Consultant – Technical Advisor on Business Continuity and Private Sector Resilience - Panamá - United Nations

Descripción

Result of Service

Strategic technical guidance and quality assurance are provided for the successful implementation of a business continuity planning initiative for MSMEs in Barbados. Sector-specific BCP templates are validated, stakeholder engagement is strengthened, and coordination with UNDRR and BCCI is effectively maintained. All project outputs meet international standards and contribute to enhanced private sector resilience.

Work Location

Barbados

Expected duration

7 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG/ASG), UNDRR has over 160 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses, and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction It supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 recognizes the private sector as a key stakeholder in building resilience and reducing disaster risk. It calls for the integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) into business models and practices, particularly for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which are often the most vulnerable to disruptions. Business continuity planning (BCP) is a critical tool that enables companies to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, while contributing to broader national and regional resilience objectives. In the Caribbean, and particularly in Barbados, the private sector—especially MSMEs—faces significant exposure to natural hazards and climate-related risks. Disasters have repeatedly disrupted supply chains, damaged infrastructure, and caused long-term economic setbacks. Despite their central role in the economy, many MSMEs lack the tools and resources to prepare for and recover from such events. Strengthening their capacity through tailored BCPs is essential to safeguarding livelihoods, protecting investments, and ensuring continuity of services during crises. This consultancy is part of a broader initiative led by UNDRR in partnership with the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), building on activities and products developed throughout 2024 and 2025. The project is being implemented in three cities—Sendai, Barcelona, and Bridgetown—as part of a global effort to localize DRR strategies and promote private sector engagement. In Barbados, the project has established a strong foundation through collaboration with the BCCI and other stakeholders, and this consultancy will contribute to the next phase of implementation, including the development of sector-specific BCP templates, impact documentation, and regional knowledge exchange. A preparatory regional workshop, co-designed with the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM), and a virtual session to share Caribbean experiences on business continuity are also planned as part of this effort. This consultancy will provide overall technical leadership and strategic guidance for these activities, ensuring their alignment with project objectives and the highest quality of deliverables and stakeholder engagement. Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Economic Affairs Officer, serve as the technical lead and advisor for the project, ensuring strategic alignment of all activities with project objectives. Act as the primary focal point for coordination with UNDRR and the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Represent UNDRR in high-level meetings, strategic planning sessions, and reporting processes. Provide oversight and technical direction to ensure coherence across deliverables and consistency in quality. Provide strategic and technical guidance on the methodology for supporting MSMEs in improving their Business Continuity Plans (BCPs). Refine the structure, content, and sector relevance of BCP templates, including corrections and improvements for the printed edition. Lead the development of technically sound and contextually appropriate BCP templates for five prioritized economic sectors and different business sizes. Oversee the mapping of the BCP methodology against international standards (e.g., ISO and DRR frameworks. Advise on the structure, content, and sectoral relevance of BCP templates, including corrections and improvements for the printed edition. Review and validate templates developed by the implementation team for five prioritized economic sectors and different business sizes. Ensure templates are technically sound and contextually appropriate. Provide guidance on the structure and selection criteria for impact stories. Review and validate the technical content of at least five (5) BCP journey stories. Ensure stories reflect meaningful improvements in business resilience. Provide technical input on the design of workshop content and training materials. Ensure the Training of Trainers (ToT) curriculum builds sustainable local capacity and actively participate as a lead subject matter expert in selected sessions. Lead the organization and facilitation of capacity building sessions (webinars) for ARISE Networks (regional or global), presenting the final BCP package (guidance + sectoral templates) and sharing insights/expertise. Draft technical messaging and ensure accuracy of communication materials (e.g., brochures, flyers, scripts). Ensure consistency with project objectives and alignment with DRR and BCP principles. Actively suggest content for BCP flyers and potentially contribute thought leadership pieces (e.g., DRR Voices blog posts) as a BCP expert, ensuring consistency with project objectives and alignment with DRR and BCP principles. Actively engage with business associations such as BCCI and others, including making introductions and facilitating access for other team members to key private sector entities. Support the development of technical arguments to promote BCP adoption and private sector resilience. Participate in high-level meetings as needed. Provide technical guidance on the role of the private sector in Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS). Review case studies and communication materials related to MHEWS developed by the implementation team. Advise on the development of a regional roadmap for private sector engagement in disaster risk reduction and supply chain resilience. Review and validate the final strategy document. Provide quality assurance for all technical documentation produced during the consultancy. Ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with project objectives.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in business management, leadership, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, environmental science, engineering, or finance is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in business continuity planning or disaster risk reduction is required. At least five (5) years of professional experience working in, or with, the private sector is required. Knowledge of the Caribbean region, particularly Barbados, and its SME landscape is desirable. Experience in communication and stakeholder engagement, especially in collaboration with business associations, government entities, and SMEs, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable.

Additional Information

Applicants for this consultancy are required to reside in Barbados or any country within the Caricom group. Open to CARICOM nationals legally residing and authorized to work in Barbados. Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.