Disaster Risk Reduction Research & Knowledge Management Consultant

Result of Service

Strengthened evidence-based disaster risk reduction and resilience efforts in the Arab region through the production of high-quality research, analysis, knowledge products, and technical inputs that support the implementation of the Sendai Framework and related regional priorities.

Work Location

Home Based

Expected duration

15 Aug 2026 - 14 Jan 2027

Duties and Responsibilities

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 160 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community.

This consultancy position is recruited by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Regional Office for Arab (ROAS). The consultant will be reporting to the Deputy Chief of Office.

Duties and Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Regional Office and in close coordination with relevant technical teams, the Research Assistant will support the development of analytical products and knowledge outputs related to disaster risk reduction (DRR), resilience, climate action, and sustainable development in the Arab region. The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Research and Analysis o Conduct desk reviews and literature research on disaster risk reduction, resilience, climate adaptation, risk governance, disaster loss data, financing for DRR, early warning systems, and related thematic areas. o Compile, review, and synthesize data, reports, policies, and technical documentation from national, regional, and international sources. o Support analytical work related to the implementation and monitoring of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and its linkages with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate agendas. o Prepare background papers, briefing notes, concept notes, analytical summaries, and research inputs for regional initiatives and technical products. o Support emerging priorities related to disaster risk reduction, resilience-building, and regional cooperation.
2. Regional Assessment Report (RAR) o Support the preparation and drafting of the Regional Assessment Report, including data collection, validation, and analysis. o Contribute to the design and implementation of surveys and questionnaires, and analyze results to inform evidence-based reporting and recommendations. o Contribute to drafting report sections, case studies, country profiles, charts, tables, and supporting analytical content. o Review and verify references, citations, data sources, and factual accuracy of report content.
3. Knowledge Management and Technical Support o Support the development, organization, and maintenance of knowledge products, databases, and information repositories. o Identify, document, and analyze good practices, lessons learned, and regional case studies to inform disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts o Develop presentations, technical briefs, talking points, and meeting materials. o Provide research and substantive support for workshops, consultations, webinars, and regional meetings.
4. Editing, Review, and Quality Assurance o Undertake technical and editorial reviews of publications, reports, and knowledge products to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality of content. o Provide editorial and quality assurance support for reports, guidance notes, and communication materials, ensuring clarity, coherence, and alignment with organizational standards. o Support multilingual knowledge management and communication efforts by reviewing translations and maintaining consistency of technical terminology across English and Arabic publications. The expected deliverables are:
5. Research papers, briefing notes, analytical summaries, technical background documents, knowledge products, presentations, workshop materials, and editorial reviews prepared and delivered in accordance with agreed timelines.
6. Contributions to the Regional Assessment Report and related follow-up activities provided through data collection, analysis, drafting, quality assurance, and coordination support.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree in disaster risk reduction, public policy, international development, economics, environmental studies, climate change, geography, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• At Least 5 years of work experience in research and analytical experience in disaster risk reduction, resilience, climate change, sustainable development, or related areas is required;
• Experience in national policy development related to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, or sustainable development is required;
• Experience in research and analysis and academic writing is desirable;
• Experience in integrating gender, disability and human mobility considerations and into Disaster Risk Reduction frameworks and initiatives is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

For this job opening, Fluency in spoken and written Arabic and English is required. Knowledge of another official UN secretariat language is desirable.

The official United Nations Secretariat languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Additional Information

Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.