Expert Adviser for Tourism Development Team

Terms of reference

Position: Expert Adviser for Tourism Development Team

Period of engagement: 4 months, subject to extension

Mode of payment: Level of Effort

Level of effort needed: 28 LOE days spread in 4 months

BACKGROUND OF THE ASIA FOUNDATION

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia.

BACKGROUND OF THE ASSIGNMENT – TOURISM DEVELOPMENT (ECONOMIC REFORM TEAM)

The tourism sector of the Philippines was one of the most severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourist visits declined to less than 2 million in 2020 compared to more than 6 million tourists in 2019 prior to the pandemic. As a result, the share of tourism in our country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) dropped to 5.2% in 2021 from 12.9% in 2019. However, given an 11.1% contribution to total employment, there is a need to introduce strategic programs toward the sector’s recovery and economic development.

To address this, the Asia Foundation is working on a policy for continuation of the Institutionalized Leveraging Infrastructure Programs for Airport Development (iLIPAD). this convergence program linked DOTr’s airport development investments with the DOT’s priority tourism destinations. Prior to the introduction of iLIPAD, airport investment decisions were less objective and at times driven by political rather than developmental considerations.

Recognizing the important role of tourism in the country, the Foundation and its partners propose to assist the Departments of Tourism and Transportation in institutionalizing the DOT-DOTr Convergence Program.

Scope of work

• Provide technical and political advice to the Tourism Development team to address issues regarding the DOT-DOTr Convergence Program
• Lead in engagement of relevant government agencies, private stakeholders and players, and other potential coalition partners that would help push the reform.
• Act as the team’s insider, by providing information on Tourism Development in the Philippines.
• Guide the team in formulating its political strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Advance degree in relevant discipline (e.g Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies, Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, etc.)
2. At least five (5) years professional experience in policy research and development particularly in the Philippine urban development.
3. Working knowledge of broader and recent development issues in the Philippines, including tourism development.
4. Working experience in adaptive management teams and development entrepreneurship preferred.
5. Effective written and verbal communication skills in both English and Filipino
6. Demonstrated experience working in adaptive programs and development entrepreneurship would be an advantage.