Result of Service
Enhanced risk data governance and management are in place, based on a Data Maturity Assessment (DEMA) toolkit. This provides a comprehensive mapping of data providers and clear specifications of their datasets, while establishing protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the exchange, storage, interoperability, and access to quality-controlled data. All key components and actions required to enable the implementation of the DELTA Resilience system have been identified and rolled out, accompanied by capacity-building efforts among the contributing institutions. The operability of the national geospatial data portal, Haitidata.org, has been upgraded and secured to ensure smart and sustainable access to and use of data, thereby strengthening risk knowledge capacities at both national and local levels.
Duties and Responsibilities
Background Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 160 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses, and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) underscore the vital importance of strengthening early warning systems to bolster resilience against crises and disasters, thereby advancing sustainable development. Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) play an essential role in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation by providing timely, accurate alerts to vulnerable communities, helping to mitigate the impacts of hazardous events. For these systems to be effective, they must encompass all types of risks, prioritize the most exposed populations, ensure efficient communication channels, and foster proactive responses. They should be grounded in scientific and technical knowledge while focusing on the needs of vulnerable individuals and sectors, adopting a systemic approach that considers all relevant risk factors. In November 2022, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General launched the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, aiming to protect everyone worldwide through comprehensive, end-to-end MHEWS. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), leads the global coordination of EW4All, working closely with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The initiative aims to ensure that all people, everywhere, are protected by early warning systems by 2027. According to the UN Secretary-General's Executive Action Plan, EW4All is structured around four pillars: Pillar 1 – Disaster Risk Knowledge and Risk Management (led by UNDRR) Pillar 2 – Detection, Observation, Monitoring, Analysis, and Forecasting of Hazards (led by WMO) Pillar 3 – Warning Dissemination and Communication (led by ITU) Pillar 4 – Preparedness to Respond (led by IFRC) An inter-pillar governance mechanism supports sustainability and clarifies roles and mandates across these components. The UNDRR is supporting Haiti in enhancing its disaster risk governance, particularly by establishing an effective, inclusive, and legally supported MHEWS and strengthening governance frameworks for disaster risk management and climate change adaptation. The initiative seeks to address identified gaps in legislation, coordination, capacity, and operational mechanisms to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance disaster preparedness and resilience. Haiti, in particular, launched this initiative in November 2023 after conducting consultations to identify gaps within its MHEWS. The analysis focused on four key pillars: risk knowledge, observation and forecasting, alert dissemination, and preparedness and response. It highlighted the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach that involves active community participation and a supportive institutional environment. Given Haiti's vulnerability to geological, hydrological, and meteorological hazards—exacerbated by socio-economic challenges such as poverty and inequality—the development of a robust early warning system is crucial. The country has established a National Disaster Risk Management System (SNGRD) and a corresponding plan for 2019–2030, with the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC) overseeing the MHEWS. While this system aims to anticipate threats and enable rapid responses, further strengthening is necessary to effectively address the complex risks faced by Haiti. To enhance Haiti's early warning capabilities, a strategic roadmap for MHEWS implementation (2025–2030) has been developed. This plan seeks to improve all aspects of the system—from risk knowledge to communication and response, by prioritizing actions aligned with the SFDRR's objectives. Supported by both national and international stakeholders—including UN agencies, civil society, and development partners, the roadmap emphasizes a coordinated, multi-sectoral, and community-centered approach. Its success depends on effective governance, resource mobilization, and tailored interventions that address Haiti's specific vulnerabilities, ultimately aiming to save lives, protect property, and foster sustainable development. The Consultant will be home-based in Haiti and will be under supervision of the Programme Management officer for the Caribbean at UNDRR ROAC.
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Disaster Risk Management, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Data Science, Information Technology, or a related field 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. Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in developing, implementing, and managing data systems is required. Experience in deploying and customizing data and information management software is required. Experience in developing operational protocols, user manuals, or capacity-building materials tailored to national institutions and diverse stakeholder groups is desirable. Experience with disaster risk standards, including the UNDRR-ISC Hazard Definition and Classification, and the ability to implement adjustments to existing platforms is desirable. Experience with Haitian institutional context, data environments, and relevant stakeholders (e.g., DGCP, UHM, SEMANAH, and the National Office of Statistics) is desirable.
