CONSULTANCY: Senior Consultant- Strengthening Private Sector Engagement in CREWS Operations - SSA-2026-CREWS-3

Organizational Context

The Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Initiative is the leading global financing mechanism dedicated to supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in strengthening people-centred, multi-hazard early warning systems. CREWS is implemented through a partnership between the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the World Bank/GFDRR and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Under the CREWS Strategy 2030, Priority 3 focuses on driving next-generation systems through innovation, technology, partnerships and sustainable financing. Recognizing the increasing importance of private sector participation in strengthening early warning systems, CREWS adopted Operational Procedures on Private Sector Engagement to encourage structured engagement with businesses, academia, scientific institutions and civil society organizations. The CREWS Secretariat seeks to further operationalize these procedures and identify scalable approaches for leveraging private sector expertise, technology, innovation and financing to support national early warning systems in LDCs and SIDS.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide strategic advice and practical guidance to strengthen private sector engagement across CREWS operations and develop tools that support CREWS Implementing Partners in identifying, engaging and partnering with relevant private sector actors.

Responsibilities

1. Review and analyse existing CREWS practices, WMO frameworks, international good practices and relevant literature on private sector engagement in early warning systems. 2. Assess the current status of private sector engagement across the CREWS portfolio and identify opportunities for expanded collaboration, innovation, co-financing and sustainability. 3. Develop a concise strategic note outlining how CREWS can engage with the private sector to strengthen operational delivery and contribute to CREWS objectives. 4. Prepare a practical Private Sector Engagement Toolkit or Guidance Document for use by CREWS Implementing Partners and country partners. 5. Develop practical partnership models and engagement pathways covering: private sector mapping and identification; engagement through chambers of commerce and business associations; public-private collaboration models; philanthropic and foundation engagement; innovation partnerships; co-financing mechanisms; legal and procurement considerations; partnership governance arrangements. 6. Facilitate consultations with CREWS Implementing Partners and selected stakeholders as required. 7. Develop a roadmap for piloting and operationalizing private sector engagement approaches in selected CREWS projects. 8. Present findings and recommendations to the CREWS Secretariat and Implementing Partners.

Work Experience

Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in private sector engagement, development finance, public-private partnerships, climate resilience or related fields. Demonstrated experience working with the private sector, international organizations, multilateral development banks, governments or climate financing mechanisms. Proven experience developing partnership strategies, engagement frameworks or investment approaches. Strong understanding of climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and/or early warning systems. Experience working in developing countries, particularly LDCs and SIDS, is desirable.

Skills

Communication & Influence, Collaboration & Team Dynamics, Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness, Decision Making & Problem Solving, Integrity & Accountability, Innovation & Digital Agility, Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement

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