[Hiring] Index-Based Risk Assessment Consultant @World Food Programme

Role Description

Under the overall supervision of WFP KGCO and in close collaboration with MES and the Interagency Technical Working Group (ITWG), the Consultant will provide technical leadership, methodological guidance, and quality assurance for the implementation of the district-level disaster risk pilot assessment under the RISK initiative. The assignment aims to ensure that the assessment is conducted in accordance with internationally recognized INFORM methodology principles and generates robust evidence to support the future institutionalization of risk-based disaster monitoring and decision-making mechanisms within the Kyrgyz Republic.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities

• Providing technical guidance and quality assurance throughout the data collection, validation, analysis, and interpretation process undertaken by the ITWG and authorized WFP personnel.
• Ensuring the calculation, validation, and interpretation of disaster risk indices and associated risk components in accordance with INFORM methodology and internationally recognized disaster risk assessment standards.
• Preparing a methodological note describing the proposed risk assessment framework, indicator selection rationale, weighting methodology, assumptions, limitations, and recommendations for future replication and scaling at the national level.
• Leading the preparation, technical review, submission, endorsement, and publication of the district-level disaster risk pilot assessment through the INFORM/JRC network and associated knowledge-sharing platforms, where applicable.
• Leading the preparation and publication of a technical paper, article, or other professional knowledge product documenting the methodology, lessons learned, and results of the pilot assessment for dissemination through an appropriate professional, academic, or peer-reviewed publication platform.
• Leading the preparation and presentation of the final pilot assessment report and policy recommendations to the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to support the future endorsement, institutionalization, and integration of risk-based assessment approaches into national disaster monitoring, forecasting, and disaster risk management systems.
• Supporting the development of a concept note and roadmap for the institutionalization of index-based disaster risk assessment mechanisms during Phase III of the initiative (2027).
• Providing strategic recommendations on the integration of disaster risk assessment outputs into national DRM planning, prioritization, and decision-making processes.

Modality of Activity

The consultancy will be implemented primarily through remote work, including regular coordination with WFP KGCO, MES, and the ITWG, and the provision of technical review, quality assurance, and expert inputs related to methodologies, datasets, analytical outputs, and reports. The Consultant will be required to undertake mission travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, to support two key activities (tentatively planned towards the conclusion of the assignment; exact dates to be confirmed):

• Delivering a technical training workshop for members of the ITWG, relevant Government institutions, and WFP personnel on the disaster risk assessment methodology, analytical framework, and results of the district-level pilot assessment.
• Presenting the final assessment findings and recommendations to the Interministerial Commission on Civil Protection of the Kyrgyz Republic and MES.

All substantive technical outputs, including the disaster risk assessment, methodological documentation, final analytical report, publication package, and policy recommendations, shall be completed and submitted to WFP no later than 30 November 2026. The remaining contractual period may be utilized for technical review, endorsement procedures, publication processes, dissemination of results, final presentations, and administrative closure of the assignment.

Key Deliverables

• Methodological Note on the District-Level Disaster Risk Assessment Framework.
• Validated District-Level Disaster Risk Assessment Dataset and Calculated Risk Index.
• District-Level Disaster Risk Pilot Assessment Report, endorsed by the ITWG and MES.
• Publication of the assessment on INFORM/JRC platforms, where applicable.
• Technical Article / Knowledge Product documenting the methodology and lessons learned.
• Presentation package (PowerPoint) summarizing methodology, key findings, and recommendations.
• Final Presentation to the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and relevant stakeholders.
• Concept Note / Roadmap for Institutionalization of Index-Based Disaster Risk Assessment in Kyrgyzstan.

Qualifications

• Advanced University Degree with experience in one or more of the following disciplines: Social Science, Economics, Environmental Sciences, International Development, Rural Development, Communications, or relevant field.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in disaster risk assessment, disaster risk modelling, risk analytics, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in applying index-based risk assessment methodologies, preferably INFORM or comparable international risk assessment frameworks.
• Proven experience in quantitative analysis, statistical modelling, risk indicators development, and GIS-based risk assessment.
• Experience in preparing technical reports, methodological papers, and analytical publications.
• Experience working with governments, development partners, and international organizations on DRM, DRR, resilience, or climate-risk-related initiatives.
• Previous experience with INFORM, UNDRR, JRC, WFP, UN agencies, the World Bank, or other international organizations would be a strong asset.
• Experience in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Caucasus, or CIS countries would be an asset.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of disaster risk concepts, risk assessment methodologies, and INFORM principles.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and quantitative modelling skills.
• Experience with GIS and spatial analysis tools.
• Excellent report-writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate technical discussions with government institutions and multi-stakeholder working groups.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical policy recommendations.
• Strong planning, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commitment to quality assurance and timely delivery of results.

Languages

• English (fluent), knowledge of Russian is an asset.