Program Specialist – Localization (Consultant)

Country: Thailand Organization: Asian Disaster Preparedness Center Closing date: 16 Aug 2026 A. About Asian Disaster Preparedness Center ADPC is an autonomous international organization established for scientific, educational, developmental, and humanitarian purposes with a vision of safer communities and sustainable development through disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific. Established in 1986 as a technical capacity-building center, ADPC has grown and expanded its role to serve scientific, educational, developmental, and humanitarian purposes. ADPC employs a wide range of professional expertise typically required for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience (CR). ADPC develops and implements cross-sectoral projects/programs on the strategic themes of Risk Knowledge and Geoinformatics, Policy and Institutional System, Effective Localization for Resilience, Climate Services, Resilient Planning and Implementation, Preparedness and Anticipatory Action, Nature based Solutions, Financing for Resilience, Resilient Recovery, Food and Water Security, Disaster Risk Finance Insurance, Health Risk Management, Urban & Infrastructure Resilience, Private Sector Engagement, and ADPC Knowledge Academy. Our strategic themes are complemented and underpinned by the cross-cutting themes of gender equality and social inclusion, disaster and climate innovations, and regional and transboundary cooperation. Through its work, ADPC supports the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the New Urban Agenda, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the agenda defined at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016, and other relevant international frameworks. For details, please refer to the ADPC website at http://www.adpc.net/ B. Department Introduction: The Preparedness and Climate Action (PCA) Department of ADPC advances ADPC Strategy 2030 by strengthening disaster preparedness, anticipatory action, emergency response, resilient recovery, and climate resilience across Asia and the Pacific. The department works with governments, national and local institutions, civil society organizations, volunteer networks, the private sector, communities, and other traditional and non-traditional actors to promote inclusive, locally led, and whole-of-society approaches to disaster risk management. In line with ADPC’s strategic priorities, PCA supports countries and communities in developing and operationalizing preparedness, response, recovery, and climate action frameworks, plans, systems, and capacities before, during, and after disasters. It also promotes localization, gender equality and social inclusion, innovation, regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and partnerships to ensure that disaster preparedness and climate action are practical, evidence-informed, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of at-risk communities. C. Statement of Intent: ADPC is implementing Phase 3 of the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP), a multi-stakeholder localization partnership launched in 2016 in response to the World Humanitarian Summit’s call to shift power to national and local actors in disaster preparedness and response. APP Phase 3 is aligned with ADPC Strategy 2030 and the ADPC Strategic Action Plan 2026-2030 which identifies localization as a priority area of action for strengthening disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery, and climate resilience across Asia and the Pacific. Through APP, ADPC advances this localization priority by strengthening nationally owned, and regionally supported multi-stakeholder partnerships that bring together government, civil society, the private sector, and other local actors to lead, plan, finance, implement, and sustain locally led preparedness and resilience actions. The APP has been supported by the Gates Foundation since its inception in 2016. APP operates in seven countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Each country has established a National Preparedness Partnership (NPP) comprising government, civil society networks, and the private sector, with engagement and cooperation from ADPC. Phase 3 focuses on ensuring the sustainability of NPPs and the regional partnership beyond the project duration, as well as developing localization models based on the implementation of initiatives supported by the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF). To support the implementation of APP Phase 3, ADPC is seeking to engage a Program Specialist – Localization (Consultant). The incumbent will manage the implementation of the Asian Preparedness Partnership Phase 3 (APP3) during its life through 31 July 2027. The Consultant will be responsible for ensuring the timely completion of all APP3 outputs and contractual deliverables while leading the programme's sustainability and institutionalization agenda. This includes supporting the sustainability of APP, National Preparedness Partnerships (NPPs), documenting and synthesizing localization models and good practices, advancing the operationalization of the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF), and preparing programme legacy and knowledge products. The Consultant will undertake these responsibilities while ensuring compliance with donor requirements, quality standards, monitoring and reporting obligations, and effective knowledge management throughout the programme close-out period. Note: It is not the intent of this ToR to cover every aspect of the position requirements, rather to highlight the most important areas of personal and joint responsibilities. D. Responsibilities and Tasks: The position will provide technical, operational, and administrative support to ensure the timely delivery of programme activities and outputs, including activities implemented through APP and ADPC Strategy 2030’s localization priority area of action, as reflected in the Strategic Action Plan 2026–2030. 1. Completion of APP3 Delivery • Coordinate implementation of all activities as per the workplan and monitor progress against agreed milestones. • Ensure timely completion of all contractual deliverables, reporting obligations and programme close-out requirements. • Coordinate implementation across participating countries to ensure consistency, quality and timely delivery of regional and country-level outputs. • Support planning and delivery of regional meetings, APPRSC processes, policy dialogues, and other project deliverables. • Ensure compliance with donor requirements, organizational policies, and reporting obligations. 2. Technical Programme Support • Support sustainability planning and institutionalization of National Preparedness Partnerships across APP3 Project countries : Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka and promoting locally led disaster preparedness and resilience. • Coordinate the documentation, analysis and dissemination of localization models, good practices and lessons emerging from APP implementation across participating countries. • Lead the preparation of the ADRF Strategy and Operationalization Document, including governance arrangements, partnership approaches, capitalization options and implementation roadmap until the life of the Project. • Facilitate the development of regional synthesis reports, knowledge products, technical briefs and communication materials highlighting programme achievements and lessons learned. • Ensure all project documentation, knowledge assets and technical resources are completed, quality assured and archived before programme closure. • Organize strategic events included in the work plan until 31 July 2027. 3. Monitoring, Reporting, and Quality Assurance • Consolidate evidence demonstrating programme outcomes, sustainability achievements and institutional changes across participating countries. • Coordinate preparation of the final programme results report and evidence package for donor reporting and organizational learning. • Under the supervision of the M&E Lead, ensure all information and data/statistics are collected, updated, maintained, and shared through regular progress reports, program performance monitoring sheets, including the development of data collection tools and templates. • Draft project progress reports and technical documentation for management review. • Draft and edit technical reports, special reports, and other related program documents. 4. Gender and Diversity Integration: • Ensure integration of gender into APP3 Project implementation. • Bring together and manage a diverse group of stakeholders and people from different backgrounds, countries, race, religious beliefs, ethnicity, age, gender, physical abilities, political beliefs, and socio-economic status for successful implementation of APP3 Project interventions. This ToR covers the general responsibilities and representative tasks of this position. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to program priorities and needs. Deliverables • All APP3 outputs and contractual deliverables completed in accordance with the approved workplan and donor requirements. • Sustainability plans prepared for National Preparedness Partnerships and Regional Platform across participating countries. • Regional synthesis report documenting APP localization models, lessons learned and recommendations completed. • Progress reports submitted during the project period • Final programme report, knowledge products and other documents completed disseminated and / or archived as appropriate. E. Reporting Arrangements: The Consultant will report to the Unit Head, Resilience Building and Localization, under the overall guidance of the PCA Director. The Consultant will work with other Unit Head Project/Program Managers, Specialists, and Coordinators, as necessary. F. Required Qualifications: Required Qualifications and Specifications • Master's degree in Disaster Management, Emergency Management, Public Health, or related disciplines with substantial experience in the Asia-Pacific region. • A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in program management, advocacy, knowledge management, communication, etc., in Disaster Management or a related field, is required; A minimum of 3 years of experience in international organizations or IGO is required. • Excellent English language skills, both oral and written, are required. • Analytical capacity and the demonstrated ability to process, analyze and synthesize complex, technical information into user-friendly formats and products. • Substantial experience assisting in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of disaster preparedness and capacity development programs. • Advance knowledge and understanding of current discourse related to disaster risk reduction and humanitarian actions, including the existing disaster risk management systems, policy, and legal framework in the program countries. • Demonstrated experience in institutional strengthening, localization, partnership development, knowledge management, and development of regional strategies and technical guidance documents. • Proven ability to support the development of high-quality knowledge products, including the development of multimedia products, and provide guidance and training on the development of knowledge products. • Communicate effectively in writing to a varied and broad audience in a concise and straightforward manner. • High level of competence in writing and editing reports and other technical communications. • Ability to work under stress and demanding circumstances. Preferred Qualifications: • Self-motivated, proactive, and takes initiative. • Demonstrated ability to plan and organize work & time independently. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, team-oriented work style, and experience in working in a multi-cultural environment. • Strong networking capacity and understanding of humanitarian and development nexus at local and regional levels. • Strong desire to learn, undertake new challenges, must be creative problem-solver and must have self-confidence, willingness to work hard, good sense of humor but with seriousness about the quality and excellence of work. G. Duty Station: Bangkok, Thailand, with possible travel to program countries as required. H. Contract Duration: September 2026 – July 2027 I. Itinerary: During official missions outside the duty station, the Consultant will be entitled to local and international travel, daily subsistence allowance, accommodation, and other related travel costs in accordance with ADPC financial policy. Reimbursement of general and administrative expenses related to programme implementation will be subject to prior approval by the respective supervisor identified above. J. Condition of Payment: The Consultant will be paid a monthly consultant fee based on the prior experience and salary records. Payment will be made upon submission of monthly timesheets. In addition, the Consultant may be reimbursed for programme-related costs incurred for implementation of programme activities, subject to prior approval in accordance with ADPC’s Authorization and Approval Levels. K. Mode of Payment: Payments shall be made through bank transfer, based on monthly timesheets. How to apply Interested individuals are invited to submit a completed ADPC application form (downloadable from www.adpc.net), along with a resume, copies of degrees/certificates, and a cover letter, to: procurement@adpc.net The email subject should clearly indicate the position being applied for, for example: [Program Specialist – Localization, Name of Candidate] Female applicants are especially encouraged to apply. ADPC values diversity and fosters an inclusive work environment, welcoming applications from qualified candidates regardless of background. Terms of Reference Biographical Data Form Financial Proposal