Terms of Reference for Individual Contract (International)
Development of national institutional structure and operating mechanism for a civil National Emergency
Response Force (NERF)
Reference Number: TOR/2015/13
1.
Purpose of assignment (attach background documents if any)
The impacts from natural hazards and climate change are increasing every year in the Maldives. The damage from floods to key infrastructure, livelihoods and property and the cost of providing drinking water during water shortage periods contribute to heavy economic burdens nationally. This financial burden is more aggravated due to the dispersed nature of the inhabited islands. The same characteristics also make responding to emergencies, a logistical challenge for concerned agencies. The national priority in disaster risk management is to establish a sustainable model for risk reduction and response that is also efficient in providing relief and assistance to affected communities in the shortest time.
The community based approach to disaster management and response is a proven model for a sustainable approach to disaster management. Apart from bringing down costs, it has the fastest response time, empowers the community and gives ownership of the disaster response activities to the community. Organization at the community level that enables the community to identify problems, establish priorities and act on time, is a feature of a resilient community. The institutional setup and structure for the community level decentralized management of disaster management activities have been established through the Disaster Management Units that are being established at the Island Councils. The next step is to establish a mechanism for creating a human resource base that would support the DM Units in preparing for and responding to disasters.
In light of the above, UNICEF Maldives seeks the services of a consultant to support the National Disaster Management
Cenrtre (NDMC) to develop a national institutional structure and operating mechanism for a civil National Emergency
Response Force (NERF) and its subsequent documents including a Community Emergency Response Force (CERT) and training programme at national and sub-national levels. The development of NERF and CERT structures will enable NDMC to provide communities the facts about what to expect following a major disaster in terms of immediate services and give the message about their responsibility for mitigation and preparedness. In addition, train community members in needed lifesaving skills with emphasis on decision making skills, rescuer safety and, organize teams so that they are an extension of first responder services offering immediate help to victims thereby minimizing impact and casualties following a disaster.
2.
What is the basic project objective to which the consultancy is related
Development of an institutional structure and operating mechanism that would support establishment of a civil National
Emergency Response Force (NERF) to enable DM functions at the island level as an auxiliary to the national response force
3.
Duty station
Male’ Maldives
4.
Major tasks to be accomplished (estimate the time required to complete each task)

Develop the institutional structure for a sustainable and efficient NERF including a Community Emergency
Response Force (CERT)

Desk review of existing documents including policies, regulations and guidelines developed on emergency preparedness and response and disaster management and reduction at national and sub-national levels

Develop a National Framework on CERT that includes overall mandate, structure, functions and responsibilities, code of conduct, membership criteria of CERT at island level

Develop Standard Operating Procedures for CERT including mobilization and demobilization of assistance and reporting procedures

Develop the response and relief mechanism of CERT including the role and support of collaborative partners

Develop the application and institutional forms and branding for CERT

Develop the CERT training requirements and training manuals

Develop inventory of resources and assets of CERT and provide guidelines of possible access to assets and resources of third-parties or stakeholders

Train a pool of Master trainers at the National Level

Pilot the CERT programme in Laamu Atoll and provide training and capacity building at island level

Provide guidance to NDMC on publishing and printing of the relevant documents developed for CERT

5.
Deliverables

An agreed schedule of work with timeframes and outputs for the consultancy by UNICEF and NDMC

Finalized NERF Institutional Structure

Finalized National Framework on CERT

CERT SOP, forms and intervention mechanism produced and print ready versions made available

Training manual for CERT finalized
 Branding and guideline for CERT finalized

Master training for Training of Trainers conducted

CERT at island level piloted in Laamu Atoll and capacity building workshop completed

End of mission report
6.
Estimated duration of contract and deadline for submission of end-product
It is estimated that the consultant will work up to 4 months in total, excluding weekends
Activities (Phase 1) Timeframe (excluding weekends)
Schedule of work with timeframes and outputs for the consultancy
Desk review of relevant documents on DRR/DM and EPRP
2 days – (home based)
5 days – (home based)
Activities (Phase 2) Timeframe (excluding weekends)
20 days – in Maldives Lead consultations with relevant stakeholders
Activities (Phase 3)
Development of National Framework on NERF that includes overall mandate, structure, functions and responsibilities, code of conduct, membership criteria of CERT at island level
Development of Standard Operating Procedures for CERT including mobilization and demobilization of assistance and reporting procedures
Development of response and relief mechanism of CERT including the role and support of collaborative partners
Development of the application and institutional forms and branding for CERT
Development of CERT training requirements and training manuals
Development of an inventory of resources and assets of CERT and provide guidelines of possible access to assets and resources of third-parties or stakeholders
Activities (Phase 4)
Train a pool of Master trainers at National Level
Pilot the CERT programme in Laamu Atoll and provide training and capacity building at island levels
Provide guidance to NDMC on publishing and printing of the relevant documents developed for CERT & end of mission report
Timeframe (excluding weekends)
14 days – (home based)
14 days – (home based)
14 days – (home based)
10 days – (home based)
Timeframe (excluding weekends)
3 days – in Maldives
3 days – in Maldives
3 days – in Maldives
Total no. of working days: 88
7.
Official travel involved (itinerary and duration)
Travel to Maldives

Qualifications or specialized knowledge and/or experience required
Education:

Advanced university degree in disaster management, Emergency Preparedness, Risk Management, Disaster Risk
Reduction or related field, OR

Specialized training in disaster preparedness and response or other humanitarian related issues


A minimum of five (5) years of experience in Plan Development/Project Management, or a related field.
Knowledge and Skills:

Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the facilitation of stakeholder consultation;
 Demonstrated analytical and research skills in the field of Disaster Management/Emergency Response;
 Ability to manage assignments effectively – consistently ensuring timeliness and quality of work with minimum supervision;

Strong communication, documentation and presentation skills.
Work Experience:

Five to eight years progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels in program management in disaster preparedness and response. Previous experience with UNICEF or other UN agency, highly desirable. Knowledge of South Asian region, highly desirable
Key skills and attributes:
 Knowledge and experience in the implementation and project / program management in disaster risk management, including in emergency preparedness.

Ability to conceptualize, develop, plan and manage activities within the framework of agency and government programmes.

Good knowledge of UNICEF and inter-agency coordination in humanitarian action.

Good analytical and writing skills.

Knowledge of computer applications.
Required Competencies:

Communication

Working with People
 Drive for Results

Leading and Supervising

Formulating Strategies and Concepts

Analyzing

Relating and Networking

Applying Technical Expertise
 Planning and Organizing
Interested individuals are requested to submit a proposal with a draft timeline and how deliverables will be achieved. The application should also accompany a proposed lump sum fee for the number of days identified for the consultancy in the Terms of Reference
Deadline for applications is 28 August 2015. Proposals with all relevant other documents can be emailed to muaahmed@unicef.org
with a copy to asmohamed@unicef.org
Only short listed candidates will be notified