Consultant for Disaster Risk Reduction Financing Framework in Colombia | 8-Month Assignment | Apply by August 31, 2025. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) seeks an experienced consultant to develop a national Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Financing Framework in Colombia. This 8-month assignment, based in Bogotá, requires expertise in economic data analysis, DRR financing mechanisms, and workshop facilitation. The consultant will analyze disaster economic impacts, identify financing gaps, and create actionable recommendations to increase investments in disaster resilience. Fluency in Spanish is required, and experience with the Colombian public sector is desirable. This role supports Colombia’s commitment to the Sendai Framework and sustainable development. Apply now to contribute to reducing disaster risks in the Andean region.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), established in 1999, serves as the focal point within the UN system for coordinating efforts to reduce disaster risks and promote resilience. UNDRR guides and monitors the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, working with member states, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to address the growing challenges posed by natural and human-induced hazards.
Colombia, part of the Andean region, faces complex geophysical and climatic conditions that expose the country to multiple disaster risks, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, and droughts. These hazards are intensified by social and economic vulnerabilities, rapid urbanization, and environmental degradation. In response, Colombia has made significant strides in disaster risk governance and innovative financing mechanisms. However, substantial gaps remain in mobilizing and targeting investments for disaster risk reduction (DRR).
This consultancy, hosted by UNDRR’s Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean, aims to develop a comprehensive DRR Financing Framework for Colombia. The framework will align with Target C of the Sendai Framework, which seeks to substantially reduce direct disaster economic loss in relation to global GDP by 2030. The consultant will work closely with national institutions such as the Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD), Departamento Nacional de Planeación (DNP), and the Ministry of Finance, as well as international partners like the World Food Programme (WFP), to ensure a coordinated and inclusive approach.
The consultant will be based in Bogotá, Colombia, and report to the Economic Affairs Officer of UNDRR’s Regional Office. The role involves extensive data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and the development of actionable recommendations to enhance Colombia’s resilience to disasters.
Consultant for Disaster Risk Reduction Financing Framework in Colombia | 8-Month Assignment | Apply by August 31, 2025
Tasks and Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for the following key activities:
- Data Collection and Analysis:
- Collect and analyze data on disaster events from the past decade using secondary sources such as EM-DAT, DesInventar, national databases, and regional reports.
- Utilize modeling tools like the Global Infrastructure Risk Model (GIRI) and the Debt-Investment-Growth and Natural Disasters (DIGNAD) model to estimate direct and indirect economic impacts of disasters.
- DRR Financial Landscape Assessment:
- Conduct desk research on Colombia’s DRR financial landscape, including national budgets, private sector investments, Official Development Assistance (ODA), and funding for climate change adaptation, anticipatory action, and Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS).
- Identify barriers and gaps in accessing DRR financing, particularly at the local level.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Workshops:
- Organize and facilitate workshops to validate preliminary findings and assess the feasibility of budget tagging and other financial tracking approaches.
- Ensure inclusive participation of government agencies, private sector actors, civil society, and other stakeholders.
- Financing Needs Evaluation:
- Review Colombia’s national DRR strategy, National Strategy for Financial Disaster Risk Management, National Adaptation Plans, and other relevant frameworks to evaluate DRR financing needs.
- Conduct prioritization workshops to classify and rank investment needs based on national priorities and resilience themes.
- Financing Options and Implementation Plan:
- Identify potential financing options, including existing and innovative mechanisms, and map implementation partners.
- Finalize a DRR financing implementation plan and present results to senior government officials and stakeholders.
- Coordination and Collaboration:
- Coordinate closely with national institutions (UNGRD, DNP, Ministry of Finance) and international partners (e.g., WFP) to align efforts and explore synergies.
- Support additional DRR financing-related activities of the UNDRR Regional Office in Colombia and the Andean region.
- Communication and Visibility:
- Prepare communication materials, such as web stories and press releases, to ensure visibility of project activities and results.
- Organize events and workshops, including drafting concept notes and terms of reference.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, disaster risk management, engineering, business administration, disaster data management, or a related field is required.
- A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
- Certifications in disaster risk management, econometric modeling, or related areas are advantageous.
Experience
- A minimum of four years of professional experience in developing, implementing, or managing disaster risk reduction or disaster risk management initiatives.
- Demonstrated expertise in economic data analysis, macroeconomics, and DRR financing mechanisms.
- Experience in facilitating workshops and multi-stakeholder project implementation.
- Experience working with the Colombian public sector is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of disaster risk financing, including economic impact models, econometric modeling of disaster impacts, and disaster risk transfer mechanisms, is preferred.
Additional Information
This is an 8-month consultancy based in Bogotá, Colombia. The consultant must be available to start promptly and commit to the full duration of the assignment.
Key Details:
- Application Deadline: August 31, 2025.
- Languages: Fluency in Spanish is required. Knowledge of English is desirable.
- Stipend and Compensation: The consultant will receive a competitive fee based on UN guidelines and qualifications.
- Logistics: The consultant is responsible for securing their own accommodations and logistics in Bogotá. UNDRR will provide support for workshop organization and stakeholder engagement.
Application Process:
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the UN careers portal, including:
- A cover letter highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
- A detailed CV.
- Examples of previous work related to DRR financing or economic analysis (if available).
Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. UNDRR strongly encourages female candidates and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Suggested Keywords:
Disaster Risk Reduction consultant, DRR financing Colombia, UNDRR consultancy, Sendai Framework, economic impact analysis, disaster risk management, Bogotá consultancy, climate resilience, disaster financing mechanisms, Colombian public sector, workshop facilitation, econometric modeling, disaster risk transfer, UN jobs Colombia, August 2025 deadline, disaster data analysis, multi-stakeholder engagement, disaster resilience planning, risk reduction investments, Andean region disasters.
