About the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) is an autonomous international organization established for scientific, educational, developmental, and humanitarian purposes with a vision of safer communities and sustainable development through disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific.
Established in 1986 as a technical capacity-building center, ADPC has grown and diversified its expertise across social and physical sciences envisioning safer communities and sustainable development through disaster risk reduction. Being an autonomous international organization governed by Board of Trustees. It supports sustainable solutions for disaster risk reduction across a broad range of specialist areas, with a wide range of professional expertise from atmospheric scientists to social scientists with experiences from all levels of engagement typically required for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience (CR) effectively. ADPC’s Strategy 2030 guides the organization in providing comprehensive risk reduction support to countries and communities in Asia and the Pacific with various programs being implemented under 15 strategic themes by three departments, namely the Preparedness and Climate Actions, Risk Analytics and Climate Services, and Risk Governance and Financing. In addition to these, ADPC also works on three cross-cutting themes: Gender and Diversity, Innovation, and Regional and Transboundary Cooperation through permanent working committees. These activities are supported by proactive individual departments of Finance, Human Resources and Administration. ADPC recognizes the importance of examining the linkages between disaster risk management, poverty reduction, gender equality, sustainability, rights-based approaches, climate change, and regional cooperation. For details, please refer to the ADPC website at http://www.adpc.net/
Department Introduction
The PCA Department enhances the preparedness and climate action capacities of governments, NGOs, the private sector, and communities. It focuses on:
- Ensuring frameworks and implementation plans for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery are in place before disaster strikes.
- Strengthening institutional and community capacities for anticipatory action and resilient recovery.
- Promoting locally led DRR and climate resilience interventions through multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Project Background: Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP)
ADPC is implementing Phase 3 of the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP), a multi-stakeholder localization model launched in 2016 in response to the World Humanitarian Summit’s call to shift power to local actors in disaster preparedness and response. The APP has been supported by the Gates Foundation since its inception in 2016.
The APP operates in six countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Each country has formed a National Preparedness Partnership (NPP) comprising government, civil society networks, and the private sector. Phase 3 focuses on ensuring the sustainability of the NPPs beyond project duration and the development of localization models resulting from the implementation of the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF)-supported initiatives of each NPP.
Purpose of the Consultancy
ADPC seeks to engage a Localization Partnerships and Policy Specialist to support the Localization Program Lead in strengthening partnerships, advancing the APP agenda, and contributing to broader localization efforts across the region. The consultant will support evidence-based engagement with partners and policy actors to enhance alignment, coherence, and impact of localization initiatives.
Partnerships
- Map relevant donors and development partners engaged in localization, disaster preparedness, recovery, and climate resilience.
- Develop engagement strategies, concept notes, and proposals to strengthen partnerships and mobilize resources.
- Facilitate alignment of ADRF-supported initiatives with the localization models of NPPs to ensure coherence and long-term impact.
Research and Policy
- Conduct research to inform policy recommendations that advance localization objectives.
- Support the organization and facilitation of policy dialogues with key partners and stakeholders.
Based full-time at ADPC Head Office in Bangkok, the consultant will work closely with the APP Program Team.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Localization Partnerships and Policy Specialist Consultant will perform the following duties under the supervision of the Localization Program Lead and in close coordination with the APP Program Team:
- Research and Analysis
- Collect and analyze information on donor priorities, portfolios, and funding trends related to localization, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience.
- Track and synthesize emerging opportunities for strategic engagement with organizations, development partners, and regional and global networks.
- Generate insights to inform partnership strategies, policy dialogues, and resource mobilization efforts.
- Partnership Development
- Support the Localization Program Lead in cultivating and maintaining relationships with potential donors and strategic partners.
- Prepare partnership briefs, talking points, and presentations for meetings and outreach activities.
- Draft high-quality concept notes, proposals, and related documents to advance partnership initiatives and resource mobilization.
- Technical Support to NPPs
- Review and provide inputs on NPP reports, plans, and ADRF-supported initiatives to enhance alignment with localization objectives.
- Other Responsibilities
- Support documentation, reporting, and knowledge sharing related to partnership and policy engagement activities.
- Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Localization Program Lead to advance APP’s objectives and ADPC’s Strategy 2030.
Working Principles
The Consultant will report directly to the ADPC Localization Program Lead, under the overall guidance of the PCA Director. The Consultant will likewise work with other PCA program leads/managers/specialists, as necessary.
Qualifications
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field.
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in partnership development, donor engagement, and/or program development and coordination within the humanitarian, development, or climate resilience sectors.
- Demonstrated experience on localization, disaster preparedness, recovery, or resilience programming at national or regional levels.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations and policy inputs.
- Excellent writing and communication skills, including experience in preparing high-quality concept notes, proposals, policy briefs, and stakeholder presentations.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multi-stakeholder partnerships, including government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and international development partners.
- Experience in regional coordination and engagement across diverse cultural and institutional contexts in Asia and the Pacific is an asset.
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other regional languages would be an advantage.
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent research and analytical skills, including the ability to map and assess donor priorities, partnership landscapes, and funding opportunities in the localization and resilience space.
- Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
- Sound understanding of disaster risk reduction frameworks, humanitarian coordination mechanisms, and localization principles.
- Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes, including the ability to link partnership results with program outcomes.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to foster trust and collaboration among diverse partners.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively, while maintaining close coordination and communication with supervisors and colleagues.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proven ability to manage multiple priorities, deliver quality outputs under pressure, and meet tight deadlines.
Duty Station: Bangkok, Thailand
Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension based on the performance and requirements of the position and program.
Condition of payment
The payment will be made based on the submission of monthly timesheets detailing activities carried out in relation to the above responsibilities. In addition, the Consultant is eligible to reimburse any program related costs incurred for implementation of the program activities, subject to prior approval.
Itinerary
During official missions outside the duty station, the Consultant will be entitled to local/international travel, daily subsistence allowance, accommodation, and other related travel costs as per ADPC financial policy. All travel must be pre-approved by ADPC and undertaken only upon written request and consent by the ADPC.
How to apply
Interested individuals are invited to submit a completed ADPC application form (downloadable from www.adpc.net), along with a resume, copies of degrees/certificates, and a cover letter, to: procurement@adpc.net
The email subject should clearly indicate the position being applied for, for example:
[Localization Partnerships and Policy Specialist Consultant (Bangkok, Thailand): Name of Candidate]
Female applicants are especially encouraged to apply.
ADPC values diversity and fosters an inclusive work environment, welcoming applications from qualified candidates regardless of background.