Disaster Data Specialist at the United Nations | Consultant Opportunity | Deadline Sept 5, 2025

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is seeking a Disaster Data Specialist Consultant to join its Nairobi, Kenya team. This consultancy is high-impact, time-sensitive, and designed for professionals with a strong background in data management, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian affairs.

Deadline: Sept 5, 2025 — applications must be submitted urgently.

Table of Contents

• The Mission: Harnessing Data for a Resilient Future

• The Role: Responsibilities as Disaster Data Specialist

• Key Qualifications and Skills

• Contract and Logistics

• How to Apply

The Mission: Harnessing Data for a Resilient Future

UNDRR is the UN system’s focal point for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and coordinates global efforts under the Sendai Framework 2015–2030.

In today’s world of climate change, rapid urbanization, and increasing hazards, data is the foundation of resilience. Reliable disaster data enables governments and humanitarian actors to:

• Identify vulnerabilities

• Allocate resources effectively

• Build long-term disaster preparedness and response systems

As a Disaster Data Specialist, you’ll help countries track disasters, manage risk data, and build institutional capacity, turning information into action that saves lives.

Disaster Data Specialist at the United Nations

The Role: Responsibilities

As a Consultant, you’ll deliver clear, time-bound outputs in four key areas:

1. Consolidating & Managing Data

• Collect, clean, and standardize disaster data from multiple sources.

• Ensure integrity and reliability of datasets used for analysis and reporting.

2. Establishing Coordination Mechanisms

• Build and formalize disaster data coordination systems with governments, NGOs, and international agencies.

• Identify technical assistance needs for national institutions.

3. Supporting a New Disaster Tracking System

• Guide rollout of a disaster tracking platform.

• Provide user training, technical troubleshooting, and adoption support.

4. Capacity Building & Strategic Support

• Develop long-term frameworks for governments and partners.

• Empower local institutions to manage and sustain disaster data systems.

Key Qualifications & Skills

Education

• Advanced degree (Master’s+) in Data Science, Statistics, GIS, IT, Disaster Management, or related field.

• Bachelor’s + additional experience may be accepted.

Experience

• 5–7+ years of progressive work in data management, DRR, humanitarian response, or related fields.

• Experience in data analysis in humanitarian/development contexts.

• Prior work with government institutions or UN agencies preferred.

Skills

• Proficiency in tools: Python, R, SQL, SPSS, GIS.

• Strong communication & facilitation skills.

• Knowledge of the Sendai Framework and DRR principles a plus.

Languages

• Fluency in English required.

• Other UN languages (esp. regional) an asset.

Contract & Logistics

• Type: Short-term UN consultancy

• Location: Nairobi, Kenya

• Impact: Direct contribution to strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience at national level

How to Apply

1. Prepare CV + cover letter highlighting data management, DRR, and humanitarian experience.

2. Submit via the official UN careers portal before Sept 5, 2025.

3. Act quickly — the deadline is approaching.

Apply Here: [UNDRR Official Application Portal]

FAQs

1) What is the role of a Disaster Data Specialist at UNDRR?
The role focuses on managing, consolidating, and analyzing disaster data, building coordination systems, supporting new disaster tracking tools, and strengthening institutional capacity.

2) Where is the consultancy based?
Nairobi, Kenya.

3) What are the qualifications required?
An advanced degree in data science/statistics/GIS/IT/disaster management + 5–7 years relevant professional experience.

4) What technical skills are expected?
Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, SPSS, GIS software, and strong data management expertise.

5) What languages are required?
Fluency in English. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.

6) When is the deadline?
September 5, 2025 (urgent application required).

7) How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted via the official UNDRR/UN careers portal.