Technical Consultant for the Feasibility Study on Mutual Recognition Arrangement for ASCEND

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Consultancy : Technical Consultant for the Feasibility Study on Mutual Recognition Arrangement for ASCEND

Reporting to : ASCEND ProjectCoordinator

Duration : Maximum of 40 working days (2 months) from August 2022 to March 2023 (lumpsum)

Closing submission : Sunday, 31st July 2022 at 11:45pm Jakarta time

BACKGROUND

The ASEAN Standards and Certification for Experts in Disaster Management (ASCEND) project seeks to create a regionally recognised certification scheme for professions in disaster management to ensure and promote higher standards and quality in the management of disasters in the region. ASCEND can also be beneficial in identifying competent disaster management professionals in the region with a strong capacity to manage disasters to reduce the loss of life, respond effectively, recover more quickly, and decrease disaster risks throughout the ASEAN region wherever possible.

With the funding support of the Republic of Korea, the AHA Centre will implement the ASCEND project for three years in collaboration with the Korean National Fire Agency (KNFA). The project will be critical for the development of ASCEND since the AHA Centre will focus on the pilot application of the ASCEND Framework in identified ASEAN countries, which will be selected voluntarily. The objectives of the ASCEND are as follows:

1. To enhance the capacity of the ASEAN countries in the implementation of ASCEND.
2. To establish regionally recognised competency standards and assessment process covering five professions in disaster management.
3. To improve the capacity of the AHA Centre to serve as the ASCEND secretariat.
4. To promote understanding of the ASCEND Framework among the ASEAN Member States (AMS) and other sectors in ASEAN in preparation towards the inclusion of ASCEND into the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

OBJECTIVE, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DELIVERABLES

1. Objective

The ASCEND’s main objective is to recognise disaster management professionals’ competencies in the ASEAN region. Therefore, a particular arrangement must be established among the ASEAN Member States (AMS) to facilitate the mutual recognition of the ASCEND certificate holders.

The mutual recognition arrangement must be efficiently operationalised in a coordinated and accountable manner by the ASCEND main stakeholders. Therefore, a well-defined institutional arrangement must be established and agreed upon among the ASCEND stakeholders to realise the ASCEND mutual recognition.

To achieve the objectives mentioned above, a feasibility study is deemed necessary to provide AMS and AHA Centre with the following:

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mutual recognition arrangement, its objectives, benefits, challenges, and how it will be implemented regionally and nationally within the ASEAN context.
• Sound considerations and recommendations that will allow the AMS to make decision on the most practical and beneficial mutual recognition arrangement for ASCEND certificate holders.
• The most suitable institutional arrangement among the ASCEND stakeholders that will facilitate and operationalise the ASCEND certification process and preferred mutual recognition arrangement.

Furthermore, the study will provide the AHA Centre and AMS with a well-founded basis for developing further plans and steps toward establishing the preferred institutional set-up and mutual recognition.

1. Responsibilities

The following are the responsibilities of the Technical Consultant for the Feasibility Study of Mutual Recognition Arrangement for ASCEND:

1. Develop an inception report detailing the proposed methodology, work plan and timeframe, including details of meetings with stakeholders.
2. Conduct desk study and analysis of the existing knowledge (national, regional, and international) related to mutual recognition arrangement prerequisites, opportunities, and risks in disaster management sector and other sectors.
3. Conduct or take parts in interviews, meetings, workshops, or other events with relevant stakeholders, including (but not limited to) the AMS relevant institutions’ representatives, ASCEND Reference Group (ARG), AHA Centre, non-governmental organisations, training institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
4. Develop tools and methodology for the activities mentioned above.
5. Develop a comprehensive feasibility study report that incorporates all comments and feedback from the stakeholders covering all the objectives stated in this TOR and with a guidance from the AHA Centre.
6. Present key findings and recommendations of the feasibility study to the AHA Centre and support the AHA Centre in getting the AMS decision and approval on the preferred institutional and mutual recognition arrangement.
7. Deliverables

3.a. Output/Deliverable : Inception report with proposed methodology, work plan, and timeframe, including the data collection plan. Time Line : 2 weeks after the contract signing (10% of Payment).

3.b. Output/Deliverable : Submission of the First Draft Report of the Feasibility Study based on the discussion with ASCEND-PMT and other relevant stakeholders. This will include the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the consultation workshop with AMS. Time Line : Maximum 6 weeks after the contract signing (30% of Payment).

3.c. Output/Deliverable : Submission of the Second Draft Report of the Feasibility Study, incorporating the inputs from the consultation workshop and trial simulation with AMS. Time Line : Maximum 3 months after the submission of the second deliverable (30% of Payment).

3.d. Output/Deliverable : Submission of the Final Draft Report of the Feasibility Study, incorporating all the previous inputs and those from the trial simulation. This will include the PPT slides that is ready for presentation to the ACDM and other stakeholders. Time Line : Maximum 2 months after the submission of the third deliverable (30% of Payment).

Note: for submission 3.c. and 3.d., If deemed necessary, the consultant will support the ASCEND-PMT to conduct presentation to the ACDM and other stakeholders.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSULTANT

The individual consultant needs to have the following technical requirements:

1. Individual consultant works in research, training, or assessment with proven track records in researching ASEAN frameworks and mechanisms, preferably in the subjects relevant to the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) in ASEAN or other regions. Affiliation with the first-tier universities or institutions is preferable.
2. The individual that provided consultancy service shall be an experienced expert/researcher/academia with deep knowledge and vast experience in the above-mentioned subject within the ASEAN context or other regions.
3. The individual consultant shall demonstrate experience in conducting similar tasks and provide their past products and portfolios (at least 7 (seven) years of experience) in designing and developing the above-mentioned subject.
4. Experienced in designing and facilitating workshops with a group of experts from diverse backgrounds, including language, culture, and organisational systems. All consultant personnel are expected to uphold principles of objectivity, integrity and free of conflict of interest with the AHA Centre and ASEAN.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, a sample of publications will be required.
6. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimum supervision and work flexibly and responsive to changes as part of the review and feedback process while keeping the commitment to meet deadlines.

BUDGET AND TIMELINE

The total budget for the consultancy work for Technical Consultant for the Feasibility Study of Mutual Recognition Arrangement for ASCEND is USD 12,600.00, excluding the travel expenses if necessary.

Due to the pandemic situation that may still restrict travel, the AHA Centre and the consultancy group/institution/individual will agree upon the best working arrangements reflected in the inception report. This consultancy work is expected to be completed within a maximum of 8 months, from August 2022 to March 2023.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT

The AHA Centre owns all the Intellectual Properties, and all the contained data are strictly confidential. The consultant will sign a legally binding non-disclosure agreement on data security before the start of the project.