Terms of Reference (TOR)
Policy Advisor for Realigning LGU Incentives Policy Reform
Coalitions for Change Program Phase 3 – Governance & Stability
Period of Performance
The contractor shall commence work no sooner than August 1, 2025 and shall complete work no later than 31 January 2026.
Background of the Project
Coalitions for Change (CfC) is a partnership between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and The Asia Foundation in the Philippines. The program supports policy reforms aligned with the national agenda on inclusive growth, good governance, and social development.
CfC strengthens coalitions and networks across government, civil society, the private sector, and academia to drive evidence-based reforms. Through collaboration and strategic analysis, CfC supports initiatives that promote inclusive and sustainable development.
Governance in the Philippines continues to face significant challenges, including corruption, inefficiency, and political instability. In 2024, the country dropped to 67th in the Chandler Good Government Index, its lowest ranking in three years, reflecting weak performance in leadership and foresight.
In response, there is renewed momentum to pursue key reforms, including improvements to the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), which aims to strengthen local governance by realigning incentives to improve the performance of local government units (LGUs). These efforts aim to empower local institutions, improve service delivery, and build public trust.
To support these initiatives, CfC will engage a Policy Advisor for Realigning LGU Incentives Policy Reform to help identify and implement governance and stability reforms that are both technically sound and politically feasible, contributing to lasting and meaningful change.
Background of the Assignment
CfC aims to identify and address key constraints in governance that hinder effective policy implementation and inclusive development in the Philippines. The Policy Advisor will contribute expertise in analyzing political and institutional contexts, policy frameworks, and reform opportunities within the governance sector.
The Policy Advisor will work closely with the Team Leader and other technical experts of the reform team to ensure that policy analysis is grounded in both technical evidence and political realities.
Scope of Work of the Policy Advisor for Realigning LGU Incentives Policy Reform
The Policy Advisor shall be responsible for the following tasks:
- Provide policy advice to the CfC Governance Team, its partners, and networks to support the development of governance and public sector reform initiatives.
- Work with the team to engage government stakeholders, civil society organizations, policy advocates, and other actors, while actively leveraging existing networks to inform and advance reform efforts.
- Support CfC and its partners in identifying and pursuing technically sound and politically feasible reforms by utilizing insights and connections within their networks.
- Contribute to the preparation of policy briefs, technical notes, and other materials that reflect evidence-based recommendations and stakeholder perspectives.
Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications:
- Advanced degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Governance, Development Studies, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in public policy analysis, governance reform, or related work in the Philippines.
- Strong understanding of the Philippine political and institutional landscape, including experience working with government agencies, civil society, and development partners.
- Proven ability to provide high-quality policy advice and technical inputs in complex political environments.
- Extensive experience in engaging stakeholders, including government institutions, key political stakeholders and civil society, with a strong background in coalition building and leading multi-sectoral policy dialogues.
- Solid network of local government units, related government agencies, and related developmental organizations is desired;
- Experience in adaptive programming and Development Entrepreneurship is an advantage.
The contractor will directly report to The Asia Foundation Senior Program Officer for Governance and Stability and will closely coordinate with the Coalitions for Change (CfC) Governance Reform team.
How to apply
APPLICATION GUIDELINES: Individual Applicants must complete and send in their The Asia Foundation Application Form, Employee Biographical Data Form (https://tinyurl.com/ApplicationReqsTAF), and sample portfolio (optional).
Applicants may send in the requested documents to consultancyPH@asiafoundation.org before the set deadline.
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The Asia Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply.
The Asia Foundation has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, fraud, bribery, bullying, corruption, and other forms of misrepresentation of the values of the organization.
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