Antecedentes

Over the last four decades, Africa has experienced more than 1,000 disasters. The majority of disasters in Africa are hydro-meteorological in nature, with droughts still affecting the largest number of people on the continent and floods occurring frequently along the major river systems and in many urban areas. Climate change will trigger a higher magnitude and frequency of these extreme weather events. Africa’s disaster profile is closely linked to the vulnerability of its population and economies and exacerbated by minimal coping capacities. In large parts of the continent, the economy is based on rain-fed agriculture, which is highly susceptible to climate variability and extreme weather events such as drought and floods.

The cost of disasters is increasing in Africa. Disasters contribute to between 3 and 15 percent of annual loss of GDP in African countries. In Mozambique 1.1% GDP growth annually is lost due to cyclones and floods. During the 2008 cyclone season in Madagascar, damages and losses were estimated from $174 million and $159 million. Recent floods in West Africa (Senegal, Nigeria, etc.) had huge impact on these countries economy. In Nigeria the combined value of damages and losses was estimated USD 16.9 billion with USD 7 million people affected and 2.3 million people displaced. The impact of the 2008-2011 drought in Kenya were estimated over USD 12.1 billion with USD 805.6 million destruction of physical assets, USD 11.3 billion for losses economy across all sectors: livestock, agriculture, water and sanitation, electricity (hydro power plants).  Poor, small island states and land-locked countries are particularly vulnerable to the economic impact of disasters.

High vulnerability to disaster risk is a major challenge that stands in the way of the continent realizing accelerated and sustainable structural transformation. The growth and development objectives articulated in the Africa Union agenda 2063 are increasingly at risk due to the growing incidence and severity of disasters in the region. Disasters can be a tremendous setback for economic growth and performance as they strongly affect development patterns and outcomes. They are associated with loss of lives, damage to physical, natural and environmental assets, losses in human and financial wealth, erosion of social capital and governance systems. Africa’s economic transformation could be severely undermined by failure to adopt and invest in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA). In order to protect hard won development gains and progress made towards the Millennium Development Goals, disaster risks, including climate related, must be factored in the development strategies and budgets of the continent. Yet progress in mainstreaming DRR in development planning processes has been limited in Africa. Efficient mechanisms to make DRR integral to decision-making in public and private sector are critical to promote resilient development.

DRR Investment in Africa

Member States of the African Union have demonstrated commitment to disaster risk reduction through the adoption by Executive Council of the African Union of the Extended Programme of Action (PoA) for the Implementation of the Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (2006-2015). Regional Economic Communities (RECs), as the building blocks of the AU, have adopted disaster risk reduction strategies and programs to implement the Africa Regional Strategy. Member States have often adopted legislations for disaster management and allocated budgets, in particular for preparedness and response, at national and local level. In some parts of the continent, the private sector is increasingly integrating DRR into investment decisions.

The second session of the Global Platform Conference in Geneva 2009 agreed that budget allocation for DRR shall be 1% of total national budget, 10% of total disaster recovery budget, and 30% of total Climate Change budget. Resource allocation for DRR is a key concern voiced during the post HFA consultation processes including at the Abuja ministerial conference in May 2014. It is difficult to estimate overall investment in disaster risk reduction in Africa. This is compounded by the fact that international standards and methodologies for accounting for disaster risk reduction investments in public and private sector do not exist yet. Many countries report on funding allocated to disaster management institutions but it is difficult to track down investment in reducing exposure and vulnerability to disaster risks in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, urban planning, etc. Resource allocations within national budgets are complex and are not necessarily governed by distinctly titled laws, but often occur under the general fiscal management processes of the state. Some countries have specific budget lines for DRM established by law, and some include elements for DRR within them. Post disaster recovery needs are typically met via short-term budgetary re-allocation and external grant assistance.

Financing of disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility for governments, communities, private sector and partners. While many African countries have limited resources to invest in disaster risk reduction and minimal fiscal space to fund relief and recovery efforts after a major disaster, reducing disaster risks is not necessarily about allocating more resources but it is about using existing public and private resources more efficiently. Norms for allocating budgets for risk reduction as part of ongoing development planning have not been established. Norms and standards to promote more efficient and effective resource allocation for DRR that are adapted to the specificities and needs of the African continent should promote a significant increase in DRR investment.

 Objectives of the consultancy

The Africa Union and UNDP will jointly undertake a comprehensive study on the status of Disaster Risk Reduction Investment in Africa with the view to formulate recommendations on promoting more efficient and effective resource allocation processes for DRR in Africa. The study will be done in consultation with UNISDR and Regional Economic Commissions. 

The main objective of this consultancy to conduct three country reviews on the status of Disaster Risk Reduction Investment in Africa with a focus on the resource allocation process in the public and private sector.

Specific objectives include:

•  Conduct a review of existing DRR financing mechanisms in 3 countries under each of the HFA pillar, including in key sectors (agriculture, environment, industry, health, education, water, urban planning, etc.).

This will entail:

• The review of the legislative framework for disaster risk reduction and related climate change adaptation with respect to budget allocation, the review of the budgetary process at central and local level (including through the decentralization reform);
• The review of private sector investment decision processes in relation to DRR in key sectors such as urban planning, construction, infrastructure, agriculture, mining etc.;
• The review of aid coordination and aid effectiveness in DRR and linkages with Climate Change Adaptation financing;
• Identify existing gaps and challenges related to DRR Investment in the continent;
• Formulate recommendations on promoting more efficient and effective resource allocation processes for DRR Investment in Africa.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Under the leadership of the lead consultant (study coordinator), the consultant will conduct the analysis of existing DRR investment mechanisms in three African countries, identifying major gaps, constraints and challenges for DRR investment and identifying practical recommendations to promote more efficient and effective mechanisms for DRR investment.
The consultant shall follow the methodology developed by the lead consultant. Findings from the three country studies will feed into a comprehensive study that will be compiled by the lead consultant.

The consultant will undertake the following activities:

• Conduct desk review of country level information on DRR investment (HFA country report, CADRI capacity assessment, WB country diagnosis and other);
• With support from UNDP and the Africa Union, liaise with all relevant stakeholders including national authorities in the three countries ahead of the country missions to organize the programme;
• Conduct interviews and collect data with relevant governments ministries, NGO/CSO, partners, and selected private sector entities;
• Share the mission report in line with the methodology recommended in English with the lead consultant;
• Address comments from lead consultant and share consolidated revised country review report.

Institutional Arrangement

The consultant will work under the overall guidance and leadership of the lead consultant and the direct supervision of UNDP. The final country reviews will be subject to final approval from the lead consultant, AUC and UNDP.

The Consultant is expected to cover all logistical support and necessary facilities needed in order to ensure the timely and satisfactory performance of the Services.

UNDP and the Africa Union will help facilitate the preparation of the in-country missions by introducing the mission with relevant national authorities and UN agencies.

Duration of the Work

The consultant is expected to perform this task in 20 working days starting from 17th  November 2014 until 12th December 2014.

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments

The consultant is required to submit a financial proposal together with an expression of interest. The financial proposal will consist of an “all inclusive” fee that indicates the total consultancy fee for the full preparation and completion of the product. The payment is subject to delivery of the agreed product/s as approved by the Supervisors and payments will be made in one installment at the end of the consultancy. The payment will be based only upon the certification and acceptance of the outputs by the relevant approval officer as stated in section.

25% of payment will be made upon the submission of the first draft country study.

25% upon the second draft country study.

25% upon the third draft country study.

25% of payment will be made upon submission of the revised version of the studies.

Competencias

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
• Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures.  Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

• Previous experience working with Government Institutions, either with a disaster management agency and/or with ministry of finance/budget a strong advantage;
• Previous experience working with UN agencies or international organizations  an advantage;
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Excellent communication skills, proven ability to write clear and concise reports;
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

• Advanced university degree in the field of disaster risk reduction, natural sciences, economy and finance, or other relevant field; or an equivalent combination of education and extensive relevant professional experience in a related area.

Exoerience:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in disaster risk management /disaster risk reduction or in a related field (climate change, environmental management) out of which 2 in Africa;
• Previous experience working with Government Institutions, either with a disaster management agency and/or with ministry of finance/budget a strong advantage;
• Experience in organizing research;
• Experience in organizing research; excellent communication skills, proven ability to write clear and concise reports;
• Previous experience working with UN agencies or international organizations  an advantage.

Language

• Fluency in English (speaking and writing).