Yemen is highly exposed to natural hazards such as floods, droughts, desertification, and earthquakes. Disaster management has historically been reactive, focusing on relief and recovery, but in recent years, with international support, the country has begun shifting toward a more proactive approach centered on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and preparedness. Risk and water management studies have informed planning, while national stakeholders have advanced risk mapping and sector-specific initiatives, notably in food security. These efforts have enhanced risk awareness and signaled stronger government commitment to working with donors and development partners.

Despite these advances, Yemen remains among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. Over the past decade, recurrent floods, droughts, earthquakes, and widespread land degradation have displaced an estimated 4.5 million people, around 14 percent of the population, including 2 million children. According to the ND-GAIN Index, Yemen ranks lowest in the Arab States and among the most vulnerable globally, with extremely limited adaptive capacity, surpassed only by Somalia. The protracted humanitarian crisis and armed conflict further intensify these vulnerabilities, leaving nearly 75 percent of the population in need of humanitarian assistance.

As part of this process, our client intend to engage a National Disaster Risk Reduction Consultant who will work in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment, and other main national stakeholders. The consultant will join a team of experts to build on the existing DRR strategy, provide technical guidance, and support the formulation of the action plan. Key tasks will include facilitating workshops, contributing to technical, financial, and human resource capacity assessments, and ensuring stakeholder engagement throughout the process.

Under the supervision of our client and in close collaboration with the International Consultant, the national DRR Consultant will support the implementation of a joint our clien intervention, in support of the Ministry of Water and Environment. The national DRR Consultant will coordinate closely with the National Sendai Framework Focal Point at the Ministry of Water and Environment, our client Yemen Country Office, Regional Bureau for Arab States, and  Regional Office for Arab States throughout this assignment. The consultant will develop an Action Plan for Yemen’s National DRR and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, while ensuring its alignment with the Sendai Framework, the Arab Strategy for DRR, the Paris Agreement, and the SDGs, as well as ensuring a climate- and disaster-risk-informed planning and implementation by applying a Comprehensive Risk Management (CRM) approach.

• Review the policy landscape mapping for Disaster Risk Reduction, National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy, and Climate Change Adaptation, ToRs of the National Coordination Mechanism for Disaster Risk Reduction in Yemen, and other relevant documents made available online or by our client.

• Develop a draft Action Plan for the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) with clear strategic activities/implementation measures under each of the four priorities of action of the Sendai Framework. For each activity, define clear timeframe, budget requirements, financing options, concerned governmental entities, and potential implementing partners.

• Submit an initial draft of the Action Plan of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy for review by the National Sendai Framework Focal Point, international consultant, and our client. Based on the initial draft of the Action Plan and a thorough stakeholder mapping, undertake one-on-one consultations and/or co-facilitate a national consultation workshop with key governmental entities and stakeholders of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Yemen on the initial draft.

• Submit a revised version of the Action Plan after incorporating feedback from the consultations for review by the National Sendai Framework Focal Point, international consultant, and our client.

• Facilitate an in-person National Validation Workshop for the Action Plan of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy, ensuring the agenda includes a dedicated segment to introduce and further discuss the Comprehensive Risk Management (CRM) approach with national stakeholders, and developing the workshop report with support from the international consultant.

• Finalize the Action Plan of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy with the international consultant based on the outcome of the workshop and submit the final version to our client.

The National Sendai Framework Focal Point, international consultant.

• Master’s degree in public environment science, environmental economics, climate change, development studies or another related field.

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field may be accepted with a minimum of 5 years of directly related professional experience.

• At least 5 years of Yemen-based experience in DRR/CCA policy and planning, including development of action plans aligned with the Sendai Framework priorities

• Thorough understanding of Ministries of Environment and Climate Change role in development.

• Proven track record in stakeholder mapping, policy landscape reviews, and leading consultations and validation workshops in Arabic with government, UN, civil society, academia, and private sector stakeholders.

• Hands-on experience in costing and budgeting of DRR/CCA measures, identifying financing options (e.g., national budget lines, development partner funding), and drafting implementation arrangements with clear institutional roles.

• Prior work with UN agencies or international organizations in Yemen on DRR/CCA, climate resilience, disaster preparedness, or risk governance is a strong asset.

• Excellent record in research and analysis.

• Excellent writing skills in Arabic is required.

• Working proficiency in English (reading, speaking, and report writing) for coordination with international counterparts is preferred.

• Excellent analytical skills

• Ability to convey complex ideas in straightforward language 

This role does not have team management responsibility

Internal travel is required within Yemen