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Background

“Strengthening National Capacities for Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction” Project contributes to building a well-structured and effective DRR system in Armenia. It will work towards the following priority actions as recommended in the CD for DRR System report and prioritized by the MoES and UNDP:

- Further elaboration and finalization of a National DRR Strategy.
- Gender mainstreaming into DRR.
- Support to the further development and full functioning of a National Platform for DRR.
- Technical support for the foundation of a Crisis Management Centre, including the further development and operationalization of a National Disaster Observatory.
- Piloting and replication of local level risk management activities, particularly related to climate risks in rural areas and seismic risks in urban areas.

These are grouped within the project into outputs related to strengthening the enabling environment, improving coordination among DRR institutions, and mainstreaming disaster and climate risk reduction into community, municipal, and regional level development.

The first output of the project is “Strengthened enabling environment for the implementation of the National DRR Strategy and Hyogo Framework for Action “. This will be accomplished through the development of a National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategy, building upon a concept developed in 2010 under the second phase of the project. The project will elaborate a strong public education and awareness component of the National DRR Strategy. UNDP Armenia also will work to mainstream gender issues into DRR via a dedicated set of capacity development and advocacy and policy development activities.

The second output of the project is “Improved coordination and cooperation in disaster risk reduction.” In partnership with MoES, UNDP Armenia will continue ongoing efforts to establishment and well-functioning of National Platform for DRR, which will provide a mechanism for coordinating DRR in the country and a vehicle for implementing the National DRR Strategy. A National Disaster Observatory, established in earlier phase of the project, will be an integral component of a Crisis Management Center, thereby enhancing information management, coordinating risk assessment, and enhancing rapid analysis for early warning. The project will also develop capacities for the coordination of international donor support to DRR, under the leadership of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

The third output of the project is “Integration of disaster and climate risk management into community, local, and municipal development.” Building upon lessons learned in previous phases of the project, UNDP Armenia and MoES will work together to assess and reduce climate risks in rural areas, building upon a lessons learned and approaches developed for local level risk management in earlier phases of the project. The project will also pilot an urban risk management approach in the city of Gyumri. A set of tools and methods will be developed during the project in risk assessment, participatory planning, and integrating DRR and climate risk management into development.

UNDP Armenia under the project “Strengthening National Capacities for Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction - 3rd phase” aims to enhance and contribute to a well-structured and effective Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) system in Armenia. The project also addresses priority recommendations of the recent Capacity Assessment for DRR system in Armenia aimed at further strengthening of national capacities.

There are three outputs in support of the project objective. These are as follows:

- Strengthened enabling environment for the implementation of the National DRR Strategy and Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA).
Improved coordination and cooperation in disaster risk reduction.
Integration of disaster and climate risk management into community, local and municipal development.

- Developed DRR capacities will enable to systematically address existing and emerging disaster risks in the country, maintaining inclusive and coordinated mechanism for risk identification, assessment and early warning, implementing risk reduction measures and increasing preparedness for effective response and recovery.

- One of the second focus area of the project is development of National DRR Strategy and making functional National ARNAP Platform for DRR which aims to create a common and strengthened coordination system of DRR in Armenia.

Duties and responsibilities

UNDP Armenia is looking for an international expert to support ARNAP National Platform to strengthen capacities in resource mobilisation and partnership building to make National Platform functioning sustainable. It is expected that expert will be responsible for a range of activities presented below:

1. Lead the development and introduction of NP resource mobilization and partnership building policies to achieve the NP predictable development and sustainability.

2. Conduct donor mapping exercise providing comprehensive information on the local and international donors, including Identification and coordination of opportunities to generate resources and coordinate the deployment of new and innovative income streams.

3. Contribution to the National Platform for Disaster Management roadmap from a resource mobilization perspective to enhance appeal of new donors and partners.Uses knowledge of donors and successful programmes and projects to contribute to fund raising and resource mobilization strategies.

4. Facilitating the establishment of Resource Mobilization structure through its ToR elaboration, engagement and on-job training of required local specialists and development of tools to ensure the funding long-term continuity and diversity.

5. Coordination of the development of high-quality materials to keep donors well-informed of Government of Armenia programmes, initiatives, “success stories” and results, in close collaboration with Communications Specialist and the Programme Manager.

6. Introduction of appropriate internal and external communication mechanisms ensuring information flow including timely update on latest developments and intelligence among the senior management, key donors and partners.

7. In cooperation with National Consultant promote and encourage the NP standing process implementing activities and maintaining relationship with key authorities and institutions for an effective participation throughout its establishment.

8. Support in enhancing the relationship and level of commitment with the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES), line Ministries, Regional and local authorities involved in disaster management.

Competencies

- Excellent knowledge of disaster risk reduction issues and international practices. Knowledge of National Platforms for DRR and application of HFA. Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.

- Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.

- Application of theoretical knowledge in the design, management and evaluation of complex, multi-disciplinary disaster management programmes involving national governments, civil society and international organisations.

- Experience in establishing inter-organisational networks and partnerships at the operational level.

- Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions is a very strong advantage.

Required skills and experience

Education:

- Minimum of a Master’s degree or equivalent in disaster management or technical emergency (IT systems and networks) or development management or other relevant fields.

Experience:

- Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level, including experience in disaster risk reduction.

Language:

- Fluency in written and spoken English.

Computer skills:

- Good knowledge of computer software (MS Word Excel, PowerPoint; web applications Access).