Terms of Reference (TOR)
Team Lead for Improving LGU Service Delivery 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 January 31, 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 amendments to the Local Government Code of 1991 (LGC), which aims to strengthen decentralization and improve local governance. These efforts aim to empower local institutions, improve service delivery, and foster public trust.
To support these initiatives, CfC will engage with a Team Lead for Improving LGU Service Delivery 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 is supporting efforts to strengthen local governance in the Philippines, including an ongoing initiative to amend the LGC.
The Team Lead will provide strategic guidance in assessing institutional structures and reform opportunities at the local level. Working closely with the Policy Advisor and other experts, the Team Lead will help ensure that proposed reforms, including the LGC amendment, are both contextually grounded and politically viable.
Scope of Work of the Team Lead for Improving LGU Service Delivery Policy Reform
The Team Lead shall be responsible for the following tasks:
- Provide overall strategic and technical leadership in the development and implementation of local governance reform initiatives, including the proposed amendments to the LGC.
- Lead the assessment of local governance structures, systems, and institutional gaps to identify entry points for reform.
- Coordinate with the Policy Advisor, researchers, and other technical experts to ensure that reform strategies are informed by both technical evidence and political context.
- Engage with key stakeholders, including national and local government officials, civil society organizations, and policy influencers, to build consensus and support for reform.
Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications:
- An advanced degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in governance or local government reform, preferably in the Philippines
- Strong background in decentralization and familiarity with the Local Government Code of 1991
- Proven ability to lead multi-stakeholder initiatives and engage with government, civil society, and development partners
- Experience in political and institutional analysis and strategy development
- Excellent leadership, communication, and writing skills
- Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs with minimal supervision
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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