Coalitions for Change
Coalitions for Change (CfC) is a centerpiece program of the partnership between the Australian Embassy and The Asia Foundation in the Philippines. CfC strategically supports the development, introduction, adoption, and implementation of key policies consistent with the government’s agenda on climate and disaster resilience, economic growth, improved governance, and social development.
The program creates spaces for collaboration, maximizing coalitions and networks, both formal and informal, civil society, the private sector, the government, academia, and others to bring about transformative change. Under a highly volatile and unpredictable policy environment, CfC works with motivated groups and individuals, armed with up-to-date technical and political analysis, to usher in reforms that lead to sustainable and inclusive development, thereby improving the lives of Filipinos.
Background of the Project
The Philippines’ water resources serve as one of the most critical sectors impacted by climate change. Extreme weather events brought about by climate change exacerbate water resource challenges in the country. Despite the substantial annual rainfall averaging 2,400 millimeters per year, the Philippines continues to grapple with challenges in ensuring the availability of sufficient, safe, and affordable water supply. The country’s water resources are unevenly distributed to its regional population, resulting in mismatches between water resource potential and population density.
With the unprecedented impacts of climate change, regions that face water scarcity will be heavily affected by prolonged dry spells or unpredictable rainfall every year. On the other hand, regions most at risk of hydrometeorological hazards, such as heavy rainfall and tropical cyclones, are expected to experience worsening flooding conditions.
CfC intends to contribute to securing water resources as a priority climate change adaptation measure. To this end, CfC will pursue policy reforms that will help manage water resources effectively in the Philippines. To jumpstart the process of identifying and pursuing policy reforms, CfC is hiring a Policy Reform Associate under a Consultancy post, for Climate Change, focusing on Water Resources. The Policy Reform Associate shall be expected to use the Development Entrepreneurship approach1 to identify and pursue high-impact reform opportunities where CfC can make a meaningful difference in the sector.
Scope of Work of the Policy Reform Specialist
- Lead the rapid exploration of policy reform ideas through problem identification, testing, and experimentation to bring about actionable solutions
- Navigate the highly volatile and dynamic policy landscape with agility by testing bold ideas, failing, learning fast, and building momentum through strategic engagement across different stakeholders such as government agencies, the academe, and local communities.
- Prepare and deliver written and verbal analysis and strategy with a core team
- Develop appropriate presentations and knowledge materials
- Recommend and lead organizing high-leverage activities (e.g., conferences, dialogues, FGDs) that shape thinking and rally support for reform.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of relevant work experience, either in government, non-government, or private sector, and/or working on policy reform in the development sector, preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, preferably in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Economy, Political Science, and International Relations. An advanced degree is a strong advantage.
- Solid grasp of political dynamics, governance structures, and bureaucratic processes in the sector.
- Motivated self-starter, team player, and highly willing to contribute to policy reforms
Key Characteristics
“Just Start” and Proactive Mindset
- Employs a culture of action and iterative and incremental development of reform ideas over perfection.
- Empowers the team to take initiative, test ideas, and build momentum towards a reform idea.
Innovative and Open to New Ideas
- Embeds principles of Development Entrepreneurship[1] in policy reform work.
- Proactively identifies and champions innovative approaches to DRR policy reform.
- Encourages experimentation and integrates lessons learned into scalable policy solutions.
- Embraces creative problem-solving and cross-sectoral thinking. Adaptable and Flexible
- Capable of pivoting strategies quickly in response to changing policy landscapes, stakeholder dynamics, or emerging risks.
Learning-Oriented and Reflective
- Values continuous learning and professional development.
- Actively seeks feedback and incorporates it to improve team and policy performance.
- Accepts feedback and translates it into rapid analysis and action.
Opportunity-Oriented
- Skilled in identifying and leveraging political, institutional, and societal windows of opportunity for reform.
- Engage stakeholders strategically to build momentum for change. Results-Oriented and Accountable
- Focused on achieving tangible policy outcomes and measurable impact.
- Holds self and team accountable for high-quality deliverables and timelines.
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.
To keep updated with project-based and consultancy-based career opportunities at The Asia Foundation, you may check out our regularly updated Job Bulletin here: https://bit.ly/TAFPHJobBulletin
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.
