The consultant will contribute to strengthened provincial disaster risk governance through the development of inclusive, risk-informed Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies and Action Plans, supporting the effective integration of disaster risk reduction, early warning, and preparedness into subnational development planning and thereby enhancing disaster resilience in Lao PDR.

Vientiane, Lao pDR

1 Apr 26–31Mar 27

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. One of the UNDRR’s strategic areas of work in Lao PDR is to support the country’s efforts to strengthen disaster risk governance and risk knowledge for planning and implementation of disaster risk reduction and early warnings system. In this context, UNDRR promotes climate risk management as a core approach to disaster risk reduction, ensuring that climate and disaster risk information is systematically used to inform planning, preparedness, early action, and investment decisions across sectors and administrative levels. In Lao PDR, UNDRR supports the Government, particularly the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MoLSW), to strengthen disaster risk governance and early warning systems. Under the CREWS 2.0 project, UNDRR is supporting improvements in climate risk and early warning systems, which require complementary investments in subnational planning and governance to translate early warnings into effective action. Provincial DRR Strategies and Action Plans are a critical instrument to operationalize national DRR policies at subnational level, integrate risk reduction into development planning, and strengthen coordination among provincial authorities, sectoral departments, and national institutions. This consultancy will support the Government of Lao PDR to address remaining gaps in provincial DRR planning coverage and quality. The consultant will be based in Vientiane, Lao, PDR and work closely with UNDRR’s Climate and Disaster-Resilient Development Specialist based in Vientiane, Lao PDR under supervision of Programme Management Officer, UNDRR Regional Office for Asisa and the Pacific (ROAP). In addition, the national consultant will coordinate and collaborate closely with DSW together with the relevant stakeholders at national and sub-national level to develop provincial DRR strategy and action plan in five identified provinces. Specific Tasks: The consultant will be responsible for leading and coordinating the technical development of Provincial DRR Strategies and Action Plans in close collaboration with DSW, provincial authorities, UNDRR, and relevant stakeholders. Key responsibilities include: Inception, Planning, and Coordination - Prepare an inception report detailing the methodology, work plan, timeline, stakeholder engagement approach, and coordination arrangements for the development of provincial DRR strategies and action plans. - Conduct inception meetings with DSW, UNDRR, and relevant national stakeholders. - Coordinate closely with DSW focal points, UNDRR, and other key partners as required. Policy Review and Risk Profil - Conduct comprehensive desk reviews of national and provincial policies, development plans, hazard and risk data, disaster loss and damage information, and sectoral strategies. - Support putting together a brief province-specific risk profile using available secondary data and inputs from line ministries and provincial sectoral offices for the purpose of strategy formulation. Stakeholder Consultations and Field Engagement - Facilitate provincial-level consultations involving Provincial Disaster Management Committees (PDMCs), provincial sectoral offices, district authorities, and relevant stakeholders. - Support and participate in field visits to selected districts and communities to validate risk information and strategic priorities. Strategy and Action Plan Development - Lead the drafting of Provincial DRR Strategies and Action Plans for the five selected provinces, following the National Guideline for the Development of Provincial DRR Strategies (2023). - Ensure integration of early warning systems, anticipatory action, preparedness and response mechanisms, gender equality, disability, and social inclusion considerations. - Ensure alignment with national DRR strategy, disaster management law, and NSEDP priorities. Validation, Finalization, and Endorsement - Support the organization and facilitation of provincial validation workshops. - Revise and finalize draft strategies based on feedback from provincial and national stakeholders. - Prepare final versions of the Provincial DRR Strategies and Action Plans for submission and endorsement by Provincial Governors.

Advanced university degree in disaster risk management, climate change, environmental science/management, development studies, or related fields is required. A first-level university degree with at least 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. At least 7 years of professional experience in disaster risk reduction, climate risk management, or related fields is required. Experience in developing DRR strategies, action plans, or policy documents at national or subnational level is required. Experience working with government institutions in Lao PDR or similar contexts is desirable. Experience in national DRR frameworks and subnational planning processes is desirable. Experience in national DRR frameworks and subnational planning processes is desirable.

Fluency in Laotian and English languages is required.

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

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.