Local Governance Advocacy and Network Specialist for Disability At The Asia Foundation

Background of the Program

Coalitions for Change (CfC) is a program under the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and

Trade (DFAT) and The Asia Foundation Partnership in the Philippines.

In its second phase (2018-2022), CfC supports Philippine leaders in civil society, academe, the

private sector, and government who pursue policy reforms to support inclusive economic growth,

social development, governance, and peace towards improving the lives of Filipinos. The program

also provides training and mentoring to equip leaders to better pursue policy reforms.

Designed to be an adaptive and responsive program, CfC’s support to Philippine leaders and

organizations has helped introduce transformative policy reforms that bring positive outcomes for

Filipinos in the broad areas of economic growth, social development, and governance.

Background of the Assignment

Persons with Disability continuously face challenges in their participation in society. Analysis of case

studies in developing countries showed that higher disability rates are associated with higher

illiteracy, poor nutritional status, lower inoculation and immunization coverage, lower birth weight,

higher unemployment and underemployment rates, and lower occupational mobility. While the

Philippines have extended efforts to mitigate this cycle through various programs including

conditional cash transfers and establishment of the National Council of Disability Affairs, the

challenge continues to persist and pervade.

Another important development is the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling. The most immediate effect is that

many of the social development and protection programs of the National Government will be

devolved to the Local Government Units. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has

already issued an executive order (EO) that delineates the responsibilities of the national

government and the local government units. This development can put the responsibility of

upholding the rights of persons with disabilities to the local government unit.

CfC works with partners to introduce policies that promote the inclusion of people with disabilities

and their participation in education, health, and employment.

CfC is seeking to hire the following consultancy position:

1. One (1) Local Governance Advocacy and Network Specialist for Disability

Local Governance Advocacy and Network Specialist for Disability

Period: October 2021 – June 2022

Level of Effort (LOE): Maximum of 90 days

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Network, advocate, and collaborate with disability groups and coalitions, and relevant

stakeholders.

• Identify possible entry points to introduce reform agenda through relevant government

officials, legislators, and stakeholders.

• Create and draft policy papers, briefers, presentations, and other reference materials.
• Provide technical inputs in team discussion and strategy planning, especially to push for

the identified reform agenda.

• Develop and pursue technically sound and politically feasible policies, which promote

inclusive reforms.

• Maintain collaborative relationships with the CfC Social Development team, its network,

and partners.**Qualifications**:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline (e.g Political Science, Public Administration,

Development Studies, etc.) Master’s degree in the field of Public

Management/Governance, Political Science, or Social Work is desirable.

• Working knowledge of Philippines’ policies, context, processes, and programming

particularly on the disability sector

• Has extensive networks and strong on-the-ground experience engaging with different

stakeholders especially in the disability sector. Membership or involvement in disability

inclusive coalition or advocacy group is desirable.

• Demonstrated ability to engage productively with government departments especially

with the Department of Interior and Local Government and/or actual Local Government

Units.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills in both English and Filipino and proven

ability to suit communication style for different audience types.

• Working knowledge of basic research methods and techniques.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and summarize data that may be used for communication

materials.

• Ability to self-direct, balance competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Demonstrated experience working in adaptive programs and development

entrepreneurship would be an advantage.