Local and Traditional Knowledge for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Pacific

Result of Service Expected Results - Develop a thematic study on Local and Traditional Knowledge and DRR in the Pacific (according to research methodology that will be developed separately to support the Pacific MTR SF) - The thematic study will be informed by undertaking literature reviews, designing and delivering consultations with relevant stakeholder and key informant interviews - The thematic study to include a collection of examples, case studies and impact stories from across the Pacific, supported by relevant consultations and key informant interviews - Develop and consult on recommendations and priority actions for inclusion in the thematic study and to feed into the wider MTR - Draft and finalize thematic study (max 30 pages with pictures/ photos)

Work Location Home based

Expected duration 1 May to 31 July 2022, total of 30 working days

Duties and Responsibilities The Sendai Declaration and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 adopted by the 3rd United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction 2015, were subsequently endorsed by Member States in the United Nations General Assembly. The Sendai Framework provides for an all-of-society and all-of-State institutions engagement in preventing and reducing disaster risks posed by both natural and man-made hazards and related environmental, technological and biological hazards and risks.

Ensuring that disaster risk reduction approaches are complimented by traditional knowledge is a guiding principle under the Sendai Framework Furthermore, in priority actions under risk assessment and governance, the Sendai Framework calls explicitly for governments to employ a people-centred approach and engage directly with indigenous peoples in the design and implementation of policies, plans and standards. It also outlines the need to use traditional, indigenous and local knowledge and practices to complement scientific knowledge in disaster risk assessments.

2023 marks the midpoint in implementing the Sendai Framework, as well as other related global and regional sustainable development related agreements. In its resolution 75/216 of 21 December 2020, the UN General Assembly decided to “hold a midterm review of the implementation of the Sendai Framework in 2023 to assess progress on integrating disaster risk reduction into policies, programmes and investments at all levels, identify good practice, gaps and challenges and accelerate the path to achieving the goal of the Sendai Framework and its seven global targets by 2030”

In the Pacific, The Mid-term Review (MTR SF) will be designed to capture human impact stories and to showcase progress made on DRR and resilience building at the regional, national and local levels – what has worked, where are the gaps, and what we must do to accelerate or recalibrate action to meet the commitments of Sendai Framework and relevant regional agendas in the Pacific. This in turn will support communities, governments, and partners in the region on how to and where to best invest efforts and resources.

A key part of this will be capturing the contribution of traditional knowledge on DRR and resilience efforts in the Pacific and to tease out the connection between social sciences, traditional knowledge, risk patterns and behaviour in the Pacific. This process will provide a unique opportunity to better explore the interface between local and traditional knowledge and science in DRR and if /how science can be more localised and traditional knowledge can be scaled up to inform DRR and wider resilience efforts across the Pacific and potentially guide how traditional knowledge can better be incorporated into disaster and climate resilience assessment, governance and approaches going forward.

The consultant will support the UNDRR Sub-Regional Office in the Pacific to undertake research, support consultations and develop a thematic case study on Local and Traditional Knowledge for DRR in the Pacific and its contribution to the implementation of the Sendai Framework in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Sub-Regional Office and in close liaison with the Pacific Sendai Framework Midterm Review project, the consultant will support the development of a thematic study on Local and Traditional Knowledge for DRR in the Pacific to inform the midterm review of the Sendai Framework in the region.

The thematic study should be informed by a literature review, identification of examples and case studies of application of traditional knowledge in the DRR, as well as develop recommendations/ priority actions to scale up traditional knowledge and localise science in the DRR decision making, planning and programming in the Pacific.

Qualifications/special skills Skills: - Good interpersonal and communication skills. - Personal commitment, effectiveness, and commitment to results. - Ability to write clear and concise texts in English. - Ability to manage multiple tasks.

Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree in disaster risk management, project management or related fields is required. Ph.D. in related fields is desirable. Experience: •Minimum five (5) years of experience in the areas of disaster risk management, climate change adaptation and resilience, public administration, project management and/or organising training and capacity building workshops/courses is required. •Work experience with relevant national and sub-national stakeholders in the Pacific region is required. •Demonstrated experience in drafting strategic planning documents, reports and conducting consultations with stakeholders is required.

Language: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of local language is desired.

No Fee 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.