National Consultant – Development of Localization Model (Vientiane, Lao PDR.)

About the Asian Disaster Preparedness CenterThe 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 diversified its expertise across social and physical sciences envisioning safer communities and sustainable development through disaster risk reduction. Being an autonomous international organization governed by Board of Trustees. It supports sustainable solutions for disaster risk reduction across a broad range of specialist areas, with a wide range of professional expertise from atmospheric scientists to social scientists with experiences from all levels of engagement typically required for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience (CR) effectively. ADPC’s Strategy 2030 guides the organization in providing comprehensive risk reduction support to countries and communities in Asia and the Pacific with various programs being implemented under 15 strategic themes by three departments, namely the Preparedness and Climate Actions, Risk Analytics and Climate Services, and Risk Governance and Financing. In addition to these, ADPC also works on three cross-cutting themes: Gender and Diversity, Innovation, and Regional and Transboundary Cooperation through permanent working committees. These activities are supported by proactive individual departments of Finance, Human Resources and Administration. ADPC recognizes the importance of examining the linkages between disaster risk management, poverty reduction, gender equality, sustainability, rights-based approaches, climate change, and regional cooperation. For details, please refer to the ADPC website at http://www.adpc.net/Department IntroductionThe PCA Department enhances the preparedness and climate action capacities of governments, NGOs, the private sector, and communities. It focuses on:* Ensuring frameworks and implementation plans for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery are in place before disaster strikes. * Strengthening institutional and community capacities for anticipatory action and resilient recovery. * Promoting locally led DRR and climate resilience interventions through multi-stakeholder partnerships.Project Background: Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP)ADPC is implementing Phase 3 of the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP), a multi-stakeholder localization model launched in 2016 in response to the World Humanitarian Summit’s call to shift power to local actors in disaster preparedness and response.The APP operates in six countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Each country has formed a National Preparedness Partnership (NPP) comprising government, civil society networks, and the private sector.Phase 3 focuses on ensuring the sustainability of the NPPs beyond project duration and developing country specific localization model framework. Each NPP has:* Signed a joint Terms of Reference (ToR) which underscores their definition of localization shared roles and responsibilities. * Developed a Strategic Action Plan for the Localization of DRRM and Climate Resilience. * Ongoing implementation of subnational/locally led initiatives supported by the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF) of the APPLao Disaster Preparedness Partnership (LDPP)The Lao Disaster Preparedness Partnership (LDPP) includes the following:* Department of Social Welfare, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (DSW) – Government representative * Lao Civil Society Organizations Coordination Committee (LCCC) – Civil society representative * Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) – Private sector representativeThe LDPP functions through its National Steering Committee (NSC) and plays a key role in driving localization of DRRM within Lao PDR.Purpose of the ConsultancyThe Localization Model developed through this consultancy is intended to serve as a knowledge product documenting the Lao Disaster Preparedness Partnership’s (LDPP) experience in operationalizing localization in disaster preparedness and climate resilience through subnational and locally led initiatives supported by the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF). The document will capture the evolution, institutional arrangements, practices, and partnership mechanisms that have enabled locally led preparedness through LDPP.The purpose of this consultancy is to facilitate the development and documentation of a country (i.e., LDPP)-specific Localization Model, capturing how localization has been defined, operationalized, and institutionalized through the partnership.The model will:* Reflect and document the validated LDPP working definition of localization, based on implementation experience and stakeholder consultations; * Document governance and operational mechanisms enabling locally led preparedness; * Demonstrate how national, subnational, and local systems are connected through the partnership; * Integrate inclusion, gender, and diversity considerations as core dimensions of localized leadership and community participation; * Provide a structured conceptual model that can contribute to regional knowledge exchange.The consultancy will focus on documentation, analytical synthesis, and conceptual modeling based on existing experience and stakeholder reflection, rather than conducting an institutional assessment.The primary audience for this document includes members of LDPP, national and subnational government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector organizations, donors, and development partners engaged in the localization of disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. The document will also contribute to regional knowledge exchange among Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP) member countries, as well as other stakeholders advancing localization in the region and globally. It is expected to support learning, inform advocacy for localization, and provide insights that may guide the replication or adaptation of ADRF-supported locally led approaches in other contexts.The development of the localization model will be based on a qualitative analytical approach drawing on multiple sources of evidence, including review of relevant APP and LDPP documentations and reports, stakeholder consultations and key informant interviews with LDPP National Steering Committee members, subnational and local partners. The consultant will analyze these sources to identify key institutional arrangements, operational practices, and lessons that characterize the LDPP localization experience.This consultant position is open for Lao PDR Nationals only and the Consultant will be based in Vientiane, Lao PDR.Expected Outputs: The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs in close coordination with the LDPP National Steering Committee (NSC) and relevant stakeholders.Output and DeliverablesOutput 1: Inception Report and Work PlanDeliverable: An Inception Report (10–15 pages) outlining:* Methodology and analytical approach * Proposed structure of the Localization Model document * Stakeholder consultation plan * Documentation review plan * Detailed three-month work plan and timelineTimeline: 2nd Week of April 2026Output 2 (Core Deliverable): Draft LDPP Localization Model DocumentDeliverable: A structured draft Localization Model Document (approximately 25–35 pages excluding annexes), developed in publication-ready format, including:* Validated LDPP-specific definition of localization, including its evolution and key milestones * Conceptual and visual representation of the localization model * Governance architecture * Operational mechanisms including coordination arrangements, decision-making processes, accountability structures, and financing modalities supporting locally led preparedness initiatives. * Vertical linkages (national–subnational–local integration pathways) * Horizontal coordination (multi-sector/stakeholder engagement mechanisms) * Institutional anchoring within national DRM systems and LDPP’s sustainability model/pathway * Integration of inclusion, gender, and diversity dimensions * Enabling factors, constraints, and adaptive practices * Key innovations and lessons learnedThis draft shall synthesize documentation review and stakeholder consultations.Timeline: End of May 2026Output 3: Validation Workshop and Revised DraftDeliverables:* Facilitation of one validation workshop * Presentation of the draft Localization Model * Consolidated feedback summary * Revised draft incorporating stakeholder inputsTimeline: 2nd Week of June 2026Output 4: Final Localization Model DocumentDeliverable: A finalized Localization Model Document, including:* Executive Summary (approximately 5 pages) * Refined conceptual diagram/visual model * Fully edited, formatted, and publication-ready document * Structured presentation suitable for regional knowledge exchange and advocacyTimeline: End of June 2026Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Consultant will work under the guidance of the Lao Disaster Preparedness Partnership (LDPP) National Steering Committee (NSC), with coordination support from ADPC’s Localization Program Manager. The Consultant will be responsible for the following:1. Inception and Planning* Participate in an inception meeting with the LDPP NSC to confirm scope, expectations, methodology, and timelines. * Develop and submit the Inception Report outlining the analytical approach, proposed structure of the Localization Model, stakeholder consultation plan, documentation review plan, and detailed three-month work plan. * Finalize the agreed implementation schedule and coordination arrangements.2. Documentation Review, Analysis, and Drafting* Conduct a structured desk review of relevant APP and LDPP documentation. * Undertake targeted consultations and key informant interviews with NSC members and selected stakeholders from government, civil society, private sector, and academe. * Synthesize findings to validate the LDPP-specific definition of localization, including its evolution and key milestones. * Analyze governance architecture, operational mechanisms, financing and resource mobilization mechanisms, vertical and horizontal coordination pathways, institutional anchoring, sustainability considerations, and inclusion dimensions. * Develop a structured draft LDPP Localization Model Document in publication-ready format, including a conceptual and visual representation of the model.3. Validation and Revision* Facilitate one validation workshop to present the draft Localization Model document. * Document and consolidate stakeholder feedback. * Revise the draft document incorporating agreed stakeholder inputs.4. Development of the Country Localization Model* Develop a structured and coherent Localization Model that: * Articulates the validated LDPP’s-specific definition of localization; * Documents governance architecture and operational mechanisms; * Identifies financing and resource mobilization mechanisms; * Demonstrates vertical and horizontal coordination pathways; * Illustrates institutional anchoring within national DRM systems and LDPP’s sustainability model/pathway; * Integrates inclusion, gender, and diversity considerations as core dimensions. * Produce a clear conceptual and visual representation of the model. * Ensure the model is analytically rigorous, well-structured, and suitable for regional knowledge exchange and advocacy.5. Finalization and Reporting* Finalize the Localization Model Document, including executive summary and refined conceptual diagram. * Ensure the document is fully edited, formatted, and publication-ready for regional knowledge exchange and advocacy.Provide periodic progress updates to the NSC and ADPC and ensure timely submission of all agreed deliverables.Working Principles: The Consultant will report directly to the National Steering Committee (NSC) of Lao Disaster Preparedness Partnership (LDPP). Regular coordination will be maintained with ADPC’s Localization Program Manager.Qualifications:* An advanced university degree (at least Masters) in Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related field. * At least 10 years of professional experience in disaster risk management, climate resilience, humanitarian action, or related fields. * Demonstrated experience in institutional development, sustainability planning, or organizational strengthening. * Proven track record in resource mobilization, donor engagement, or development of funding proposals. * Familiarity and at least 5 years of experience working with government agencies, civil society, and private sector stakeholders in the Lao PDR * Experience in working with Humanitarian NGOs, international organizations or multi-stakeholder partnerships. * Knowledge of the working ethics of national or state government agencies, international NGOs/NPAs, CSO networks, private organizations, and international organizations would be an added advantage. * Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills in English and local languages.Skills and Competencies* Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills. * Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and build consensus. * Excellent communication skills in Lao and English (both written and spoken).Strong organizational and time management skills to deliver outputs within tight deadlines.Duty Station: Vientiane, Lao PDR.Duration: This is an output-based consultancy position.The total time-period of the consultancy is from April-June 2026Itinerary: During official missions outside the duty station, the Consultant will be entitled to local/international travel, daily subsistence allowance, accommodation, and other related travel costs as per ADPC travel policy.HOW TO APPLYInterested 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: [email protected] email subject should clearly indicate the position being applied for, for example:[ National Consultant – Development of Localization Model (Vientiane, Lao PDR.)]Female applicants are especially encouraged to apply.ADPC values diversity and fosters an inclusive work environment, welcoming applications from qualified candidates regardless of background.Term of ReferenceBiographical Data Form