Technical Advisor to support the coordination and implementation of sessions of the IX Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean (RP27) in The Bahamas

Result of Service

The consultancy will ensure the coordinated preparation, delivery and follow-up of all RP27 sessions and related documentation. Final outputs should be delivered in English and Spanish.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

14.09.26 - 31.03.27

Duties and Responsibilities

Background Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating efforts to reduce disasters and ensuring synergies among disaster reduction activities carried out by the United Nations, regional organizations, and related initiatives 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 more than 150 staff members located at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices worldwide. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses, and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, supports its regional and national implementation, catalyzes action, and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk by working with U.N. Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the science and technology community.

The consultant will work with the government of The Bahamas to support the coordination and organization of the IX Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean (RP27), to be held in 2026 in Nassau, The Bahamas. RP27 is co-organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the government of The Bahamas. The consultant will be required to work collaboratively and in coordination with relevant Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and UNDRR counterparts and other partners involved in the organization of the event.

The IX Regional Platform represents an opportunity for member states to share experiences, build capacities, transfer knowledge, and showcase successes related to disaster risk reduction at the national and local levels, with a focus on resilient recovery. The event is expected to increase the participation and commitment of actors and stakeholders in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, as well as in the comprehensive management of disaster risk as a key component of sustainable development, with a special focus on showcasing the experiences and challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Platform, which will take place in a hybrid format, will include an intergovernmental segment, including a ministerial meeting and a technical meeting on the implementation of the Regional Action Plan (RAP).

Duties and Responsibilities:

The consultant will be required to work collaboratively and in coordination with UNDRR staff, delegates from the Government of The Bahamas involved in the organization of the event, and other partners and stakeholders co-organizing different sessions of RP27.

The following activities are foreseen:

• Support the review and development of the RP27 agenda;
• Support UNDRR in preparing and coordinating meetings with the RP27 Advisory Council, as needed;
• Support the organization of the High-Level Segment/Ministerial Meeting, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and reception as part of RP27;
• Provide guidance and lead the compilation and dissemination of requirements for all agenda sessions, including plenary, parallel, special and side-event sessions, as well as learning labs, ensuring that partners receive the necessary guidance and support;
• Ensure systematic follow-up on the organization of the different sessions, including concept notes, scripts, methodological arrangements for virtual and hybrid formats, speaker lists and biographies, invitations and speaker confirmations, presentations and other audiovisual materials, communication materials, notes summarizing the outcomes of each session, and session-review meetings with focal points;
• Promote gender and geographical balance among speakers, as well as the inclusion of representatives of persons with disabilities and youth;
• Liaise with the logistics provider (in-person and virtual) to ensure high-quality delivery of services and session organization.
• Support the drafting of the Chair’s Summary and high-level communiqué of RP27, in coordination with UNDRR staff and relevant stakeholders;
• Prepare the programme digital brochure and proceedings, including coordination of translation, editing and design services;
• Support coordination between DRM and UNDRR, and support the organization of RP27 sessions led by or involving the Government of The Bahamas, in coordination with other parties involved;
• Liaise with other United Nations agencies to promote engagement and contributions to the programme;
• Support the development of the RP27 After-Action Review, including lessons learned from the different segments and focal point groups. The consultant will be home-based and will work under the supervision of the Deputy Chief of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, natural resources management, disaster risk management, international relations, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in disaster risk reduction, climate change, sustainable development, or a closely related field is required. Experience with intergovernmental mechanisms, disaster risk reduction platforms, tools, and related frameworks is required. Experience with the mandate, work, and activities of the United Nations or any other international organization is desirable. Experience in event management, including organizing, leading, and facilitating workshops and meetings, preferably in international or intergovernmental settings is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and Spanish is required.

Additional Information

Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. *FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*. UNDRR values diversity among its staff. We welcome applications from qualified women, men, and people with disabilities.

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.