Consultant for Strengthening Early Warning Systems

Result of Service

The ultimate result of the service is the design and installation of a disability-inclusive flag-based early warning system, as well as enhanced capacity of key stakeholders to implement and sustain disability-inclusive early warning systems (EWS).

Work Location

Solomon Islands

Expected duration

1 Jul 26-31 Mar 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/ASG), UNDRR has over 150 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses, and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. It 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. Early warning systems should be people-centred, end-to-end, multi-hazard, trusted and accessible to all. They should consider the unique needs and capacities of different groups, including persons with disabilities and those living in vulnerable situations. The Government of Solomon Islands has made a tremendous progress and investment to strengthen early warning systems. Gender and disability are integrated and referenced in the national disaster management plans and strategies, however, implementing them in the field remains challenging. 14% of Solomon Islands’ population has disability according to the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office’s population census 2009. Persons with disabilities are more likely to be injured or affected during the disasters. To support the disability inclusive early warning systems, UNDRR jointly the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS), the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO the National Disability Forum of Solomon Islands ( NDFSI) and the International Orgainisation for Migration ( IOM ) supported under the CREWS Accelerated Support Window ( ASW) is planning to establish a disability inclusive flag-based early warning systems in Solomon Islands. This initiative aims to enhance accessible, inclusive, and end-to-end early warnings for persons with disabilities in the Solomon Islands. planning to existing early warning services and products to ensure that they are accessible, useful, and actionable by the persons with disabilities. UNDRR Pac...