Result of Service

Organization and management of the West Africa Disaster Preparedness workshop.

Work Location

Home based

Expected duration

4 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), UNDRR has over 150 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with U.N. Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is organizing a Disaster Preparedness ECHO and Partners Workshop in Abuja, Nigeria from 13–15 October 2026, with participant arrival on 12 October 2026. This workshop is organized with funding from the Project “Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Solidarity to Reduce Disaster Impacts and Humanitarian Needs in West Africa.” The event will convene approximately 200 participants and include plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and a marketplace/exhibition space for partners. To ensure effective delivery of the event, UNDRR requires dedicated Event Support Personnel to assist with coordination, logistics, and on-site implementation. Duties and Responsibilities The Event Support Personnel (Event Planner) will work under the supervision of UNDRR (External Relations Officer) and in close coordination with the venue/service provider to support the end-to-end delivery of the workshop. 1. Conceptualization • Support the overall design and approach of the event, including engagement methodology and thematic flow; • Contribute to defining the structure of plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and marketplace exhibition modality (minimum 20 booths); 2. Planning • Support the operationalization of the event concept, including: o Development of the detailed agenda and run of show; o Coordination with speakers, facilitators, and panelists (including briefings and rehearsals where required); o Preparation of event materials, branding, signage, and documentation; • Coordinate participant registration processes and communication materials; • Support allocation of roles and responsibilities among organizing team members; 3. Logistics • Coordinate all logistical arrangements in collaboration with the service provider, including: o Conference setup (cabaret seating, panel area, breakout rooms, cocktail room); o AV and interpretation services (English, French, Portuguese); o Marketplace/exhibition setup; • Support identification and coordination of service providers (AV, interpretation, catering, etc.); • Monitor readiness of venue facilities, connectivity, and equipment; 4. Implementation (On-site: 12–15 October 2026) • Support registration desk operations and participant management; • Coordinate room setup and ensure alignment with agenda and seating plans; • Liaise with venue staff on catering, AV, and interpretation services; • Troubleshoot operational issues in real time; • Support speakers, facilitators, and organizers during sessions; • Oversee smooth functioning of the marketplace/exhibition area; • Coordinate daily logistics across plenaries, breakout, and side activities; 5. Reporting • Support events close out activities; • Design and/or support participant feedback and evaluation processes; • Compile key logistical and operational notes, session inputs, and feedback into a consolidated report for UNDRR and stakeholders; The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the External Relations Officer at the Regional Office for Africa

Qualifications/special skills

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Digital Production, Social Sciences, Event Management or related field is required. At least three (3) years of demonstrated leadership in high-level meetings and event planning is required Experience in hybrid meeting/event technologies and companies capable of supporting high-level, complex meetings/events at scale fields is required. Experience working with international organizations or UN is desirable. Effective organizational skills and ability to handle the work in an efficient and timely manner is required

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English is required.

Additional Information

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.