Expertise: Water and Youth Knowledge Expert
Expertise Group: Knowledge Management and Learning
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords:
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is advancing Water and Youth activities under the Water and Urban
Development Sector Office (SD2-WUD) and the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector
Office (SD2-AFNR) to strengthen meaningful youth engagement (MYE) in water-related development and
across ADB operations. To support this effort, ADB is engaging an International Water and Youth
Knowledge Expert. The objective of this role is to develop of high-quality knowledge products and
operational tools that demonstrate the value of MYE in water, and support institutionalizing youth
engagement across ADB’s water operations.
Scope of Work
The consultant will lead the development of a literature review and evidence gap analysis on youth
engagement in the water sector, and support the operationalization of MYE through coordination, quality
assurance, and strategic planning across a range of knowledge and country support activities.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
(i) An inventory of existing quantitative evidence on MYE in general and in water operations. Include
recommendations and examples of knowledge products and operational tools that demonstrate the value
proposition of MYE in water.
(ii) Conduct a literature review and evidence gap analysis on youth engagement in the water sector
regarding the socio-economic value of MYE.
(iii) Explore economic modelling approaches and mechanisms to quantify the return on investment of youth
engagement, such as cost-benefit analysis, social return on investment, public value assessment and/or
comparable, to demonstrate the tangible value of MYE in water security and resilience projects.
(iv) Identify, and propose methodologies to generate socio-economic high-quality, quantifiable data that
can strengthen the business case for youth engagement in water-related investments.
(v) Translate findings into actionable tools and a framework to assess the socioeconomic value of MYE in
water operations in ADB. This includes defining indicators that could for example capture cost-
effectiveness, community resilience, and long-term sustainability, youth-led initiatives, innovations,
among others. The framework should align with ADB’s operational priorities and results frameworks, and
be relevant to use in the different project cycle phases.
(vi) Prepare a presentation of the draft framework for an internal ADB reflection session.
(vii) Provide general suggestions for the design of potential pilot activities that integrate MYE into
water operations. Include recommendations for mechanisms to generate and analyze quantitative data on
socio-economic impact for MYE as part of the pilot.
(viii) Contribute to quality control and assurance of water and youth deliverables by the water and
youth task force.
Reporting and coordination: The consultant will report to the MYE and Water Program Lead in SD2-WUD.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
- Minimum relevant experience of 5 years in meaningful youth engagement activities and/or social
inclusion work - Advanced degree in economics, policy and public administration, development studies, social sciences,
or related field - Demonstrated experience in research, knowledge products development, strategy development and
knowledge translation - Familiarity with the water sector, youth engagement approaches, framework development, and value
propositions - Strong writing and analytical skills
- Experience working with multilateral development banks and international organizations
- Innovative mindset, creativity and out-of-the-box thinking skills
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
- Fluent in English is required
Minimum General Experience: 8 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 5 Years
