Research Associate – Economic Reform and Social Development Team At The Asia Foundation

Terms of reference

Position: Research Associate for the Economic Reform and Social Development Team

Period of engagement: 1 month, subject to extension

Mode of payment: Level of Effort

Level of effort needed: 18 LOE days for 1 month

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 – ECONOMIC REFORM AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM

One in every three Filipino children being stunted poses a threat not only to public health but also the country’s economic development. In a study on the economic consequence of hunger and chronic malnutrition[1], it is estimated that chronic malnutrition costs the Philippine economy 4.4% of its GDP. This includes additional incurred costs on education and healthcare-related interventions, as well as lost income due to stunted human capital development.

However, in the Philippines, current programs that aim to address stunting are limited in scope and impact. The main programs to address stunting remain to be supplementary feeding programs and micronutrient supplementation. While these are important aspects of nutrition and health, they do not address the need for adequate food to prevent chronic malnutrition and stunting.

Given these developments, the Asia Foundation’s Economic Reform and Social Development teams perceive an opportunity to introduce reforms aimed at mitigating and reducing hunger and stunting. TAF would like to explore a range of solutions aimed at 1) Introducing a more comprehensive stunting and hunger reduction program that covers those aged 0-5, and 2) Identifying possible fund sources for the proposed stunting and hunger reduction program to ensure effective and sustained implementation.

Scope of work

• Support the team in engaging with key legislative offices to push for reforms related to stunting
• Provide matrices that compare bills related to the reform
• Draft reports on progress of bills
• Provide analysis, highlights and updates on committee hearings and draft bills
• With the team, help prepare position papers, action plans and technical papers to be presented to government officials, legislators, and private stakeholders
• Contribute to evolving project strategies
• Reports to team leader and program officer-in-charge

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline (e.g Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies, Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, etc.)
2. Preferably with one (1) year professional experience in policy research and development particularly in economic and social development policy. Fresh graduates are also welcome to apply.
3. Working knowledge of broader and recent development issues in the Philippines, including economic and social development issues.
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.

[1] Save the Children (2016). Cost of Hunger: Philippines