Science-Policy-Society Ecosystem Specialist

Result of Service Lead consultant to provide specialist expertise advice, knowledge, guidance forthe Words Into Action (WIA) global publication on Science-Policy-Society ecosystem-, supporting the overall coordination process jointly led by UNDRR Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ROECA), Risk Knowledge, Monitoring and Capacity Development Branch (RKB) in Geneva and CIMA foundation (external partner).

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration From as soon as possible for 5.5 months.

Duties and Responsibilities Background: The Words into Action (WiA) guidelines series produced by UNDRR ensures worldwide access to expertise, communities of practice and networks of DRR practitioners. As pragmatic roadmaps they merge cross-sectoral and cross-regional expertise and practice to guide policy makers, technical working groups, international organizations and non-governmental organizations in their work on disaster risk reduction (DRR). The target audience are national and local authorities such as national and departmental coordinators for DRR, organizations and institutions at the local, national and regional level, policy makers and government agencies (planning and finance ministries), experts including universities and communities of practice and practitioners who develop and test DRR models.

Guiding Principles - WiA revolves around four pillars: 1. Promote awareness and behaviour change 2. Advocate for Disaster Risk Reduction 3. Engage society as a whole to create a more resilient planet 4. Influence relevant partners to implement policies, assign resources intelligently and effect change in a cost-effective fashion.

In addition, WIA publications seek to: - Offer insights to see reality from a new perspective to help actors devise comprehensive solutions - Use experts’ knowledge and distilled experience - Build communication, awareness-raising and behaviour change strategies - Identify the right channels to effect durable change - Engage the relevant communities of practice - Ensure coherence with other big themes in DRR and sustainable development.

The topic of Science-Policy-Society ecosystem falls under several Sendai Framework priorities including Risk Understanding, Risk Governance and Risk Preparedness, addressing the need for enhanced dialogue across the various scientific disciplines and putting mechanisms in place for enhanced co-operation across government sectors. Specific challenges include: i) encouraging policy makers to make further use of scientific evidence and better coordinate actions with experts and scientists to align research to their priorities and challenges, ii) understanding how social media networks and unreliable information influence risk understanding and promote ineffective solutions, quick fixes, or options that actually increase risk, iii) learning lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate a more structured and institutionalized interface between Science and Policy for managing the systemic nature of risk creation and disaster impact, iv) improving how scientists communicate uncertainty and respond to the increased need for evidence, in order to inform citizens and policies, and v) promoting a coherent, inclusive, ‘whole of government’ approach to disaster risk reduction.

Duties and Responsibilities: In consultation with the Steering Group, UNDRR Risk Knowledge and global offices, CIMA foundation and members of the extended Reference Group, the consultant will support the development of a global Words Into Action publication by providing substantive input, advice, high level expertise and knowledge on the topic of the Science-Policy-Society ecosystem.. The consultant will contribute to the draft Concept Note and overall outline of the WiA publication and support its implementation, working closely with existing UNDRR partner organisations, assist with identifying relevant stakeholders and processes for consultation and review, draft chapters of the publication and liaise with other chapter authors as appropriate. The consultant will be a member of the WiA Steering Group and will attend periodic Steering Group meetings and provide updates on progress.

An indicative list of tasks includes: 1. Supporting UNDRR and CIMA with the preparation of an overall work plan with provisional timelines for the WIA publication. 2. Supporting UNDRR and CIMA with the preparation of the Concept Note for the WIA publication, including chapter headings and suggested content/authors. 3. Carrying out a literature review to inform the concept note and chapter contents ensuring coverage of all UNDRR regions. 4. Engaging with UNDRR regional offices and partner organisations, regional bodies and other stakeholders to obtain relevant input for a global publication, e.g. request case studies/regional examples of good practice. 5. Identifying relevant regional/national/local stakeholders for consultation and review. 6. Support to UNDRR and CIMA with the preparation of materials for consultation and review, for example the zero draft for the Global Platform and first draft for the consultation. 7. Working with UNDRR colleagues on the role of Prevention Web in supporting the science-policy-society dialogue. Suggesting content for Prevention Web, as needed. 8. Supporting UNDRR and CIMA in designing and carrying out the consultation at the Global Platform based on the zero draft, synthesize consultation responses and incorporate into the WIA publication. Supporting UNDRR and CIMA in designing the final consultation and review process that will be carried out in the 3rd and 4rd quarter of 2022 9. Support to the drafting and refining of chapters for the WIA publication, based on UNDRR/steering group feedback and external review.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: - Advanced university degree (PhD degree preferred) in social science, public administration, disaster risk reduction, risk management, environmental sciences or related area 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.

Experience: - At least 7 (seven) years of proven professional experience in the areas of disaster risk reduction and governance, sustainable development, environmental management/climate change or related area is required. - Prior experience in UNDRR work in this field and experience with relevant UNDRR partnerships or related area is required. - Prior experience in engaging with governments / stakeholders and facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations (in-person and virtual) and relationship management is desirable.

Skills: - Recognition as an expert in the field (track record of academic publications), extensive relevant expertise in research / review and analysis, and the preparation and production of reports covering multiple countries is desirable. - In-depth knowledge of current topics within the science-policy-society debate is desirable. - Proven knowledge and understanding of institutional, reporting, and legislative frameworks for disaster risk management or related fields in respective regions is desirable.

Language: - Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

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.