Senior Advisor to China Program (Volunteer)

A. Background

ADPC is an autonomous international organization with a vision to reduce disaster and climate risk impacts on communities and countries in Asia and the Pacific by working with all key stakeholders.

Established in 1986 as a technical capacity building center, ADPC has grown and expanded its role to be for scientific, educational, developmental and humanitarian purposes. ADPC employs a wide range of professional expertise typically required for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience (CR) in an effective manner.

ADPC develops and implements cross-sectoral projects/programs on the strategic themes of risk governance, urban resilience, climate resilience, health risk management, preparedness for response and resilient recovery. Our strategic themes are complemented and underpinned by the cross-cutting themes of gender and diversity, regional and transboundary cooperation as well as poverty and livelihoods.

Through its work, ADPC supports the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the New Urban Agenda, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the agenda defined at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016, and other relevant international frameworks

For details, please refer to ADPC website at http://www.adpc.net/

B. Department Introduction

The cooperation between ADPC and China began in 1986, with the establishment of ADPC, however it was passive at the time. Since 2000, ADPC has proactively developing the cooperation with China. ADPC’s China Program was established gradually with funding support from the Chinese government and other relevant agencies and institutes internationally and locally. The China Program Director reports to the Executive Director (ED) directly. As part of ADPC’s broader strategy with its member countries it plans to establish an ADPC’s country/program office in China in the future.

The China Program team maintains relationships with numerous central and provincial government agencies, disaster management stakeholders, research and academic institutes, and international organizations. A select list of matters on which we work includes the following:

• A comprehensive vision for facilitating and mobilizing the necessary funding to support the development and implementation of programs/projects to further strengthen capacities construction to better manage DRR/DRM for multiple hazards in China and the region including the countries participating in the Belt and Road initiative.
• Develop, manage and implement programs and projects related to capacity building in disaster risk management (DRM) with China.
• Develop applied researches in DRM for China.
• Provide technical advisory service to relevant agencies in DRM and DRR.
• Coordinate relevant affairs between China and ADPC.
• Provide recommendations and suggestions to ADPC thematic departments on engagement with relevant agencies in China.

C. Statement of Intent

The Senior Advisor to China Program, under the supervision of the China Program Director and overall guidance by the ED, will work closely with relevant staff in different departments of ADPC, as needed. The Senior Advisor to China Program is responsible for developing/ supporting/ strengthening overall relations including the government relations, as well as for facilitating to develop ADPC’s projects/programs in DM/DRM in China and the region.

Note:

It is not the intent of this Terms of Reference to cover every aspect of the position requirements, rather to highlight the most important areas of personal and joint responsibilities.

D. Key Responsibilities:

This Terms of Reference covers the general responsibilities and representative tasks of this position. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to program priorities and needs.

The Senior Advisor to China Program is responsible for supporting engagement by ADPC with the government of China and Chinese stakeholders across the public and private sectors, as well as with academia and civil society, for the benefit of ADPC’s strategy and programs in China and the region. This role involves supporting the China Program to deal with government relations and stakeholder engagement matters for ADPC as the in-country resource.

Reporting to ED and the China Program Director, the Senior Advisor to China Program will:

• Study and familiarize with ADPC’s vision, mission, strategies, methodologies, policies, working ways, as well as the disaster risk management and disaster risk reduction trends and situations in the region and the world.
• Support the China Program Director in strengthening and contributing to the update of the China Country Strategy and Government Relations Strategy.
• Develop analysis on a wide range of political and international issues including change in government policies that could impact our engagement, sustainability strategy, and south-south cooperation.
• Support the China Program Director in facilitating the development of ADPC and Stakeholder Engagement plan, stakeholder mapping and tracking in China.
• Support the China Program Director to engage with stakeholders across the country to develop strategic program, DRM projects and other relevant projects.
• Explore the feasibility of an ADPC’s country office in China and to support any subsequent activities on the establishment of such office.
• Additional tasks assigned by ED and the China Program Director.

Reporting and Relationships:

In performing the duties and responsibilities indicated above, the Senior Advisor to China Program will be reporting to the China Program Director and under the overall guidance of the Executive Director.

E. Competencies

Core competencies:

• Integrity: Demonstrates the highest level of commitment and demonstrates respect for persons of concern to ADPC, partners and colleagues in all aspects of work. Ensures that personal and professional behavior is of the highest standard.
• Diversity Awareness: Able to embrace the uniqueness of all individuals along several dimensions such as race, religious beliefs, ethnicity, age, gender, physical abilities, political beliefs, socio-economic status, disability, political conviction, or any other distinguishing features.
• Equality Awareness: Understands that each individual has an equal opportunity to make decisions, participate in social activities, perform any work at the organization and to make the most of her/ his life and talents.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Works constructively within a team and across teams in ways that allow the achievement of shared objectives. Works effectively with colleagues and partners. Fosters a positive and collaborative environment.

F. Qualifications:

Required Qualifications and Specifications

The Senior Advisor to China Program ideally should possess the following professional qualifications and specifications:

• At least 30 years of proven working experience in government sector. Director-General level position in the government sector is a requirement.
• Leadership stature capable of engaging public and private sector leaders to support the mission of the organization.
• Experience in a leadership role in one or more government institutions (e.g., a disaster management related national government agency, a regulatory or other government policymaking body, planning and research agency at a ministry level).
• China-related and broader developing country experience is an asset.
• Experience in leading staff as well as managing project and organizational budgeting.
• Demonstrated record of securing funding from various sources and philanthropic grants.
• Personal creativity and strategic vision, coupled with an ability to listen to others and learn from their best ideas.
• Proficiency in English language both in writing and orally. Excellent Chinese (Mandarin) communication skills.
• Energetic and possessing impeccable integrity.
• Master degree in social and physical sciences, or related disciplines or trainings with substantial experience in disaster management and policy development in government sector. Ph.D. in a related field would be an added advantage.

Duty Station:

Bangkok, Thailand

Contract Duration:

24 months

Payment:

Voluntarily basis

How to apply

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

Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.