DRR Technical and Advocacy Specialist

Terms of Reference

Position Title : DRR Technical and Advocacy Specialist
Duration : 15 February 2023 to 30 June 2023
Type of Procurement : Cost-Reimbursement Individual Contractor

I. Program Background

Coalitions for Change (CfC) is a partnership program of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and The Asia Foundation (TAF) in the Philippines. CfC supports the formulation and implementation of key policies consistent with the government’s agenda on economic growth, improved governance, and social development.
The program creates spaces for collaboration, strengthening coalitions and networks, civil society, the private sector, the government, academia, and others to bring about transformative change. Working with these motivated groups and individuals, and underpinned with technical and political analysis, CfC successfully delivers reforms that lead to sustainable and inclusive development, improving the lives of Filipinos.

About the Project
According to the 2022 World Risk Report, the Philippines was ranked first with the highest disaster risk from natural hazards among all the 193 countries in the world. Inadequate disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) practices, such as prioritizing response and rehabilitation over preparedness and mitigation, often worsen the impact of existing natural hazards. While there are many challenges in Philippine DRRM, Coalitions for Change (CfC) has mainly focused on introducing policies that will shift funding priority from rehabilitation towards disaster preparedness spending. Activities or reform areas include but are not limited to legislation promoting a shift to resilience and other policies which may involve partnership with government agencies such as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). CfC has worked to explore improving disaster preparedness programs and funding, such as ensuring availability of primary evacuation centers in the most vulnerable, disaster-prone areas in the Philippines.

II. Scope of Work

The DRR Technical and Advocacy Specialist is expected to undertake the following tasks and activities:

1. Maintain collaborative relationships with CfC DRR team, its network, and partners
2. Provide high-level technical inputs on DRR technical materials relevant to the reform work
3. Provide support and assistance in facilitating consultations, meetings, and other reformactivities
4. Identify potential entry points to introduce reform agenda through relevant coalitions,advocacy groups, and stakeholders
5. Assist in building relevant coalition and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders ingovernment agencies and civil society.

III. Qualifications and Skills Required

The DRR Technical Specialist must have the following skills and qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Human Ecology, Development Studies, Public Administration, Urban and Town Planning, and/or other related social science degree
2. High-level technical knowledge in DRR-issues in the Philippines is required
3. Relevant master’s degree (or units) or training certificate related to DRR theory/practice is an advantage
4. Minimum 5 years of professional experience in humanitarian or DRR work
5. Experience in adaptive programming is highly preferred

IV. Activities, Work Schedule, and Reporting Relationship

The consultant is expected to start work on 15 February 2023 until 30 June 2023 on a 36-day engagement that will include the following activities adhering to the suggested timeline below

1. Maintain collaborative relationships with CfC DRR team, its network, and partners
2. Provide high-level technical inputs on DRR technical materials relevant to the reform work
3. Provide support and assistance in facilitating consultations, meetings, and other reform activities
4. Identify potential entry points to introduce reform agenda through relevant coalitions, advocacy groups, and stakeholders
5. Assist in building relevant coalition and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders in government agencies and civil society.

The Consultant will directly report to CfC Government Unit’s program officers.