Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF) Development Consultant

About the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) is an autonomous international organization established for scientific, educational, developmental and humanitarian purposes with a vision of safer communities and sustainable development through disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific.

Established in 1986 as a technical capacity building center, ADPC has grown and diversified its expertise across social and physical sciences to support sustainable solutions for risk reduction across a broad range of specialised areas, with over 100 staff from 19 different nationalities and a wide range of professional expertise from atmospheric scientists to social scientists with experiences at all levels of engagement typically required for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience (CR). ADPC has six strategic themes supported by seven departments, namely the ADPC Academy, Risk Governance, Climate Resilience, Urban Resilience, Health Risk Management, Preparedness for Response and Recovery and Geospatial Information. These are supported by Finance, Human Resources and Administration and Strategic Planning departments. In addition to the departments, ADPC also works on three cross-cutting themes: Gender and Diversity, Poverty and Livelihoods and Regional and Transboundary Cooperation through permanent working committees.

ADPC Strategy 2020 guides the organization in providing comprehensive risk reduction support to countries and communities in Asia and the Pacific. ADPC recognizes the importance of examining the associations between disaster risk management, poverty reduction, gender equality, sustainability, rights-based approaches, climate change and regional cooperation. For details, please refer to the ADPC website at http://www.adpc.net/

Department introduction

The Preparedness for Response and Recovery (PRR) Department of ADPC focuses on enhancing the preparedness and response management capacities of governments, response organizations, volunteers, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, communities and other traditional and non-traditional actors of the Disaster Risk Management Ecosystem. It also strives to strengthen the capacity of institutions and at-risk communities for faster and more efficient disaster recovery. The department works with the above actors to ensure that the regional, national, sub-national and local disaster preparedness, response and recovery frameworks and implementation plans are in place well before disaster strikes.

Purpose and objectives

The ADPC has been administering the activities of the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP) since 2017. It is a unique multi-stakeholder regional partnership established by its founding member countries, Cambodia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Nepal and Sri Lanka for strengthening locally led disaster risk management (DRM) actions. The APP Phase 3 will focus on consolidating and sustaining a multi-sectoral partnership model at regional, national and sub-national levels to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters, with technical and secretariat support from ADPC and funding assistance from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the USAID-Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID BHA).

Growing humanitarian needs, exacerbated by climate change and the increased occurrence of disasters have highlighted the importance of impactful and innovative financing solutions. Upon having recognized the critical gap in humanitarian funding for local actors, the APP Secretariat has identified the need to establish the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF) to be institutionalized within the ADPC. This Fund will aid Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Lao (PDR), Cambodia, Philippines and Myanmar to strengthen the preparedness and readiness of local actors, to anticipate and accelerate emergency response through multi-stakeholder approaches. The successful operationalization and implementation of the ADRF should realize the goal of creating “safer and well-prepared communities through locally led DRM in Asia” demonstrating approaches of “leaving no one behind”. The ADRF will constitute a co-governed management body, which will support local multi-stakeholder initiatives and innovative approaches to preparedness and readiness for response.

The ADRF Development Consultant will be responsible for strategizing, developing and building the fund to enhance funding for preparedness for emergency response by local actors of the APP countries. This is to be done based on the ADRF’s key principles of co-creation, co-governance, multi-stakeholder approach, innovation, inclusiveness, programming with impact and sustainability. Further, the consultant will advise on the effective management, operationalization and implementation of the fund by developing appropriate principles; guidelines; processes; reporting, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in consultation with the ADRF Committee. The consultant will also coordinate with the APP program team, country representatives of the APP and representatives of other thematic departments of ADPC to link with other relevant ongoing initiatives related to the APP.

Expected outputs

Specific work plans for the following deliverables will be worked out and agreed upon by the Consultant in consultation with the Program and Technical Leads.

• Creation of the ADRF based on identified key principles and criteria to achieve the objectives.
• Developed comprehensive governance structure, operational guidelines, funding mechanisms and procedures for implementation of the ADRF.
• Developed handbook/ manual for the ADRF structure and functions.
• Facilitated workshops and meetings with the APP Secretariat and ADRF Committee members for the development of the ADRF.
• Designed a plan for sustainability and future growth of the ADRF regionally and in implemented countries.
• Designed effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for the implementation of ADRF funded projects.
• Developed and implemented capacity building initiatives conducted for country representatives and local actors in accessing and effective utilization of the ADRF.
• Facilitated learning and knowledge exchange between donors, ADRF country representatives and ADPC - APP Secretariat on the aspects of managing the ADRF.
• Represented APP on behalf of the ADRF at national/ country specific, regional and international meetings, events and forums.

Duties and responsibilities

• Conduct a thorough assessment of existing governance structures, mechanisms and operational frameworks for disaster funding at regional and international levels.
• Facilitate consultations and workshops with ADPC senior officials, APP Secretariat, donors and nominated country representatives of the ADRF Committee to obtain their views and relevant information.
• Enable consultations with key stakeholders of the APP countries, to gather required information and ensure their active participation in the design and implementation of the ADRF.
• Identify and propose governance mechanisms and structures that facilitate and are accountable for the responsible management of donor funds, enabling timely, fast and effective responses to crises.
• Develop operational guidelines, parameters, and procedures for the establishment and management of the ADRF, incorporating best practices and lessons learned from similar initiatives.
• Identify and prepare mandatory requirements to assess the suitability of organizations for ADRF financing eligibility.
• Prepare guidelines to maintain and assure standards of good practices and minimum requirements, accountability, financial transparency, and reporting and communications of the ADRF.
• Develop a handbook/ manual detailing the ADRF’s key principles, governance structure and mechanisms, operational process, mandatory requirements to be followed under each stage of the funding cycle and the obligatory requisites of the member countries.
• Design and develop mandatory documents (e.g. agreements, grant or award letters) and other documentation formats (e.g. project proposal) required to formalize the operations of the ADRF as per applicable legal regulations and protocols.
• Communicate effectively and timely with the APP Secretariat and ADRF Committee on the progress of the activities related to the development and formation of the ADRF fund and its operational mechanisms.
• Design and deliver capacity building activities to enhance the ability of local actors to access and utilize the ADRF effectively.
• Identify potential funding sources for establishing partnerships with humanitarian donors and funding agencies to mobilize resources for the ADRF.
• Collaborate and engage with partners within the APP countries on the establishment, operationalization, initial implementation and furthering of activities of the ADRF.
• Identify suitable regional knowledge sharing networks/institutions and foster partnerships for south-south learning exchange among ADRF and APP member countries in need of humanitarian funding assistance.
• Identify international best practices and new approaches in administering and sustaining donor assisted humanitarian funds.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director, PRR and Program Lead, Localization.

Working principles

The ADRF Development Consultant will closely work with and report to the Program Lead, Localization, Technical Lead, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation under the overall guidance of Director - Preparedness for Response and Recovery.

Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in disaster management and resilience, finance or economics, public administration, international development, social science or a related field, preferably focused on humanitarian affairs or project management.

Work experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in international organizations including UN agencies with an emphasis on humanitarian emergency intervention and a strong background in administration and financial management, project management, monitoring and evaluation.
• Proven track record of mobilizing financial resources for humanitarian or development projects, including experience in donor relations, proposal development and fundraising strategies.
• Demonstrated administrative and financial management skills.
• In depth understanding of disaster risk management principles, climate change, international frameworks, policies and best practices, with a particular focus on localization efforts and community driven approaches.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and innovatively in areas such as emergency response, climate change and disaster risk management.
• Knowledge of working ethics of national government agencies, NGOs, private organizations, and international organizations in the Asian region.
• Proven ability to facilitate capacity building initiatives and training programs for diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government officials, NGOs and other partners.
• Experience in engaging with multiple stakeholders, policymakers, advocacy groups and civil society organizations to influence policies and strategies related to disaster risk management and localization.
• Experience in working in Asia, particularly in the context of disaster-prone countries, is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and local contexts.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrable ability to collaborate/communicate with all relevant stakeholders involved; including donors.
• Excellent English language skills, both oral and written and ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely.
• Establish new partnerships and collaborations.

Personal qualities

• Self-motivated, proactive and takes initiative.
• Adaptability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving environment and to adjust quickly to changing circumstances.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines under tight timelines.
• Detail oriented, flexible and able to handle multiple concurrent tasks.
• Work independently as well as a team valuing diversity and promoting inclusivity.
• Capacity to critically analyze information, evaluate options and make informed decisions based on evidence and best practices.
• Collaborative spirit and willingness to work with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Strong networking capacity and understanding of humanitarian and development nexus at local and regional levels.
• Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional activities, with integrity, honesty and transparency.
• Strong desire to learn, undertake new challenges and be a creative problem solver with self-confidence.
• Genuine commitment to making a positive impact in the field of disaster risk management and humanitarian assistance, driven by a sense of purpose and dedication to serving vulnerable communities.
• Willingness to work hard, good sense of humour but with seriousness about the quality and excellence of work.

Languages

• English is the working language of ADPC. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another national or global language is an advantage.

General requirements

• Operate within all ADPC Guidelines and procedures/ policies.
• Operate within specific program needs.

Duty station

Home based with visits to ADPC, Bangkok, Thailand (as required)

Duration

6 months with the possibility of an extension subject to requirements, availability of funding and performance.

Itinerary

During official missions outside the duty station, the Consultant will be entitled to local/international travel, daily subsistence allowance, accommodation, visa, communications and other related travel costs as per ADPC financial policy.

How to apply

Interested candidates can submit the completed ADPC application form (downloadable from www.adpc.net), resume and copy of degree/certificate(s), together with a cover letter, to adpcjobs@adpc.net

Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

ADPC encourages diversity in its workplace and supports an inclusive work environment.