Senior Consultant - Strategic Framework

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Result of Service

As a result of the preparation process outlined elsewhere in this document including associated internal and external consultations, the final draft of the new Strategic Framework is presented to the SRSG by end July 2025

Work Location

Homebased

Expected duration

Jan. - Jul. 2025

Duties and Responsibilities

Org. Setting and Reporting 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 150 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 catalyses action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with U.N. Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. The high-level consultancy is required by UNDRR to analyze the progress, challenges, and gaps in the programmatic approach to identify key lessons and areas for improvement; develop a robust and practical Theory of Change (ToC) that outlines pathways to achieving the desired acceleration towards the achievement of Sendai Framework priorities; convene and facilitate strategic dialogues with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment, ownership, and actionable collaboration towards the change needed; and finally to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations for a new Strategic Framework for UNDRR that leverages opportunities for an accelerated, value driven focus in the programme of work for the remaining five years of the implementation of the Sendai Framework. This consultancy is homebased. The consultant will report to the Director of UNDRR in Geneva, Switzerland, and work in close collaboration with the Programme Officer, and the Strategic Framework Task Force. Phase one : Theory of Change Development Develop the theory of change that would re-focus / realign UNDRR programmatic work that reflects the urgency of “now or never” for the implementation of the Sendai Framework by analyzing the current state of the implementation of the Sendai Framework by UNDRR, identifying gaps, challenges, and successes in its approach to date. Design, convene and facilitate internal brainstorming sessions, first with the internal Strategic Framework Task Force (SFTF). In close consultation the SFTF, develop the new theory of change. Phase two : UNDRR focus in 2026-2030 Lead focused discussions internally at UNDRR based on the adopted theory of change, on the revision of strategic objectives and results towards a value driven, streamlined focus of UNDRR’s work from 2026-2030. In coordination with the Strategic Framework Task Force identify the key stakeholders with whom to have strategic dialogues. These may include UN agencies, NGOs, regional bodies, key donors and private sector actors; consultations with strategic think tanks and other notable partners. Analyze the various international agreements, agenda, UN system agencies who are also developing new strategies etc., which also have implications on UNDRR’s work and make recommendations on how to navigate these in the years ahead. Phase three : Preparation of the new proposed Strategic Framework The consultant will serve as the lead writer of the Strategic Framework, synthesizing ideas, organizing content, and drafting key sections. However, the development process will be highly collaborative with the Strategic Framework Task Force members actively contributing through brainstorming sessions, providing input on specific sections, reviewing drafts, and offering feedback to ensure the plan reflects diverse perspectives and organizational priorities.

Qualifications / special skills

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in social sciences, management, economics, international relations 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. At least 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in the fields of Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation, development, humanitarian action or related field is required. Experience designing theories of change and strategic frameworks is required. Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder discussions and engagement is required. Experience drafting high-quality, actionable reports and documents is required.

Languages

English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required for this consultancy.

Additional Information

Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

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.