Consultant Enhancing & Strengthening Partnerships with National Disaster & Displacement Management Authorities on Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives

Context:

In addition to suffering from the long-standing effects of war, Iraq continues to face multiple threats from natural and human induced disasters, including earthquakes, floods, droughts, storms, desertification, epidemics, fires and environmental degradation, etc. In 2021, multiple governorates across the country have been severely affected by drought, floods as well as earthquakes, putting additional strain on communities already faced with limited socio-economic opportunities.

Since its establishment in 2003, IOM Iraq has been focusing on addressing humanitarian needs and reducing vulnerabilities linked to longer-term interventions, supporting progress towards achieving durable solutions for displaced populations, tailored to local needs and priorities. As part of IOM’s support to the Government to manage disaster risks through effective mitigation, preparedness and response approaches, IOM has worked closely with the Ministry of Migration and Displacement (MoMD), the Joint Crisis Monitoring Center (JCMC) and the Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC). In partnership with other organizations, IOM has most recently completed a comprehensive capacity building training on Mass Shelter Capability (MaSC) and is set to conduct another series of trainings on Mass Evacuation in Natural Disasters (MEND).

To continue on the success of these trainings and other collaborations, and in response to multiple requests from these government authorities, IOM Iraq intends to explore ways to further contribute to the development of DRR capacities of the government. Through this consultancy, IOM intends to carry out an assessment of existing DRR policies and guidelines of the Iraqi government in consultation with the relevant bodies with the purpose of defining areas of technical collaboration.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Preparedness and Response Unit, the successful consultant will be responsible for both advisory and technical recommendations that allows for effective exchange of knowledge and strengthened partnership and collaboration between IOM Iraq’s Preparedness and Response Unit and the crisis management bodies of Government of Iraq (GoI) and Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) on Disaster Risk Reduction. In particular, the consultant’s work will include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Consult with different units within IOM Iraq as well as IOM’s Regional Thematic Specialists (RTS) on previous initiatives on DRR and analyze existing documents as well as planned activities relating to DRR.

· Consult and coordinate with other humanitarian and development actors involved in DRR and capacity building of national authorities, including THW, IFRC and UNDP.

· Liaise with relevant government stakeholders on DRR on a national and regional level, throughout the duration of the consultancy.

· Design, plan and conduct Key Informant Interviews (KII’s) with members of JCC (Joint Crisis Coordination Center), JCMC (Joint Crisis Monitoring Center) and MoMD (Ministry of Migration and Displacement).

· Compile and review existing country-level policies, guidelines and initiatives from GoI and KRG on DRR and identify key areas of development and collaboration.

· Provide leadership and technical input for the design and development of disaster risk reduction programs and policy frameworks in support of the national and regional governments priorities.

· Support knowledge management initiatives through learning needs assessment of the government on risk analysis, preparedness planning and risk reduction by identifying key areas of capacity development to contribute to a holistic approach.

· Identify specific needs and demands of PRU programs and provide technical inputs in order to support in the integration of DRR into the humanitarian programmes.

· Above general tasks and responsibilities are subject to change if deemed necessary by PRU in case of any change in context or priorities

Measurable Outputs/ Deliverables:

Below deliverables are expected from the assignment –

• Workshop(s): One consolidated or several day long workshops with key government stakeholders to inform the needs in terms of DRR policy development, preparedness and response strategies and gaps in capacity building initiatives

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The below sets of guidance notes and SOPs are also expected from the consultant:

1) An advanced set of guidance notes on developing SOPs for preparedness and response to meet the institutional needs of the key government bodies (JCC, JCMC and MoMD)

2) A general SOP for preparedness and response that can be contextualized and adapted at the national level as well as at each governorate level following the guidance notes.

• Final report: A comprehensive report covering:

1) Analysis and documentation of existing DRR policies and guidelines on a national and regional level and identification of key areas of development and collaboration

2) Assessment of learning needs on DRR knowledge and suggestions on key technical areas of capacity building of the government authorities

3) Identification of key areas of integrating DRR into PRU programming and strategy and technical recommendations for development

4) Annex containing links to key documents, contacts, interviews/ workshops/ meetings conducted, etc.

• Summary Presentation: A short presentation session to key PRU staff from IOM Iraq on the findings and recommendations

· Realistic delivery dates and details as to how the work must be delivered will be discussed before the issuance of the consultancy contract

Payment Plan:

The consultant will be paid on a monthly basis based on the agreed and produced outcomes.

Flight to and from the consultant’s place of residence, and domestic flights, logistics and movements within the country will be taken care of by IOM. However, the consultant is expected to have his/her own work laptop and equipment.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

· University degree in one of the following fields: Disaster Management, Emergency Response, Humanitarian Assistance, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Law, International Relations, Engineering or other related disciplines.

Experience & Skills

· A minimum of 5 years’ experience within the field of Disaster Management, Humanitarian Assistance, Project Management, or similar fields of work is required.

· The work will require diplomacy, tact, negotiation skills and previous experience at a coordination level with local authorities and key stakeholders is mandatory.

· Experience in designing methodology and guidelines for DRR are key. The ability to develop and deliver trainings on DRR is beneficial.

· The work will be in high-medium risk areas, so experience from working in an insecure environment or similar context is required.

· Excellent analytical, research, writing and communication skills

· Expertise and experience in the humanitarian and sector

· Knowledge of humanitarian, social and development issues as well as general displacement related issues.

Languages

· For this consultancy, fluency in English (oral and written) and working knowledge of Arabic is required. Knowledge of Kurdish language is an advantage.