Support the Monitoring of Social Media in Libya regarding Storm Daniel

Contract

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Storm Daniel struck northeastern Libya on 10 September, causing extensive flooding, loss of life and damage to infrastructure in a country already enduring the effects of long-term political and economic instability and insecurity. The impact of the storm was exacerbated by the bursting of two dams that sent a wall of water several meters high through Derna, destroying entire neighbourhoods and sweeping people out to sea. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 4,000 fatalities and over 8,000 people still unaccounted for, with these figures expected to rise as more information becomes available. Forty-two per cent of Libya’s population are children.

The floods have severely exacerbated already high levels of pre-existing needs and vulnerabilities in the affected areas. Displacement arising from the destruction of homes; the loss of hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure; and the widespread prevalence of standing water, have significantly increased the affected population’s exposure to water- and vector-borne diseases as well as heightened protection risks. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warns that scores of children face increased risk of diarrhoea and cholera as well as dehydration and malnutrition, and that unaccompanied and separated children are more vulnerable to violence and exploitation after the storm.

The humanitarian situation remains particularly grim in Derna, where urgent multi-sectoral assistance is required to save lives and ease suffering. With thousands of injured people in desperate need of medical assistance, Derna’s limited operational health facilities are facing staff shortages and a lack of critical equipment, medicines and supplies, including antibiotics and chronic disease medications as well as surgical instruments and body bags. The city is also dealing with severe drinking water shortages, as water networks are likely no longer operational in many areas, while reports indicate that certain sources of drinking water may have been contaminated. The threat of disease outbreak poses a serious concern for the survivors in Derna and Albayda. Access constraints represent a significant challenge to humanitarian aid delivery, search-and-rescue operations, and the overall crisis response.

For the social media monitoring task on Storm Daniel and the international community's response, we seek support from four Online Volunteers, who under the guidance of the Programme Management Officer in the Resident Coordinator's Office, will: - Gather sufficient, reliable information on a daily basis through screening of all news, discussions and debates related to the response to Storm Daniel in traditional and social media channels in Libya - Analyze gathered information for reporting and analysis, and - Draft simple media monitoring reports based on findings and conclusions

Candidates should have professional or at least advanced experience with social and other media. Familiarity with the political, social and economic context of this assignment is highly desired. In addition, candidates should have excellent analytical and good writing skills.