CONSULTANCY - Rapid Assessments Consultant SSA-2026-PFPO-1

Organizational Context

The Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative seeks to ensure that every person on Earth is protected by multi-hazard early warning systems. WMO leads Pillar 2, which focuses on detection, observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting. As part of the initiative, WMO conducts Rapid Assessments (RAs) designed to establish baseline information on country hazard monitoring and forecasting capacity, including strengths and priority gaps. The Rapid Assessments cover eight elements of the hydrometeorological value chain: governance and institutional setting; observation infrastructure; hazard-based observation capacity; remote-sensing data; general forecasting capacity; impact-based forecasting capacity; warning services and Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) operations; and financial and technological enablers. For each element, a set of quantitative and qualitative data is collected through a questionnaire and a structured interview based on established early warning system (EWS) assessment methodologies. The responses are then weighted and analysed to determine capacity levels for each element, ranked on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 represents advanced capacity and 1 represents no or less than basic capacity. The Rapid Assessments are available both internally and publicly on the EW4All Dashboard. As the EW4All initiative approaches its target date, WMO seeks to update the existing Pillar 2 Rapid Assessments for the initial 30 target countries of the initiative and selected additional countries as time permits, using the established analytical methodology and scoring framework. The purpose of this work is to collect complete and up-to-date country information that will enable WMO to assess progress since the initial assessments and generate updated analytical products, and to support the identification of progress, success stories, and continued challenges.

Job Purpose

The consultant will be responsible for updating the data collection package for Pillar 2 Rapid Assessments for at least 30 selected countries, with the countries chosen by the Secretariat. Specifically, the consultant will become familiar with the existing Pillar 2 Rapid Assessment methodology, scoring framework, templates, guidance materials, and previously completed country assessments, with a view to supporting consistent data collection and completion of the questionnaires. The consultant will coordinate with WMO Regional Offices to facilitate country engagement and scheduling of consultations; liaise with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) as required to collect and validate information. The consultant will develop a data collection workplan and stakeholder engagement schedule. The consultant will conduct online interviews and consultations with countries to gather updated information and verify questionnaire responses. The consultant will collect and review relevant documentation, data, policies, reports, and other evidence to support the completion and validation of the questionnaires. The consultant will ensure that each Rapid Assessment questionnaire is fully completed, with no missing responses, and that updated data, supporting evidence where available, and explanatory comments are provided, particularly for open-ended questions. The consultant will document clearly the additional data obtained from this work package, as well as any data gaps, inconsistencies, clarifications or assumptions arising during the data collection process, and follow up with countries and WMO regional offices to resolve them to the extent possible. Where an assessment cannot be completed in full for reasons unrelated to the consultant’s performance, the consultant shall provide a concise explanation of the reasons, together with a record of engagement and follow-up efforts. The consultant will prepare a complete data collection package for each country and submit it to WMO for subsequent analysis, scoring and scorecard preparation.

Responsibilities

Update the data collection package for Pillar 2 Rapid Assessments for at least 30 selected countries. Familiarize with existing methodology, scoring framework, templates, guidance materials, and previous assessments. Coordinate with WMO Regional Offices for country engagement and scheduling. Liaise with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) for data collection and validation. Develop a data collection workplan and stakeholder engagement schedule. Conduct online interviews and consultations with countries. Collect and review relevant documentation, data, policies, reports, and evidence. Ensure questionnaires are fully completed with updated data, supporting evidence, and explanatory comments. Document data obtained, gaps, inconsistencies, clarifications, and assumptions. Follow up to resolve issues with countries and WMO regional offices. Provide explanations for incomplete assessments. Prepare and submit complete data collection packages for each country.

Work Experience

Minimum of 7 years of combined national and international progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation, data collection, stakeholder engagement, or policy-related work, preferably in disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, and anticipatory action. Proven experience in conducting assessments/evaluations, applying monitoring frameworks, supporting structured data collection, and facilitating engagement with countries and stakeholders. Prior work with UN and other international organizations is an asset.

Skills

Sense of integrity, responsibility, maturity of judgement, initiative, and creativity. Excellent analytical, data management, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Proven experience in collecting, organizing, verifying, and documenting quantitative and qualitative information.

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