Call for Experts: DRRS Indonesia - Bali Flood response

Background

Torrential rains have caused severe flooding across most of the island of Bali, Indonesia, in the month of September. According to the BBC, the death toll stands at 14, with authorities searching for more survivors. Homes have been submerged, and roads have been shut by landslides. 
Flooding in Bali has become increasingly problematic due to a combination of natural and human factors. The island’s rivers are short and flow quickly to the delta, leaving little time or space for water to drain naturally. Over the past ten years, rapid urbanization has replaced rice fields with houses and infrastructure, significantly reducing the land's ability to absorb rainwater. During periods of intense rainfall — which have become more extreme due to changing weather patterns — this lack of space causes rivers to overflow. Additionally, the rivers are often filled with waste and plastic, clogging drains and filters, which further worsens the flooding situation.
To address these challenges, a collaborative effort involving local authorities and external advisors is essential. A shared, integrated vision is needed to support long-term socio-economic development, with improved flood resilience as foundational components.
RVO has already identified and contracted a team leader to do a quick scan for the island of Bali in cooperation with the to be identified small team of (preferably local) experts to analyse the situation in cooperation with local stakeholders to determine the capacities, gaps, challenges and potential DRRS follow up activities for the region at this stage.

Objectives and scope

RVO is requesting a small team of experts for a potential second deployment in December 2025 to build upon the results of the initial scoping mission and further conversations with local and national stakeholders regarding flood risk management and resilience building.

Activities

• Conduct the necessary preparations in the Netherlands, which include reviewing existing diagnostic studies and inventorise spatial plans that potentially influence future flood risk in Bali, conducting a preliminary impact assessment based on reports and FloodTags data, and making all necessary preparations for the different activities in both Jakarta and Bali.
• Meet with ministries in Jakarta to inventorise policy priorities on flood management, water resources management and affiliated sectors such as solid waste management, tourism, agriculture and urban development and housing. Attempt to link national water-affiliated strategies to prioritized short term measures.
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of the Bali floods, including analysis of root causes, vulnerability mapping, and identification of both immediate and medium-term technical needs. This includes on-site inspections and assessment of causes and impacts of recent flooding, including affected communities’ perspectives.
• Facilitate a focus group discussion in Bali to discuss recent and past floods, assess sense of urgency, co-create ideas to improve resilience, and start prioritizing possible short-term actions.
• Organise/participate in field visits and close stakeholder engagements in Bali in order to formulate short-term measures and suggestions for strengthening long-term resilience in a rapidly urbanizing landscape. 
   

Deliverables 

• A concise report for RVO, with clear findings, conclusions, recommendations, and input for a possible Terms of Reference (ToR) in case a DRRS-Team intervention is advisable.
• Visual communication materials that has been used in stakeholder engagement during the field work and proposed focus group discussions.
• A strategy for possible follow-up actions.
• Follow up call to present the findings with the Indonesian government, Netherlands Embassy and RVO and other relevant stakeholders.
• An advice for a go/no-go on the formation of a full team and deployment to Indonesia.
   

Required expertise

Based on the available information, the selected team leader should ideally comply with the following description:

General requirements (applicable for all for all team members):  

• Able to rapidly assess situations and data and provide conceptual and practical solutions;
• Experience in and knowledge of the local/regional context;
• Ability to be a relevant sparring partner for the local officials and to provide feedback on the existing plans and ideas, as well as provide input for suitable alternatives;
• Excellent presentation and reporting skills in English;
• Good communication skills in English;
• Familiarity and practical experience with complex (governance) systems;
• Familiarity and practical experience with climate adaptation;
• Working proficiency in Bahasa is an asset.

Flood management expert requirements:

• Experience in river basin monitoring, data analysis, and engineering and implementation of both grey and green flood protection measures, preferably in Indonesia;
• Solutions-driven attitude;
• Able to quicky asses pros and cons of possible measures (expert judgements);
• Since interaction with local experts is needed, he/she is preferably bilingual in English/Bahasa Indonesia.

Communications expert requirements:

• Expert on storytelling and visualisation techniques;
• Able to support communication on site and in the focus group discussion on findings and recommendations.
• Experienced with the concept of design thinking and understands the basics of flood management in an Asian context. 

Tentative deployment is planned for the final week of October 2025 and some time for preparation and finalization before and after deployment. Total expected input is 9 days including 2 travel days.

Candidates' CVs will be evaluated based on qualifications sent through based on the order in which they have been submitted.

If you are interested in one of the positions, please respond as soon as possible, but at the latest before Tuesday 14th of October before COB via drrs@rvo.nl. Please send your CV, the position you are interested in, a short motivation and discuss your availability in your message.

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. Please visit our website and become part of our network.

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 behaviors 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.