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

Description

Background

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. 

The consultant will work under the supervision of the Chief of Planning, Foresight and Performance and in coordination with the WMO Regional Offices. The consultant will engage with countries to collect and validate information, conduct interviews, ensure that all Rapid Assessment questionnaires are fully completed with updated data, and supporting evidence where available, and clear explanations where needed, particularly for qualitative and open-ended questions. The analysis, scoring and preparation of country scorecards will be conducted at a later stage and are beyond the scope of this assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities

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. 

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. 

Develop a data collection workplan and stakeholder engagement schedule. 

Conduct online interviews and consultations with countries to gather updated information and verify questionnaire responses. Collect and review relevant documentation, data, policies, reports, and other evidence to support the completion and validation of the questionnaires. 

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. 

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. 

Prepare a complete data collection package for each country and submit it to WMO for subsequent analysis, scoring and scorecard preparation. 

Main Deliverables

Workplan and schedule for completion of the data collection and stakeholder engagement process 

Stakeholder engagement record, including consultations held, institutions and counterparts engaged, and follow-up actions completed

Rapid Assessments data collection package for each country, including: 

• Completed Rapid Assessment questionnaire with no missing responses 

• Brief notes of qualitative information obtained during each country interview 

• Supporting data and evidence, where available and an explanation where data is unavailable.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

University degree or equivalent in social science, statistics, disaster risk reduction, meteorology, hydrology, geosciences, development studies, international relations, or a closely related field.

Experience:

A 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 the field of disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, and anticipatory action. Proven experience in conducting assessments or evaluations, applying monitoring frameworks; supporting structured data collection processes; facilitation of engagement with countries, stakeholder consultations. Prior work with United Nations and other international organizations would be an asset.

Other Requirements:

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.

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of French as well as other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.

(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)

Salary and Allowances: Payband C 

Duration: Number of days 50 over a period of 4 months

Additional Information: Candidates are asked to include a financial proposal as part of their application. 

Applications:

Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system.

Do not send your application via multiple routes. WMO no longer accepts applications via post or email. Only applicants for whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

WMO does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

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