Background

Since Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, Sri Lanka made significant progress in improving Disaster Management interventions. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Disaster Management Centre (DMC) along with stakeholders from different disciplines worked together in setting up legal and institutional systems, preparing vulnerable communities for disasters and enhancing efforts to minimize disaster risk.   During last few years even if there is a significant reduction of live losses, the property damages and economic losses are increasing.

The Ministry of Disaster Management strongly recommends that disaster impact could be minimized through a coordinated approach of relevant public and private sector organizations; and by mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into sectoral programmes and projects. As a result, the Sri Lanka Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (SLCDMP) 2014-2018 was developed aligned with the national priorities and annual budget process. The SLCDMP will be implemented through multiple agencies and coordinated by the Ministry of Disaster Management with a strong monitoring and reporting system.  It is also envisaged that this programme will provide a sound basis for harmonizing donor support and minimizing duplication of efforts by agencies.

UNDP had extended its technical as well as financial support to the Ministry of Disaster Management for developing the SLCDMP and obtaining the approval from the Department of National Planning. In order to ensure the successful implementation of SLCDMP UNDP will provide technical and financial support under Strategic Support to the Sri Lanka Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (SS2 CDMP). Key areas of support through SS2CDMP are the niche technical assistance related to the formulation of National Risk Profiles, Operationalizing the National Emergency Procedures (NEOP), and integrating Disaster Risk Reduction, environment conservation, land use planning and climate change in development. This project will be based in the Ministry of Disaster Management, Planning and Development Division. It will be implemented by a team of Ministry officials and hired staff and specialists. This Terms of Reference is for the Knowledge Management Expert to support the implementation of SS2CDMP with the Technical Advisor and the National Project Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

The purpose of this consultancy is to establish a knowledge management system for the project, build capacity and implement knowledge management system for SLCDMP.

•  Work with Disaster Management Centre (DMC) to review existing processes and systems of Knowledge Management
• Conduct capacity assessment of DMC and other allied units of the Ministry of Disaster Management (MoDM) to assess the level of awareness of disaster management concepts and strategies;
•  Assess capacity in DMC and other organizations under the purview of the MoDM, identify gaps  and improve capacity of all agencies to manage knowledge related to the SLCDMP;
• Improve capacity of the Training and Awareness division of the DMC and the establishment of training infrastructure including development of training modules on knowledge management.
• Prepare a plan of action of knowledge management with the extensive engagement of relevant stakeholders;
• Assess the training modules of skills development identified institutes at national and regional level and initiate dialogue to incorporate DRR concepts in to the curricula. Prepare related knowledge management toolkits and guidelines; 
• Identify effective means of communication and public advocacy on disaster risk management and advocacy of of SLCDMP amongst stakeholders and organizations.
• Develop case studies and documentaries on mainstreaming for improved advocacy and visibility;
• Support the Preparedness and Mainstreaming Expert to develop training manuals and implement training programmes to mainstream SLCDMP and operationalise the NEOP.
•  Assist National Project Director to prepare monthly progress report on SS2CDMP

• Baseline information and detailed training needs assessment and capacity building plan;
• Developed training curricula and modules for SLCMDP for MODM and other stakeholders;
• Conducted awareness programmes;
• Build capacity on knowledge management of relevant government officials;
• Proposal for the establishment of training infrastructure;
• Knowledge management systems in place;
• Monthly narrative progress reports for SS2CDMP.
  

Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the related values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism
•  Identify and communicate relevant information for a variety of audiences
•  Assess project performance to identify success factors and incorporate best practices into project work.
• Generate new ideas and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things.
• Document and analyse innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches.
• Generate new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things.
• Strong computer skills, in particular mastery of applications of the MS Office package, and internet and emails.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in communications, social sciences or disaster management
  

• At least 05 years of experience in capacity building activities, training and awareness for disaster risk reduction.

Language

• Good knowledge of written and oral English. Sinhala and/or Tamil essential.