UNDP Jobs - 87844- National Consultant on Disaster Information Manage

National Consultant on Disaster Information Management (Lao nationality only)

Location :

Vientiane, LAO PDR

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

21-Oct-2019

Application Deadline :

14-Oct-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

October - December 2019

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

3 months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Recent floods in Lao PDR have impacted six provinces in Khammouan, Savannakhet, Champasak, Saravan, Sekong, and Attapeu affecting significant population and capital exposure. As per available estimates from NDMO on 8 Sept 2019, a total of 396,806 persons have been affected, 14 dead and 37 houses damaged. Estimated capital exposure is of about USD 753.4 million. According to preliminary assessment from UNITAR-UNOSAT, within 60,000 sq.km. of Southern Lao PDR, about 1,000 sq.km. seem to be flooded which is home to about 1,606,500 people.

During the last decade the costs from major flooding events has increased by more than 6 times: from $58 million in 2009 to $ 371.5 million in 2018. All 18 provinces were affected by the 2018 flood, resulting in loss and damage equivalent to 9.6% of the government budget in 2018. The agriculture sector accounted for 97% of the total losses: people lost assets and crops, and the losses contributed to reduced food consumption, increased debt, loss of employment for laborers, children being taken out from school, and migration (60% of which were women).

The 2018 Flood provided the impetus to undertake exceptional and urgent measures to address disaster risks. A number of recommendations were made along the critical areas: Development of a National Disaster Recovery Framework, development of actionable sector plans, Financing for Recovery, and Smarter investments to enhance disaster prevention and resilience. The Flood Disaster Recovery Framework (DRF) must ensure that setbacks caused by the 2018 disaster are addressed and bring the economy back on track with the objectives of the 8th National Economic and Social Development Plan (NSEDP). The review of the current plan should incorporate processes for risk informed development, which should be integrated to the 9th NSEDP.

Lao Disaster Management Information System, (LaoDi)

UNDP has supported the Government of Lao PDR for disaster risk reduction and recovery. Among a number of areas, UNDP has supported the Lao Disaster Management Information System, called LaoDi. The LaoDi was developed in partnership with Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) within the larger UNDP support on disaster risk reduction and recovery. Significant data was collected about the past disasters and their impacts on human population and sectors.

UNDP is seeking to recruit a National Consultant on Disaster Information Management to strengthen and institutionalize LaoDi at NDMO. Under the overall guidance and technical support from UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, the national consultant will work closely with the UNDP Lao PDR and Director and relevant staff of NDMO.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Assess the availability of disaster related data (source, format, data holder, consistency) and prepare a work plan for the establishment and institutionalization of LaoDi at NDMO

2. Collect and document all available historical disaster data from identified and selected national, provincial, and local agencies and establish LaoDi at the NDMO

3. Impart necessary technical training to the staff of NDMO and organize training in affected provinces.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

1. Assess the availability of disaster related data and prepare a work plan for the establishment of a disaster loss and damage information system

Familiarize with the LaoDi and other existing related Tools.
Support the government in the assessment, review and analyze of the technical capability, requirements and needs regarding the setup of LaoDi.
Consult with NDMO on data collection standard formats and data collection procedures. Hold consultations with stakeholders including INGOs and key line ministries who are involved in the collection and compilation of disaster related data.
Based on the consultation and information collected from stakeholders and key line ministries, develop a report which includes a detailed work plan for establishing LaoDi at NDMO.

2. Collect historical disaster data from identified national, provincial, and local agencies and update LaoDi

Based on the consultation with the government and inputs from key stakeholders, collect disaster data and update the LaoDi.
Establish a user-friendly data collection system in consultation with NDMO officials.
Update LaoDi with data from recent floods and any other missing past disaster data, including sex and age disaggregated data.

Review and propose a system for routine collection and compilation of disaster data and update in LaoDI by NDMP staff as per agreed protocols and procedures with appropriate quality control and data validation and verification system

3. Organize learning and knowledge sharing events associated with LaoDi for key stakeholders in close collaboration with UNDP and with guidance from NDMO

Conduct technical training session for the technical staffs based on their daily assignment (day-to-day work) under the direct guidance of NDMO and UNDP and for key stakeholders on the LaoDi.
Lead the technical training for various stakeholder groups at national and sub-national levels.
Develop necessary knowledge products (such as manuals, how-to guides, and data collection and reporting formats) to promote learning.

4. Lead the disaster data analysis to assist in identifying vulnerable areas to various disasters in the country to inform policy and to support decision-making

Support the data analysis to help identify the most disaster-prone areas in the country.
Plan launch of the findings of the analysis with wider group of stakeholders to ensure its usage by all.
Retrieve and provide user specific data from the LaoDi system and make it available to those who need it at national and sub-national levels.
Institutionalize the information system within the NDMO with adequate staff capacity and skills for maintaining and updating the system
Key outputs of the assignment
Collection and update of LaoDi with missing data from recent disasters.
Organize learning and knowledge sharing events on LaoDi for the key stakeholders.
Produce knowledge products associated with LaoDi.
Conduct technical trainings for NDMO staff.
Propose a plan for institutionalization of LaoDi at NDMO.

Competencies

Proven ability to deliver quality output working under tight deadlines
Ability to communicate effectively and to facilitate discussions at the senior level with government officials
Excellent written and spoken English

Required Skills and Experience

Bachelor or post graduate degree in information Technology or Informatics is preferred.
Knowledge on Disaster Management and Statistics is an asset.

At least 5 years of experience in setting up and maintaining information management systems
Knowledge of Java, web-based applications and relational database will be an advantage
Experience of working with government institutions is desirable.