Consultant - Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Early Warning Systems (EWS) Support for Municipal DRR Units

OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

• Design and implement a tailored support package for Municipal DRR Units in Irbid, Ramtha, and Azraq to strengthen the delivery of localized DRR approaches tailored to the unique needs of refugee-host communities.
• Support Jahez delivery partners to cascade and translate the Municipal DRR Strategy into community-level DRR and EWS activities.
• Provide recommendations to the Ministry of Local Administration (MoLA) for scaling support to municipalities across Jordan.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assignment Inception and Design - Develop an inception report covering the proposed approach, methodology, timeline, and allocation of days (maximum 50 days).

Deliverable - Inception Report (methodology and workplan)

2. Capacity Needs Assessment

• Review existing policies, guidelines, and institutional frameworks (MoLA, national DRR strategies).
• Review existing disaster contingency and preparedness plans.
• Conduct consultations with municipalities, MoLA representatives, and relevant national entities (e.g., DRM and EWS actors).
• Identify

- Skills gaps

- Institutional bottlenecks

- Operational needs of DRR Units

- Implementation requirements and support needs for municipal contingency plans

Deliverable - Capacity Needs Assessment Report

3. Development of Capacity Package and Implementation Plan for DRR Activities

Training Modules

• DRR fundamentals and local risk assessment
• EWS interpretation and response
• Preparedness and contingency planning, including SOPs
• NbS for DRR (aligned with the Jahez project approach)
• Community engagement and risk communication

Practical Tools & Templates

• Risk assessment templates
• Local DRR action-planning tools
• Simple monitoring and reporting formats
• SOP outlines for emergency preparedness

Deliverable - Capacity Development Package, including:

• Training curriculum
• Training materials (presentations and manuals)
• Practical tools and templates

4. Institutional Strengthening Support - The consultant will design a comprehensive support package for municipal DRR Units, including:

• Proposed roles and responsibilities for DRR preparedness and response mechanisms, including contingency planning.
• Develop a roles and responsibilities matrix for relevant stakeholders, including municipalities, MoLA, governorates, Civil Defense, NCSCM, JMD, and other relevant partners.
• Refine coordination mechanisms with stakeholders, including civil defense and security services, to align roles and responsibilities.
• Identify processes for integrating and aligning DRR within municipal planning processes.

Deliverable -

• Draft Municipal DRR Unit Operational Package
• Roles and Responsibilities Framework for DRR Units
• Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities Matrix at each governance level
• Coordination Mechanism Framework

5. Implementation and Piloting

• Deliver training sessions (in-person and/or hybrid).
• Support municipalities in applying DRR tools and approaches.
• Provide hands-on coaching to DRR Units.
• Adapt materials and approaches based on feedback received.
• Review Jahez partner concept notes for DRR interventions and provide strategic recommendations for effective delivery in Jahez communities.
• Identify mechanisms and support Jahez delivery partners to cascade and translate the Municipal DRR Strategy into community-level DRR and EWS activities.

Deliverable –

• Training Delivery Report
• Final Report, including lessons learned and recommendations
• Findings and recommendations for Jahez partner delivery of DRR activities, including a technical support plan

Requirements

Educational Qualifications Required:

Essential:

• Advanced degree in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), climate change, environmental engineering, or a related field.

Experience Required:

Essential:

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in DRR/CCA programming, capacity development, and training design.
• Experience working with localized disaster risk management structures in Jordan.
• Demonstrated experience in the design and development of needs assessments and capacity-building approaches and tools.
• Experience developing and/or implementing DRR contingency plans and operational plans for disaster risk management.
• Experience in designing and/or operationalizing early warning systems and hazard simulation exercises.
• Familiarity with working with NGOs and local community-based organizations (CBOs) to design and implement community DRR initiatives.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with, or experience working with, MoLA, NCSCM, and JMD.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Strong understanding of:

• Local governance systems
• Early warning systems and contingency planning
• Participatory approaches

Key Considerations:

• Ensure practicality over theory by developing tools and approaches that municipalities can readily use.
• Align with existing MoLA frameworks, Mercy Corps initiatives, and other relevant programs to avoid duplication.
• Build on Jahez community-level work, including community stakeholder groups and vulnerability assessments.
• Consider resource constraints at the municipal level.
• Integrate conflict sensitivity and GEDSI principles throughout the assignment.