Situational and Gap Analysis of Soil Properties Data in Flood Risk Assessment in Caribbean Small Island Developing States

This consultancy aims to investigate and provide actionable recommendations for incorporating soil properties and related variability data into flood risk assessments in Caribbean Small Island Developing States. The role involves conducting situational and gap analyses, stakeholder engagement, and final reporting to support disaster risk management frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature, soil science research, and relevant policies in Caribbean SIDS, including global best practices.
• Review current flood risk assessment practices in selected Caribbean SIDS.
• Identify and establish a contact list of key stakeholders, including government agencies, regional bodies, research and academic institutions, and non-governmental organisations.
• Assess available soil data and related information and utilisation in flood risk assessments.
• Analyse existing policies related to flood risk, soil management, land use, and watershed conservation in the region.
• Identify specific gaps in data, methodologies, and policies regarding the integration of soil properties into flood risk assessments and land-use management plans.
• Determine capacity requirements, technological needs, and institutional/operational barriers for stakeholders to effectively utilize soil data in disaster risk management.
• Prepare a preliminary report on the Situational and Gap Analysis findings.
• Organize and conduct online focus group meetings with key stakeholders to gather insights on local knowledge and priorities related to soil management and its contribution to flood risk reduction.
• Discuss potential challenges and opportunities for integrating soil data into existing DRM frameworks.
• Solicit feedback toward the development and testing of a Caribbean SIDS framework for integrating soil properties data into flood risk assessments.
• Synthesize findings from the desk review and stakeholder consultations.
• Prepare the final situational and gap analysis report with actionable recommendations for integrating soil properties data into flood risk assessments.

Requirements

• Ph.D. and or Master’s degree in Soil Science, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years working within Caribbean SIDS, with a documented history in soil property characterization and hydrology.
• Proficiency in pedology and hydrogeology, specifically soil-water interactions and hydraulic conductivity.
• Experience in planning, organization in multi-stakeholder focused groups meetings.
• Technical and policy related documentation and reporting.
• Fluency in English is required.

Skills

• Soil Science
• Hydrology
• Environmental Engineering
• Soil Property Characterization
• Pedology
• Soil-Water Interactions
• Hydraulic Conductivity
• Flood Risk Assessment
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Technical Reporting
• Policy Documentation

Languages

English