Team Leader for Disaster Risk Reduction under Climate & Environment At The Asia Foundation

Coalitions for Change

Coalitions for Change (CfC) is a centerpiece program of the partnership between the Australian Embassy and The Asia Foundation in the Philippines. CfC strategically supports the development, introduction, adoption, and implementation of key policies consistent with the government’s agenda on economic growth, improved governance, and social development.

The program creates spaces for collaboration, strengthening coalitions and networks, civil society, private sector, the government, academia, and others to bring about transformative change. Working with these motivated groups and individuals, and armed with technical and political analysis, CfC ushers in reforms that lead to sustainable and inclusive development, improving the lives of Filipinos

Background of the Project

According to the 2023 World Risk Report, the Philippines ranks first (1st) among all 193 countries in terms of disaster risk. Inadequate disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) practices, such as prioritizing response and rehabilitation over preparedness and mitigation, often worsen the impact of existing natural hazards. Moreover, our current state of infrastructure exacerbates the Philippines’ lack of coping capacities to prevent, prepare and respond to hazards brought about by natural sources such as super typhoons.

While there are many challenges in Philippine DRRM, Coalitions for Change (CfC) has mainly focused on introducing policies that will shift funding priority from traditional disaster response and rehabilitation towards disaster preparedness spending. Activities or reform areas include but are not limited to executive policies and legislation promoting a shift to resilience of our environment including effective and sustainable infrastructure support such evacuation centers in high risk LGUs among others. The reform involves long-standing partnership with government agencies such as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), science and professional agencies as well as civil society organizations.

Scope of Work of the Team Lead

• Closely collaborate with the CfC Climate and Environment team, its network, and partners.
• Assist CfC Climate and Environment team and local government partners in pursuing technically sound and politically feasible reforms.
• With the team, engage a coalition of various DRR advocates.
• Organize activities, such as conferences, meetings, seminars, and focus group discussions, among others.

The contractor will directly report to The Asia Foundation Senior Program Officer for Environment and Climate Change.