Call for Experts: Chili – Debris flow/flood expert for El Niño preparedness (remote)

Background
One of our partners is currently supporting the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development of Chile (MINVU) and to IOM in the province of Huasco, region of Atacama. In these valleys the dominant hazard is aluvional: debris flows and debris floods coming down the quebradas (steep mountain catchments), which is what isolated Alto del Carmen and Freirina and damaged roads and bridges. The regional teams of MINVU and SERVIU would benefit from additional expertise in the field of flood and debris-flow mitigation measures. 

Objectives

The experts will contribute to:
•    A map of the July and August 2026 event;
•    A catalogue of flood and debris-flow mitigation measures;
•    A working session with the regional teams in November 2026.

All activities will be undertaken under the direction and guidance of the our partner organization's lead expert.

Required expertise
Based on the available information, the following expert profiles have been identified for this assignment.

General requirements
•    Able to rapidly assess situations and data and provide conceptual and practical solutions;
•    Experience in and knowledge of the relevant local/regional context;
•    Ability to act as a relevant sparring partner for local officials and provide feedback on existing plans and ideas, as well as input for suitable alternatives;
•    Excellent communication and reporting skills in Spanish;
•    Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team;

Debris flow/flood expert
•    Senior exertise in hazard and mitigation of debris flows and debris floods in mountain catchments;
•    Practical experience including technical review level for control works (retention, channel works, protection of road and bridge crossings);
•    Experience and seniority in guiding technical working sessions with multiple stakeholders;
•    Knowledge of Chile is an advantage, not a requirement;
•    Strong analytical and communication skills in Spanish is required. Communication in English is appreciated.

Timeline 
The assignment is scheduled to start as soon as possible, between October – December 2026.
The work will be conducted remotely. Number of expected working days is 2-4.

Interested?
Please send the following to drrs@rvo.nl by Monday October 26th COB at the latest:
1.    An updated CV;
2.    A brief paragraph on motivation;
3.    Your availability.

Contracting of experts will be conducted by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl).

We strongly encourage a diverse set of candidates to apply, as we are committed to fostering gender diversity and inclusion in DRRS. Moreover, we stimulate national experts to become part of our database and to apply for vacancies.

At RVO we are fully committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (PSEAH). All deployees/experts must adhere to the Code of Conduct, which outlines ethical standards and behaviours expected within our organization. Successful candidates will be required to uphold these principles and participate in mandatory PSEAH and CoC training as part of their onboarding process.