National Consultant on Disaster Risk Reduction, IOM Moldova

Joi, 16 Ianuarie 2025

National Consultant on Disaster Risk Reduction

Job Info

Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 3 months
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Locations: Chisinau, MD

Job Description

With approximately 1.2 million Moldovans living abroad (2020 data from UNDESA), outward migration and internal rural-to-urban migration—often driven by climate change-related factors—have long been among the most pressing socioeconomic challenges for the country. While many members of the more than one-million-strong diaspora are well integrated abroad, they yearn to re-connect with the homeland and to contribute to its prosperity with skills and resources. The Republic of Moldova’s diaspora engagement at institutional, policy and coordination framework and programming remain mostly of declarative nature, with limited impact on valorising the diaspora’s material resources, skills, networks, and partnerships for the country’s development.

The Republic of Moldova's agriculture-dependent economy is highly vulnerable to climate change, which threatens food security and rural livelihoods. Predicted temperature increases of 2–3°C by 2050, alongside changing precipitation patterns, are expected to intensify droughts, impacting agriculture and driving rural-to-urban and international migration. Moreover, in recent decades, the frequency and intensity of natural hazards that escalate into disasters have significantly increased in most countries worldwide, while the number and consequences of human-induced disasters have not diminished. Floods, storms, droughts, heatwaves or cold spells, ice and snow, landslides, earthquakes, and wildfires have been the most significant risks posed by natural hazards. Among human-induced disasters, industrial accidents, the loss of critical infrastructure integrity, and transport accidents rank high on the list of potential dangers. The result is the risk of loss of lives, health, and livelihoods, the destruction of infrastructure, environmental degradation, and a decline in economic activity and development, leading to substantial economic losses and societal impact.

To address these challenges, Moldova developed its climate change adaptation legislative and institutional framework, including the National Climate Change Adaptation Programme until 2030 and the Action Plan for its implementation, the Development Program for Reduced Emissions until 2030, National Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Development for 2023-2030, and the National Development Plan for 2024-2026. These initiatives are implemented by various line Ministries and subordinated Agencies align with the "European Moldova 2030" strategy to foster climate resilience and sustainability.

The Republic of Moldova has made significant strides in disaster risk reduction as well, employing an approach that includes national, local, and sector-specific initiatives. The country's proactive efforts are highlighted by the development of the Program for the Prevention and Management of Emergency and Exceptional Situations for 2022–2025, the Flood Risk Management Plans for 2022-2027, and the National Drought Plan (2019), aimed at enhancing resilience in emergency situations, against floods and droughts respectively. Additionally, various local public authorities have implemented sustainable energy and climate action plans, and sector-specific adaptation measures for forestry, health, energy, and transport, though many are yet to be formally adopted.

The Government of Moldova is increasingly recognizing disaster risk reduction (DRR) as a critical national priority, given the significant impact of natural and human-induced disasters on human lives, infrastructure, and the economy, as well as their effects on individual mobility. At the same time, the Government acknowledges the essential role and responsibility of authorities in addressing the multidimensional challenges of migration, which require both horizontal and vertical engagement across all sectors and levels of governance.

For Moldova, the theme of Multi-Hazards and Systemic Risks is currently of high importance, due to: i) the Government’s work on planning the disaster risk management and resilience to disasters (a draft strategy exists, referred to below, for which two implementation plans will need to be developed in early 2025); ii) Moldova being the most climate-change impacted country in Europe, as per different rankings; iii) the war in neighbouring Ukraine, and the inflow of persons displaced by the war (one million UA nationals and TCNs transiting Moldova; and ~ 100 000 persons remaining in Moldova), creates the exact perfect storm of Multi-Hazards and Systemic Risks, compounded / aggravated by the pressure of absolute energy dependence, limited alternatives, risks of “frozen cities” etc. the still fresh COVID vulnerabilities.

In this context, the Ministry of Environment has developed and adopted in December 2024 a National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy for 2024–2030[1]. This strategy aims to define and plan the Government's long-term public policy over the next six years in the field of DRR in the Republic of Moldova. The new strategy serves as a strategic planning document, providing a comprehensive, intersectoral, and multidisciplinary framework to coordinate efforts and guide the policies and activities of entities involved in disaster risk reduction across the Republic of Moldova. This strategy will contribute to fulfilling the commitments undertaken by the Republic of Moldova under the EU Association Agreement. It will also address obligations stemming from the country’s status as a UN member state, specifically concerning disaster risk management On its basis, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Interior and other relevant central public authorities responsible for Strategy implementation will develop National Programs on Disaster Risk Reduction at sectoral level, in support of implementation of the Strategy.

The Governments efforts require sustained commitment and inter- and intra-sectoral collaboration to address the increasingly complex and interconnected challenges associated with disaster risk reduction, including the integration of human mobility considerations into disaster management plans. To achieve this, additional support is needed for national authorities to ensure a whole-of-the-government approach which requires horizontal and vertical engagement, across all sectors and levels of government.

Taking into account its mandate, the IOM, as the UN Migration Agency, is supporting the Government of Moldova in integrating migration and mobility considerations into the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies. The IOM support seeks to align Moldova’s national frameworks with international standards and guidelines, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, which emphasizes the importance of including all stakeholders in DRR efforts, and the Global Compact for Migration, which underscores both the impact of disasters on internal and international displacements and the role of migration in enhancing resilience to disasters. By fostering a holistic and inclusive approach, this assignment aims to enhance national resilience to disasters, reduce vulnerabilities, and strengthen the adaptive capacities of individuals and communities, particularly those on the move.

Moreover, to support the Moldovan Government, as well as national and international partners, in effective disaster risk management, IOM could implement its DTM Fragility, Solutions, and Mobility (FSM) Index[2] in Moldova. The FSM Index helps identify root causes of fragility through data to address protracted displacement. With an aim to help achieve durable solutions for vulnerable communities, the FSM Index provides data on stability, peace, development, recovery and reintegration dynamics. By utilizing the FSM Index, IOM would gather and analyze relevant data to disseminate critical, multilayered information on risks, including hazards, potential exposure (such as through mobility or lack thereof), and the vulnerabilities and needs of displaced and mobile populations. This would enable decision-makers and responders to design and implement context-specific programming.

Currently, within Moldovan context there is no similar country wide systematic data collection, analysis or reporting activity related to fragility. The capacity of Government of Moldova offices also remains very low to implement such a system resulting in public sharing of information. This activity will complement other DTM activities in Moldova (such as Mobility Tracking and Flow Monitoring activities). Furthermore, the analysis and reporting resulting from the implementation of DTM’s FSM Index would be designed to complement other actors’ non-systematic and local efforts, helping to identify areas of implementation (thematic as well as geographic), especially in connection to disaster risk reduction and community stabilization activities.

Moreover, IOM has developed and conducted worldwide, including in Moldova Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) assessments at the national level in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021, as well as one at the local level in Cahul and Balti in 2023. The resulting country profiles highlight examples of well-developed areas within governance structures and identify areas with potential for further improvement, as evaluated across the six domains of the MGI in Moldova. These domains cover migrants’ rights, a “whole-of-government” approach, partnerships, the socioeconomic well-being of migrants, the mobility dimensions of crises, and safe and orderly migration. The fifth domain, explicitly titled “Mobility Dimensions of Crises,” examines the type and level of preparedness of countries when addressing mobility-related aspects of crises. This includes evaluating processes for assisting nationals and non-nationals during and after disasters, particularly whether humanitarian assistance is equally available to migrants and citizens. In 2023, the Mobility Dimensions of Crises domain was assessed for the first time in the local MGI exercises conducted in Cahul and Balti. In this context, IOM will support the capacity building of relevant stakeholders involved in DRR, including national and local authorities, humanitarian organizations, CSOs, community leaders etc. to enhance their knowledge and skills in climate change and disaster risk mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery and mobility nexus, with the long-term goal of adopting coherent and effective DRR mechanisms and the National DRR strategies and policies. Focus would be on community-based DRR to encourage the participants to work closer with local communities that are exposed to disaster risks. A gender-sensitive approach will be applied for the trainings as both women and men have roles, responsibilities, vulnerabilities, and resilience capacity and may therefore be affected differently by disasters.

Against this background within the “Multisectoral support to respond to needs of refugees and host communities in the Republic of Moldova” project financed by Japan Government, IOM is supporting Moldovan institutions to develop strengthened means to integrate the needs of displaced populations and people on the move in relevant policies and processes. More specifically, within the current assignment, IOM aims to support the designated DRR mandated authority—the Ministry of Environment—in the development of the National Sectoral Program on Disaster Risk Reduction and its implementation monitoring framework, supporting the integration of the human mobility dimension of crisis, and increasing the capacities to relevant stakeholders in implementing DRR National Program, contributing to more data-driven decision-making and policy formulation.

Objective: To support this approach, IOM will engage a national consultant to support the development of the National Program on Natural Disaster Risk Reduction for 2025-2030. As per the provision of the recently adopted National DRR Strategy 2024-2030, the National Sectoral Program will include a comprehensive analysis of the recent developments in the respective field, provide detailed policy options, and ensure adherence to human rights principles and standards. Additionally, the National Sectoral Program will incorporate targets and monitoring indicators for the SDGs and the Sendai Framework, as well as human mobility related metrics, relevant to the specific sector, adapted to the national context of the Republic of Moldova. This will include, developing specific metrics to address all relevant dimension of crises, including human mobility once, and enhancing the capacities of relevant stakeholders to incorporate these considerations when developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating Sectoral DRR Program.

Target: National Program on Natural Disaster Risk Reduction for 2025-2030 and its Implementation Plan are drafted, submitted to the Ministry of Environment and consulted with the relevant national stakeholders. The National Program on Natural Disaster Risk Reduction for 2025-2030 will include specific objectives for reducing the natural disaster risks, will propose measurable metrics to track progress in reflecting human mobility - disaster risk management efforts nexus. Additionally, relevant stakeholders have enhanced capacities and skills in addressing the nexus between climate change, disaster risk mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and human mobility.

[1] National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy for 2024–2030. https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=146236&lang=ro

[2] Solution and Mobility Index | Displacement Tracking Matrix

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:

Migration Governance Unit of IOM Moldova is responsible for coordinating and overseeing this assignment within the “Multisectoral support to respond to needs of refugees and host communities in the Republic of Moldova” project financed by Japan Government”.

Responsibilities

Conduct a comprehensive analysis through desk research and bilateral consultations with key stakeholders on:
1. Risk reduction, response, and recovery plans, programs, policies, and activities in Moldova, including existing challenges, needs, and priorities, to inform the development of the National Program on Natural Disaster Risk Reduction for 2025-2030.
2. Existing national and international best practices (UN, IOM, EU) on:
Integrating human mobility considerations into natural disaster risk reduction and management legislation frameworks and their implementation monitoring framework.
Existing data frameworks, including DTM’s FSM Index, that capture and measure the inclusion of migrants and displaced populations in natural disaster risk reduction and management policies.
1. Assess how the migration and human displacement is relevant and reflected in the risk reduction, response, and recovery plans, programs, policies, and activities in Moldova.
2. Analyze how risk reduction, response, recovery and mobility nexus are reflected in existing measurable metrics identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement/inclusion into implementation monitoring frameworks.
Based on the analysis results and the priorities and provisions of the adopted National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2024–2030), develop a draft National Program on Natural Disaster Risk Reduction for 2025-2030 and its Implementation Plan that integrates, among others, the human mobility considerations.
Facilitate the consultation and validation process for the National Program on Natural Disaster Risk Reduction for 2025-2030 and its Implementation Plan, including of the mobility related indicators to ensure they effectively capture and measure the inclusion of migration and human displacement in the National Sectoral Program.
Organize one day training for relevant stakeholders involved in DRR, including national and local authorities, humanitarian organizations, CSOs, community leaders etc. to enhance their knowledge and skills in climate change and disaster risk mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery and human mobility nexus, with the long-term goal of adopting coherent and effective DRR mechanisms and the National Sectoral DRR programs and policies and their implementation monitoring.

Qualifications

Education

University degree in Economics, International Relations, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Law, Development Studies, International Affairs or any related discipline.

Work Experience

At least five (5) years of experience on public policy issues related to climate change and adaptation, disaster risk management, migration, displacement, human rights, local governance.
At least five (5) years of experience in statistics, research, existing data frameworks and methodologies related to climate change and adaptation, disaster risk management, migration, displacement;
At least five (5) years of proven experience in developing analytical work in climate change, adaptation, disaster risk management and migration-related fields;
At least three (3) years of proven experience in developing, monitoring and evaluating/assessing the impact of policy-oriented documents (ideally for international/regional organizations).

Skills and other requirements:

Strong data analytical, writing and communication skills;
Computer literacy, especially Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel;
Ability to timely understand the Organization’s structure and portfolios;
Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines;
Practical experience of how to multi-task, prioritize and work independently.
Familiarity with IOM’s mandate;
Excellent knowledge of Romanian and English languages;
Availability for the envisaged period and high mobility and flexibility.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates may be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination. Consultants engaged to work on a home-based consultancy who do not need to travel do not need to provide vaccination records, regardless of the length of the consultancy contract.
IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

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