Result of Service

1. Inception Report (Methodological Framework)

A detailed report outlining the overall approach, methodology for the in-country assessment and overview of risk, tools, and workplan for conducting the regional disaster risk assessment. 2. Risk Assessment Tools and Information Analysis
A structured analysis of existing risk assessments and information tools in West Africa, conduct in-country assessments through missions, identifying key gaps and highlighting good practices in data use, coordination, and early warning systems. 3. Regional Disaster Risk Overview
A comprehensive overview of disaster risks in the ECOWAS region, including transboundary impacts, and validated through stakeholder consultations and workshops, incorporating feedback, consensus points, and recommendations to strengthen the accuracy and relevance of the assessment. The regional overview of Risk will include dimensions of gender and disability.

Work Location

Abuja, Nigeria

Expected duration

8 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background 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 150 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. UNDRR coordinates international efforts in disaster risk reduction and guides, monitors, and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. In addition, UNDRR advocates for increased investment in disaster risk reduction, promotes inclusive and gender responsive approaches to risk reduction, and supports knowledge sharing through platforms and tools such as Prevention Web, technical publications, the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction, and the organization of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is the executive institution responsible for the design, coordination, and implementation of ECOWAS programmes and policies. Following the transformation of the ECOWAS Executive Secretariat into a Commission in 2007, ECOWAS strengthened its institutional capacity to support Member States in programme implementation, coordination, and regional integration. Through this transformation, ECOWAS has enhanced its ability to respond to emerging regional challenges, including disaster risk, humanitarian emergencies, and transboundary hazards, in line with its mandate to improve living conditions, promote sustainable development, and deepen regional integration. UNDRR, with financial support from the European Commission (DG ECHO), is implementing an action entitled “Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Solidarity to Reduce Disaster Impacts and Humanitarian Needs in West Africa.” This action supports ECOWAS and its Member States to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience through three key results:

Member States decide on the establishment of and endorse the policy framework for the ECOWAS regional cooperation mechanism for disaster preparedness and response.
Regional and national authorities in West Africa have improved availability and access to risk information for enhanced preparedness and response to disasters.
National and regional disaster management and humanitarian actors have enhanced operational capacity for disaster preparedness, early and anticipatory action and disaster response. The action represents a strategic partnership between ECOWAS, UNDRR, and DG ECHO, aimed at strengthening regional coordination, improving access to risk information, and enhancing operational capacities for disaster preparedness and response across West Africa. The project will support the strengthening of regional risk knowledge, data harmonization, and the use of risk information for preparedness and early action. In this context, the Regional Disaster Risk Assessment Consultant shall undertake a comprehensive analytical exercise.
A comprehensive analysis of existing disaster risk assessments, methodologies, and information tools across ECOWAS Member States and regional institutions. Identification of key gaps and good practices, including an assessment of data availability, methodological approaches, and alignment with international standards.
Building on the findings from the analysis of existing risk assessments and information tools, the consultancy will develop a consolidated regional disaster risk overview for the ECOWAS region. This will involve synthesizing multi-hazard risk information across countries, including data on hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and transboundary risks, to produce a coherent regional risk profile. The overview will support risk-informed decision-making, preparedness, and response planning at both regional and national levels. The outputs of the consultancy will be designed to enhance the availability, accessibility, and usability of risk information, supporting risk-informed decision-making, preparedness planning, and regional coordination. In addition, the consultancy will provide the technical foundation for subsequent operational activities, including the generation of regional disaster preparedness and early action products by the ECOWAS Disaster Operations Centre, and the integration of harmonized datasets into ECOWAS platforms (including MyDEWETRA), supporting interoperability and improved information sharing across the region. Objective of the Assignment The objective of this consultancy is to support ECOWAS and UNDRR in strengthening regional disaster risk reduction and preparedness planning in West Africa through a systematic analysis of existing disaster risk assessments and information tools, the identification of key gaps and good practices, and the development of a consolidated, multi-hazard regional disaster risk overview to inform risk informed decision making. 1. Inception Phase and Methodological Framework
Develop an inception report outlining the methodological approach, analytical framework, data collection tools, and workplan for the assignment
Define the scope and approach for assessing risk information systems and developing the regional risk overview
Identify key stakeholders and establish a stakeholder engagement plan to support data collection and validation 2. Analysis of Risk Assessments and Information Tools
Compile, review, and analyze existing disaster risk assessments, methodologies, and information systems across ECOWAS Member States and regional institutions
Assess data availability, quality, accessibility, and use in decision-making, including early warning systems
Identify gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies in current approaches, as well as good practices and scalable solutions
Produce a structured analytical output highlighting key findings, gaps, and recommendations for strengthening regional risk information and coordination 3. Development of the Regional Disaster Risk Overview
Synthesizing multi-hazard risk information across countries.
Integrating data on hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and transboundary risks, including gender and disabilities data.
Producing a coherent regional risk profile to support preparedness and response planning.
Structuring outputs in formats suitable for integration into ECOWAS tools and platforms, including the MyDEWETRA system. 4. Stakeholder consultation workshop and Reporting
Organize and facilitate stakeholder consultation workshop to present findings and gather feedback from ECOWAS, Member States, and partners
Incorporate stakeholder inputs into the final outputs to ensure relevance, accuracy, and ownership Deliver final outputs in line with agreed quality standards and timelines Ultimate result of service 1. Inception Report (Methodological Framework)
A detailed report outlining the overall approach, methodology for the in-country assessment and overview of risk, tools, and workplan for conducting the regional disaster risk assessment. 2. Risk Assessment Tools and Information Analysis
A structured analysis of existing risk assessments and information tools in West Africa, conduct in-country assessments through missions, identifying key gaps and highlighting good practices in data use, coordination, and early warning systems. 3. Regional Disaster Risk Overview
A comprehensive overview of disaster risks in the ECOWAS region, including transboundary impacts, and validated through stakeholder consultations and workshops, incorporating feedback, consensus points, and recommendations to strengthen the accuracy and relevance of the assessment. The regional overview of Risk will include dimensions of gender and disability. The consultant will work under the general supervision of the Programme Management Officer, UNDRR Regional Office for Africa.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in disaster risk management, civil protection, environmental sciences, geospatial sciences, public policy, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in any of these fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, or related fields, at the regional or international level is required. Experience in risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, and the design or implementation of disaster risk management and preparedness programmes, preferably within multi country or regional contexts is desirable. Experience working with regional and international disaster risk reduction frameworks, with prior engagement with ECOWAS systems or African regional institutions is required. Technical knowledge of multi hazard risk assessment methodologies, emergency preparedness and response systems, and disaster risk governance frameworks, including familiarity with GIS based risk mapping and spatial analysis tools, particularly where such tools have been applied to support policy development, preparedness planning, or operational decision making is desirable. Experience in analytical and synthesis skills, including the ability to manage, interpret, and integrate multi country quantitative and qualitative data from diverse sources is desirable. Experience in stakeholder engagement enabling effective collaboration within complex regional and institutional environments is desirable.

Languages

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

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.

Consultant- Regional Disaster Risk and Preparedness Assessment