Expertise: organization management, water resources/ river basin management
Expertise Group: Organization Management & Strategy Development
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords:
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The objective of the new consultancy assignment is to advise the Chair and Vice-Chairs, Steering
Committee, and Secretariat on:
(i) Organizational improvements to its governance structure and operations.
(ii) Options for sustainable financing for its operations
(iii) Opportunities to engage with partners and possible niche or advocacy areas
(iv) Areas to improve coordination within the organization and attract new members
(v) Recommendations on how NARBO can support improving the enabling environment for would-be-RBOs in
the region
Scope of Work
The international consultant will be tasked with supporting the revitalization of NARBO by providing
expert technical assistance and strategic guidance. The goal is to enhance NARBO’s membership domain,
effectiveness, sustainability, and influence within the Asian region and beyond. The following are the
detailed tasks the consultants will undertake:
Organizational Revitalization
- Perform a situational analysis of NARBO’s status, evaluating its strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats (SWOT Analyses). This includes assessing its past performance, external
factors and trends impacting NARBO’s current performance and relevance. - Draw inspiration, best practices and lessons learned from successful networks such as, but not
limited to, INBO (and its regional member networks such as MENBO, ANBO, RELOB, REBOB, EURO-INBO), CAREC,
IFAS, and GWP. Analyze their approaches, organizational structures, and secretariat staffing plan and
financial structures, and relate relevant lessons to NARBO. - Simultaneously, analyze the NARBO’s goals and industry trends in Asia and the Pacific to identify
gaps and explore opportunities for recruiting relevant members who align with the network’s vision and
objectives. The consultant will focus on developing strategy for NARBO to enhance its collaboration with
external organizations and its involvement in major international events and initiatives including for
example the OECD Water Governance Initiative, International Flood Initiative, ADBs Resilient River
Basins Initiative, ADBs WOP4R Program and Asia-Pacific Water Forum. The assignment will include mapping
out potential NARBO partners and members, initiating contacts for interviews, identifying synergies,
recommending frameworks for collaboration, and methods for maintaining relationships. - Recommend changes, as needed, to NARBO’s organizational structures to improve efficiency, financial
health, governance, and management (human resources). - Propose three to four strategic directions (options) including missions and objectives to
restructure NARBOs operations and activities to enhance its autonomy and operational effectiveness.
Strategic Directions
- Engage NARBO’s leadership, Steering Committee, Secretariat, and working groups in a participatory
process to ensure alignment and coherence in discussing the strategic directions proposed and a way
forward. - Support the development of NARBO’s strategic plan for 2025-2030, updating the organization’s
vision, mission, objectives, and expected outcomes following earlier discussions. Part of the plan are
financial stability, partnerships, advocacy and communication, capacity building and knowledge
management as well as organizational structure and human resources. - Recommend strategies for advocating NARBO’s involvement in international forums, enhancing its
visibility and influence. This could involve developing communication materials, participating in
international events, and building relationships with key influencers. - Design a monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of NARBO’s strategic plan and
ensure accountability. This includes defining key performance indicators, targets, and methods for
regular assessment.
Financial Stability
- Develop an approach to ensure NARBO’s financial stability, including budgeting practices and
financial management improvements. - Identify and evaluate potential funding sources to support NARBO’s activities and ensure long-term
financial sustainability and financial independence. - Develop a resource mobilization plan. Propose activities to secure and allocate financial resources
to support NARBO’s initiatives effectively.
Partnerships and Advocacy
- Develop an approach to enhance NARBO’s collaboration with regional and international organizations.
Identify potential partners, initiate contacts for collaboration, and recommend frameworks for joint
initiatives.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
Expected Output
(i) Inception presentation detailing the methodology, workplan and schedule for the assignment
(ii) Situational Analysis Report
(iii) Best Practices and Lessons Learned Report
(iv) Strategic Directions and Organizational Structure Recommendations
Strategic Plan and Monitoring Framework, including recommendations on how NARBO can support improving
the enabling environment for would-be-RBOs in the region.
(v) Facilitate a workshop with NARBO’s executive committee and secretariat on the assignment’s findings
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Educational Background
- Advanced degree (Master or Ph.D.) in river basin management, water resources management, business
administration, organizational development, public administration, environmental management, change
management, or a related field.
Professional Experience
- At least 8 years of experience in organizational development, management consulting, change
management and finances, related to organizations active in water, river basin management, water
resources management, or environmental planning, with demonstrated expertise in developing strategies. - Experience with network organizations is preferable.
- Experience in Asia is preferable.
- Proven experience in providing technical advisory services, facilitating multi-stakeholder
processes, and coordinating with government agencies, international organizations and/or multilateral
development banks. - Proven track record of conducting organizational assessments and implementing strategic changes.
- Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans for non-profit organizations or
international networks or organizations. - Strong background in financial planning, budgeting, and resource mobilization, including grants and
partnerships. - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and
collaborate with diverse stakeholders and potential partners. - Fluency in written and spoken English.
Minimum General Experience: 10 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 8 Years
