Introduction

The Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre is reference centre of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the field of climate change and climate-related disasters. The Climate Centre’s mission is to help the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its partners reduce the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on vulnerable people.

The Climate Centre comprises an enthusiastic team that guides a growing network of consultants worldwide in integrating climate risks into their work. The Climate Centre works closely with the Netherlands Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Project Background

Despite budget allocations at both national and sub-national levels for Disaster Risk Management (DRM), Peru and Ecuador face significant challenges. In both countries, more efficient resource utilization will not only yield better outcomes for vulnerable and disaster-affected populations but also strengthen the case for prioritizing DRM within national and sub-national budgets. This is increasingly essential in the face of more frequent and severe disasters in a changing climate.

Historically, the priority has been on disaster response with limited focus on risk prevention and mitigation, resulting in insufficient investment in these areas. Mobilizing and executing resources designated for risk management is essential to increase resilience to disasters. Peru and Ecuador, as Andean countries highly vulnerable to climate change and natural disaster risks, bear a substantial burden in terms of risk and disaster impact, necessitating more effective management of DRM-related financial mechanisms. Despite regulatory and legislative efforts, challenges persist in accessing and utilizing these resources at both the national and sub-national levels.

Objective

The project aims to improve access for sub-national governments to financial mechanisms related to disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness. This initiative will not only enhance community resilience to disasters by strengthening local government capacities but also support increased prioritization of DRM within national and sub-national budgets.

Scope of Work

The specialist will be responsible for:

• Evaluating existing regulatory frameworks in Peru and Ecuador related to DRM, including identifying historical, current, and planned financial instruments in national and sub-national governments in both countries. This includes a comparative section with other countries in the region that have successfully implemented similar financial instruments to identify good practices and lessons learned that may be applicable to Peru and Ecuador.
• Identifying gaps and opportunities to improve these frameworks. The specialist will identify possible gaps, barriers, or regulatory voids that may affect the effective use of available financial resources and areas for improvement. They will examine legal, regulatory, and procedural frameworks governing financial mechanisms at the national and sub-national levels to assess potential applications for these resources.
• Developing specific recommendations for the creation or modification of laws, policies, and regulations that support financial mechanisms for DRM.
• Facilitating workshops and meetings with key stakeholders and the project team, as well as presentations to donors.
• Compiling a final report that includes findings, recommendations, and an implementation plan.

Expected Results

• A report with a complete assessment of existing regulatory frameworks in both countries, including challenges, opportunities, and identification of potential gaps, barriers, or regulatory voids affecting the effective use of financial resources and areas for improvement.
• A report with a set of practical and viable recommendations to strengthen DRM.
• A final report presenting findings and practical, viable recommendations to strengthen legislation related to financial mechanisms in DRM.

Methodology

The specialist will use qualitative and quantitative methods, including:

• Reviewing legal and regulatory documents
• Conducting interviews with key stakeholders
• Comparative analysis with regulatory frameworks from other countries

Specialist Profile

• Education: Background in Law, Public Policy, Risk Management, or related fields.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in regulatory frameworks and disaster risk management.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with the contexts of Peru and Ecuador, as well as international DRM regulations.
• Skills: Excellent communication and facilitation skills, strong time management, and writing skills.
• Location: Consultant must reside in Peru or Ecuador.
• Language: Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish is essential; proficiency in English is also required.

We value diversity in backgrounds and experiences. We encourage individuals from all cultural backgrounds, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, and age groups to apply.

What we offer

We offer a remote assignment from home, flexible working hours, and a global virtual work environment with opportunities for initiative and personal development. The contract is for thirty (30) days of work at a daily rate of USD $250. The assignment will be from 6th December 2024 until 28th February 2025. The full text in Spanish and English can be found here.

How to Apply:

Please submit your application (CV and cover letter) in both English and Spanish, addressed to Olette Manhoudt, HR Officer at the Climate Centre, to application@climatecentre.org with “DRM Regulatory Specialist” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; once a candidate is selected, the vacancy will be closed.

For any questions about this vacancy, please email hr@climatecentre.org.