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Background

UNDP Armenia under the project 00064044 “Strengthening National Capacities for Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction- 2nd phase” aims at strengthening the legal and institutional framework for disaster risk management in Armenia, including the development of a comprehensive National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy. As a significant input for this work, the enhancement of the disaster risk identification, assessment and monitoring system in Armenia is also envisioned. This will be done through supporting and facilitating a multi-stakeholder process of national risk assessment, with the ultimate goal of setting up a mechanism for regularly updating the country risk profile, establishing the institutional framework for risk assessment, and utilizing analyzed data in national disaster risk reduction policies and strategies.

The establishment of a National Platform (NP) for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Armenia and development of National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy were identified as priority actions by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Armenia (MoES). This is perceived as a significant input for enhancing the DRR system in Armenia and enabling better coordination and communication to address preparedness, prevention and response to recurring disasters in Armenia. A recently conducted Capacity Assessment for the DRR system in Armenia also revealed the need for the enabling environment to systematically address existing and emerging disaster risks in the country, for maintaining inclusive and coordinated mechanisms for risk identification, assessment and early warning, for implementing risk reduction measures and for making preparedness, response, and recovery more effective. Thus, the establishment of a multi-stakeholder coordination forum is a pre-requisite to ensure effective and sustainable DRR system in Armenia.

Duties and Responsibilities

UNDP Armenia is looking for an international consultant to provide specialized expertise and strategic advice to the Ministry of ES and assist in a range of activities related to the establishment of a National Platform for DRR and elaboration of National DRR strategy. The International Consultant will work closely with the Local Expert(s) who will assist in implementing the assignment. The Consultant will work under overall supervision of and report to the UNDP Disaster Risk Reduction Adviser.

It is expected that the consultant will
- Assess the institutional and organizational framework, potential host institutions, human and financial resources, and enabling environment as a basis for the establishment of NP. Conduct a similar analysis for the development of a DRR strategy in Armenia.
- Provide technical advice based on international best practices and encourage use of UNISDR guidance to smooth the progress of the establishment of a strong coordination mechanism for DRR in Armenia and development of a national DRR strategy;
- Engage in an intensive consultation process with stakeholders in Armenia through individual meetings as well as round table discussions and workshops;
- Monitor the process of the establishment of NP and development of a DRR Strategy;
- Prepare and submit a draft strategic vision and charter for NP, draft concept for a National DRR Strategy, as well as interim progress and final reports to UNDP and MoES.

Specific responsibilities of the assignment include
-- Initiate the working process with the Ministry of Emergency Situations and other main stakeholders. In particular:
- Obtain and study the available data, local situation and possibilities for the establishment of NP and elaboration of a DRR strategy in Armenia,
- Provide advice on the formation and further work of a Task Force comprised of specialists of MoES and other stakeholders, aimed at defining a draft strategic vision, charter, and action plan for the NP and a draft concept for the National DRR Strategy.
- Advice on main stakeholders and potential partners to be part of the NP.

--Provide technical advice based on international best practices and encourage use of UNISDR guidance to smooth the progress of the establishment of a strong coordination mechanism for DRR in Armenia and development of a national DRR strategy;
-Share the international best practices of NPs and national DRR strategies worldwide, and in the region in particular, and provide recommendations on possible adaptation in Armenia;
- Provide technical expert knowledge and advice on the formulation of the institutional and organizational framework, as well as funding mechanism, for the NP for DRR in Armenia, including leadership, secretariat and theme groups;
- Provide guidance on developing a draft strategic vision, charter, and action plan (objectives, outputs, monitoring and evaluation, time frames) for the coordination platform and thematic groups;
- In close consultation with the Task Force and based on the inputs of the local expert, assist in designing the NP structure draft strategic vision, charter, and action plan to be presented to the MoES, UNDP and other stakeholders for consequent approval;
- Provide guidance based on the inputs of the Task Force and the local expert on the initiation of the process of the elaboration of a national DRR strategy, including formation of additional working group, as needed, defining clear objective and roles and responsibilities of participating agencies/persons.
- Facilitate the related work and present an outline of the strategy to the MoES, UNDP and other stakeholders for consequent approval;
- During the assignment period, provide necessary advice and support in the process of the elaboration of a DRR strategy, including presentation of a draft DRR strategy for discussion and consequent implementation.

-- Engage in an intensive consultation process with stakeholders in Armenia through round table discussions and workshops, including related arrangements;
- Ensure that both the process of the establishment of NP and elaboration of DRR strategy is participatory and based on intensive consultations with stakeholders;
- Together with the local expert, develop a plan of action for organizing round table discussions and workshops throughout the process;
- Provide facilitation support and identify need, as required, for additional technical expertise, trainers/facilitators for specialized thematic areas;

-- Monitoring the process of development of NP and DRR Strategy;
- During the assignment period, closely monitor the implementation of an action plan for the establishment of NP and development of DRR strategy, including its monitoring and evaluation framework;
- Monitor the work of a Task Force and related thematic groups and ensure timely implementation of the action plan
- Provide technical inputs and assist in preparing necessary reports and follow up on related documentation and approval processes.

-- Prepare and submit progress and final reports in English.
- Prepare a mid-term progress report describing in detail the agreed objectives and accomplished work, lessons learned and, as necessary, suggest any justified changes in the earlier agreed work plan for the assignment;
- By the end of assignment, prepare final report on accomplished work, lessons learned from the process and recommendations for the future work of the NP and finalization and implementation of a DRR strategy in Armenia.

Deliverables

- Detailed assignment work schedule
- Short consultation reports (1-3 pp.)
- Draft strategic vision, charter, and action plan for NP
- Draft concept for National DRR Strategy
- Final report on the accomplished work

The Consultant will be available online throughout the assignment period to provide necessary inputs to the processes. However, at least 2-3 trips will be administered to Armenia.

Competencies

- Experienced specialists in development of (Disaster Risk Reduction) DRR strategies, and organizational development, in particular on disaster management issues
- 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
- Knowledge of disaster risk management system in Armenia and/or in the Eastern Europe and CIS region would be an asset.
- Good organizational, time management and facilitation skills;
- knowledge of Russian is an asset.

Required Skills and Experience

- Master’s Degree in international development, peace and Conflict studies and/or related fields.
- 8 or more years of experience in organizational development in the context of disaster management, strategic planning and/or public administration;
- working experience in the relevant field with international organizations.