Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
 | The primary aim of this assignment is to develop the new 2030 Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Urban Development Strategic Framework. This framework will revise and strengthen the existing framework (2015- 2022) to address the evolving urbanization trends and climate challenges, and determine the key priority areas and action plans for investment to promote regional cooperation and sustainable economic growth. The project is strategically important as it aligns with the GMS Economic Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030 and the GMS Innovation Strategy for Development 2030. Rapid urbanization and climate change are creating complex challenges for urban areas globally, with significant impacts on development, especially in the GMS region. The GMS countries have recognized the need for a coordinated approach to urban development, integrating various sectors such as transport, energy, natural resources, agriculture, and environment. The project will involve extensive consultations with national and regional stakeholders, including public sector institutions, private sector entities, development partners, and civil society organizations. The revised framework will provide strategic guidance for urban development in the GMS, ensuring that cities are better equipped to handle the dual pressures of urbanization and climate change. |
Scope of Work
| A team of individual consultants will be hired to contribute to the development of the strategic framework, including a water and urban development and policy expert, an urban resilience and community expert, an urban infrastructure and services expert, and a regional cooperation and integration expert. This TOR refers to the water and urban development and policy expert. The consultant will be responsible for providing inputs in relation to water and urban development sectors for the development of the new 2030 GMS Urban Development Strategic Framework. The consultant will review the existing 2015-2022 framework and relevant national documentation, conduct consultations with stakeholders across the GMS countries to gather inputs and recommendations, draft the new strategic framework, and develop an action plan outlining strategic actions and investments needed to achieve the framework’s objectives. The consultant will work with national consultants and thematic leads to ensure comprehensive and inclusive stakeholder engagement and provide technical expertise in urban policy development, sustainable urban development, and water and sanitation policy. The Strategic Framework needs to be aligned with the overall GMS policies and guidelines, particularly the GMS Economic Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030 and the GMS Innovation Strategy for Development 2030. An Action Plan outlining the strategic actions and investment needs to achieve the framework’s objectives will be incorporated. |
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
| The consultant will follow the consultation process detailed below and conduct the proposed activities, to be adjusted as required. A) Draft overall framework and Information issue The consultant will contribute in his/her area of expertise in the preparation of a package of information (in PowerPoint format) to be shared with the Urban Development Working Group (UDWG) members, including, but not limited to: • An overall framework structure, considering the current framework and the new strategic documents generated by GMS. • An overview of the review and consultation process to reach the UDWG endorsement, with a timeline of steps, milestones, and deadlines. • An initial request for documentation to be collated by the UDWG members for each country to supply the consultant. B) Review documentation and Draft the Strategic Framework The consultant will conduct a thorough desk review of the water and urban development sector using available information, including GMS and UDWG documentation, GMS member countries’ urban policies, strategies and action plans, and ADB-supported GMS-related projects. The consultants may contact the UDWG members to gather additional documentation, particularly on the latest urban trends and challenges, national policies and priorities, and inputs and recommendations on strategic actions and investments. The consultant will contribute with his/her area of expertise in the development of the first draft of the 2030 GMS Urban Development Strategic Framework to be shared with the UDWG members. A Word and PowerPoint version will be developed in English, while a PowerPoint summary will be translated into the local language, if necessary (to be supported by national consultants). C) National consultations and Second Draft of the Strategic Framework For an effective national consultation, the team of consultants will jointly conduct extensive country- level consultations with national and regional stakeholders, including public sector institutions, private sector entities, development partners, and civil society organizations. The consultant will incorporate the feedback during the national consultation process contribute to the development of the second draft of the 2030 GMS Urban Development Strategic Framework (same format and translation requirements). The framework will be shared among UDWG members and request for internal circulation within the relevant Ministries in each GMS country, in advance of the formal consultation. D) Formal Consultation with the UDWG The second draft of the framework will be presented in a formal consultation workshop with the UDWG members for open discussion, exposure of internal comments, and in-principle agreement with the structure and content. The consultant will contribute to the presentation, providing required advice, background, and recommendations. E) Final Strategic Framework for endorsement The consultant will contribute to incorporating the latest feedback during the formal consultation with the UDWG members to develop the final 2030 GMS Urban Development Strategic Framework (same format and translation requirements). The framework will be shared with the UDWG members for their final circulation and secure country-level endorsement. |
Minimum Qualification Requirements
| Educational Background: – Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Engineering, Public Policy, Environmental Science, or a related field. Professional Experience: – At least 10 years of experience in urban policy development, sustainable urban development, urban infrastructure development, and climate resilience with engagement in emerging best practice of smart cities. – Experience in developing strategies and/or road maps at regional- and country-level, and desirable in sub-regional groupings such as ASEAN, CAREC, GMS, etc. – A proven track record of working on development in the GMS countries is a must. – Experience working on GMS-related projects is desired. Technical Skills: – Expertise in urban policy development, governance analysis, resilient infrastructure design, and climate change mitigation. – Strong stakeholder consultation and data analysis skills. Additional Skills: – Excellent communication and report writing skills. – Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. – Familiarity with ADB guidelines and frameworks. |
