warning systems.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to ensure the smooth implementation of the Water at the Heart of Climate Action (WHCA) project in Uganda, with a specific focus on Pillar 1 activities related to risk knowledge. The role will support national stakeholders in establishing and operationalizing the national situation room and its linkage to emergency coordination centers and the Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action System (AMHEWAS). A key objective is to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems (EWS) and community resilience against water-related climate disasters, while also facilitating capacity development, risk data governance, and technical assessments. The position will also provide logistical and technical support for workshops and consultations, contributing to the overall success of the WHCA project and enhancing early warning capabilities.
Responsibilities
Support the roll-out of the early warning project in Uganda, focusing on risk knowledge and collaborating with other project pillars. Assist national stakeholders in establishing and operationalizing the national situation room and its connection to emergency coordination centers and the AMHEWAS program. Lead in-country coordination of the WHCA project with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), UNDRR, and the consortium coordinator. Plan and deliver WHCA country project activities in Uganda, strengthening multi-hazard early warning systems (EWS) and community resilience to water-related climate disasters. Facilitate capacity development, risk data governance, and technical assessments. Provide logistical and technical support for capacity building workshops and consultations with government counterparts and stakeholders at national and local levels.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of experience in disaster risk assessment, early warning systems, and risk analysis related to EWS, anticipatory action, and disaster prevention is required. Experience with early warning/early action, including hydrometeorological hazard assessment, vulnerability assessment, and weather forecasting, is necessary. Experience leading or contributing to country-led development initiatives and working with government or international organizations on disaster risk reduction is also required.
Skills
Disaster risk reduction, Early warning systems, Risk assessment, Risk analysis, Hydrometeorological hazard assessment, Vulnerability assessment, Weather forecasting, Project coordination, Capacity building, Risk data governance, Stakeholder engagement, Event organization, Resource mobilization.