Local recruitment: Legal expert on water, natural resources, and land use (Philippines nationals)

Expertise: Policy research and advice, legislative research and analysis
Expertise Group: Legal/ Policy Advice

Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords:

Objective and Purpose of the Assignment

The primary objective of this assignment is to provide comprehensive technical support to the Department
of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) in assessing, formulating, and advocating for legislative
and regulatory measures and policies pivotal to the Philippines’ long-term economic vision. This support
aligns with the strategic frameworks outlined in AmBisyon Natin 2040 and the Philippine Development Plan
2023-2028.

The consultant will prepare position papers and policy briefs providing analytical assessments,
empirical evidence as relevant, and technical advice on priority legislative and regulatory measures on
water, land use, and natural resources policy. The purpose of the reports is to provide technical advice
on legal issues and implications to policymakers.

Scope of Work

Scope of Work
The consulting work focuses on the following areas:

1. Legislative Review;
2. Policy Formulation;
3. Legal Research and Technical Assessments;
4. Stakeholder Consultations;
5. Development of Knowledge Products; and
6. Support for Briefing and Advocacy Activities

Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output

Detailed Tasks
The consultant is expected to perform the following tasks:

1. Conduct reviews of the DEPDev’s position papers on legislative measures and regulations related to
   water, natural resources and land use to ensure alignment with the PDP 2023-2028 and other national
   objectives, with special emphasis on promoting greener solutions, including NBS, and more balanced of
   ecosystem services to improve water security
2. Provide legal and technical analysis on water, natural resources, and land use policies as well as
   coordinate agency positions within the executive branch on proposed legislation and regulations
   regarding the water sector, natural resources, and land use such as the National Water Resource
   Management Act and National Land Use Act.
3. Provide legal and technical advice on tariff and standard setting for water and sanitation service
   providers, including a review of regulations governing various kinds of service providers, the
   jurisdiction of various regulatory bodies, with emphasis on promoting the harmonization of tariff and
   standard setting regimes.
4. Analyze land use policy best practices, including research on international and local strategies to
   improve land use policy and address policy fragmentation.
5. Formulate a report on land use policy and the creation of institutional bodies to improve land use
   planning and address institutional fragmentation considering past programs and economic and financial
   soundness of those programs
6. Conduct comprehensive review of the policies identified in coordination with the DEPDev staff, such
   as the Infrastructure Staff (IS) and Agriculture and Natural Resources Staff (ANRES)r
7. The consultant shall proactively engage with the DEPDev and ADB’s Philippines Country Office and
   Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office to ensure that policy advice, analytical
   inputs and deliverables are consistent with the strategic priorities and objectives outlined in the ADB’
   s Country Partnership Strategy for the Philippines and relevant national government strategies.
8. Perform other tasks that may be assigned by the DEPDev Secretary or designated DEPDev Official, such
   as drafting technical notes on legislative measures, reviewing proposed amendments to priority bills,
   preparing discussion papers or participating in stakeholder engagements.

Expected Outputs/Deliverables:

The consultant is expected to produce the following outputs, incorporating inputs from consultations and
in collaboration with the DEPDev officials and other relevant stakeholders as necessary:

1. Recommendation Report on National Land Use Policy: Policy reviews, findings from research and
   consultations, recommendations on detailed policy design, institutional arrangements, and legislative
   actions to establish and operationalize a national land use policy.
2. Recommendation Report on tariff and standard setting for water and sanitation service providers,
   including a review of regulations governing various kinds of service providers, and the jurisdiction of
   various regulatory bodies.
3. Reviewed DEPDev position papers on legislative measures: Technical reviews and assessments of the
   DEPDev’s position papers on legislative measures, particularly on water, natural resources, and land use
   to ensure alignment with national development objectives.
4. Briefing and Advocacy Materials: Briefing documents and advocacy materials for legislative measures
   to support effective communication and advocacy efforts.

All outputs and deliverables will be subject to the review and approval of the DEPDev Secretary and/or
the designated DEPDev official in consultation with the ADB TA Supervising Unit to ensure alignment with
DEPDev’s strategic objectives and quality standards. All outputs and deliverables will be submitted to
the DEPDev and the ADB.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

1. Master’s degree in economics, public policy, development studies, political science, sociology, or
   related fields
2. Law degree (R.A. 1080)
3. Analytical, writing, and communication skills in both Filipino and English, with the ability to
   produce high-quality policy documents and advocacy materials
4. Research and work experience in competition policy, economics, or law is preferred

Minimum General Experience: 10 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 7 Years