Research Associate for Tourism Development Team At The Asia Foundation

Terms of reference

Position: Research Associate for Tourism Development Team

Period of engagement: 3 months, subject to extension

Mode of payment: Level of Effort

Level of effort needed: 30 LOE days spread in 3 months

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 – TOURISM DEVELOPMENT (ECONOMIC REFORM TEAM)

The tourism sector of the Philippines was one of the most severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourist visits declined to less than 2 million in 2020 compared to more than 6 million tourists in 2019 prior to the pandemic. As a result, the share of tourism in our country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) dropped to 5.2% in 2021 from 12.9% in 2019. However, given an 11.1% contribution to total employment, there is a need to introduce strategic programs toward the sector’s recovery and economic development.

To address this, the Asia Foundation is working on a policy for continuation of the Institutionalized Leveraging Infrastructure Programs for Airport Development (iLIPAD). this convergence program linked DOTr’s airport development investments with the DOT’s priority tourism destinations. Prior to the introduction of iLIPAD, airport investment decisions were less objective and at times driven by political rather than developmental considerations.

Recognizing the important role of tourism in the country, the Foundation and its partners propose to assist the Departments of Tourism and Transportation in institutionalizing the DOT-DOTr Convergence Program.

Scope of work

• Support the team in engaging with key legislative offices to push for reforms related to tourism development.
• 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. At least two (2) years professional experience in policy research and development particularly in economic policy.
3. Working knowledge of broader and recent development issues in the Philippines, including economic 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.