National Consultant for Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) Gap Analysis and Functional Mapping

Strengthened national capacities for early warning through improved coordination, clear policy guidelines and an adopted roadmap and action plan.

Home-based

01/09/2026-30/04/27

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 160 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. 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 disaster risk and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses, and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports local and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk. This consultancy is part of the Strengthening Transboundary Collaboration and Capacities on Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning System in the Western Balkans initiative, implemented by UNDRR in Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia, with financial support from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The Republic of Serbia has systematically been working towards strengthening its national early warning system (EWS), developing and adopting relevant legislation, providing advanced forecasting, monitoring and forecasting weather, hydrological and climate hazards, early warnings and alerts. In 2024, the Ministry of the Interior has also launched a state system for transmitting information to citizens for the purpose of urgent notification and warning about disasters and emergencies or extraordinary situations. Mobile phone users receive SMS messages with alerts about severe weather, fires, earthquakes, floods, and radiation. Serbia has expressed its interest to rollout the Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative in 2026, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods from the growing risks of climate-induced and natural hazards. The EW4ALL initiative is jointly coordinated by UNDRR, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in close collaboration with other stakeholders. For this project, UNDRR will also collaborate closely with the UNDP Country Office. The consultant will be home-based and work under the direct supervision of the UNDRR ROECA Programme Management Office located in Brussels, Belgium (Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia) and the Risk Knowledge Officer, and in regular collaboration with the UNDRR local officer, WMO, ITU, IFRC, UNDP and other relevant stakeholders, coordinating the design and delivery of a coherent assignment to strengthen Serbia’s early warning systems in line with the EW4ALL initiative. The consultant will collaborate with relevant national and international stakeholders to ensure that previously undertaken as well as ongoing activities are duly taken into consideration, and that any duplication of efforts is effectively avoided. Desk Review – Review relevant national policy and planning documents, existing early warning systems assessments, and guidance from the EW4ALL global initiative to establish a baseline understanding of Serbia’s current EWS landscape. Stakeholder Coordination – Establish and maintain a structured coordination mechanism between UNDRR, WMO, ITU, IFRC, UNDP, and Serbia national institutions leading the EW4ALL pillars (disaster risk knowledge, observation and forecasting, warning dissemination and communication, preparedness and response). The consultant shall ensure systematic engagement with the pillar leads throughout inception, methodology and deliverable preparation. Support Gap Assessment for all four pillars – In collaboration with pillar leads, adapt for local context and use a standardized framework and tools (e.g., checklists, templates) for assessing gaps and needs across the four EW4ALL pillars. Data Collection and Analysis – Conduct a consultative process with national stakeholders, through targeted interviews, bilateral consultations, and desk-based analysis, with support from pillar leads, to collect responses and produce a gap assessment report with recommendations, to be used as a basis for drafting a National EWS Roadmap. Prepare National Roadmap – Translate the gap analysis into a costed, sequenced national roadmap that identifies priority actions across the EWS value chain, defines institutional roles and responsibilities, implementation pathways, financing options and ensures alignment with Serbia’s national strategies, EW4ALL standards and EW4ALL pillar lead guidance. Validation and Roadmap Finalization Workshop – Facilitate two national workshops to present the consolidated gap analysis, validate and prioritize proposed actions, and agree on costed activities and implementation pathways for the national roadmap. Based on the input by the workshop and stakeholders therein, including EW4ALL pillar leads, to finalise the National Roadmap. Workshop Materials and Follow-Up – Develop inputs, background materials, and presentations for the workshops; revise the gap analysis and roadmap documents based on stakeholder feedback; and support efforts to secure high-level attendance to ensure political visibility, institutional commitment, and momentum for EW4ALL rollout in Serbia.

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, environmental policy, development studies, public administration, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in disaster risk reduction (DRR), early warning systems, climate resilience, or related areas, with demonstrated ability to work across sectors and institutions is required. Proven experience coordinating with or supporting UN agencies, government ministries, and national technical institutions in the context of DRR or early warning is required. Experience in developing roadmaps, conducting institutional gap analyses, and facilitating high-level consultations or national workshops is desirable. Experience in the design, coordination, or evaluation of multi-stakeholder initiatives in the field of early warning, preferably within UN or government-led frameworks is desirable.

English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English and Serbian 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.