UCLG ASPAC Vacant Position: : International Cooperation Consultant Basis

About UCLG ASPAC

United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) is the largest regional section of UCLG, an amalgamation of International Union of Local Authorities (IULA), United Towns Organisation (UTO), and World Association of the Major Metropolises (METROPOLIS). UCLG was established on 1 January 2004 and is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain. Following this unification, UCLG ASPAC was established in Taipei on 14 April 2004, as the new entity of IULA ASPAC.

UCLG ASPAC is the key knowledge management hub on local government issues in the Asia-Pacific region. It promotes democratic local government, supports cooperation between cities, local governments and their associations, and facilitates programmes, network and partnerships to develop the capacity of local governments and the associations. Moreover, UCLG ASPAC represents local governments politically within the international community, and with the United Nations and its agencies. It also promotes inclusive societies that safeguard equality, social and economic justice, and sustainable community development. UCLG ASPAC is engaged in all relevant thematic fields for nurturing sustainable development comprising local economic development, climate change, disaster resiliency, culture, strategic planning, decentralization, municipal finance, gender equality, women leadership and empowerment and good governance.

Background

In supporting local governments’ efforts on tackling COVID-19, UCLG ASPAC created a space for member cities in Indonesia and South Korea to virtually discuss the cooperative strategies to address the challenges and opportunities of COVID-19 pandemic at the local level through Web-Share (Special): The Strategic Cooperation between Indonesia – South Korea (at the Local Level).  The Webinar was opened by Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, the Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC and was attended by approximately 160 participants from Indonesia and Korea. This activity was held as part of the cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea at the local government level. Local government is one of the most responsible actors and plays a role in fighting against the global pandemic.

Local governments in the Asia Pacific have been responding to and making efforts in preventing the further spread of COVID-19. They have been enacting quarantine and the development of a professional medical network. Also, there are arrangements regarding non-face-to-face working groups by strengthening collaboration between cities. Some of Korea's cities shared strategies in the face of pandemic COVID-19 with holistic participation. Local governments in the Asia Pacific have been restricting activities that use public space following health protocols.

After new normal, there are needs to build a new strategy involving collaboration and exchange between local governments. There is an opportunity to avoid direct meetings, which is also the development of inter-regional collaboration programmes conducted online. Therefore, the collaboration between local governments is indispensable for accelerating recovery.

As a follow-up from the web-share, it has been noted that it is a need of the presence of tool(s) that can measure the level of cooperation between local governments and to evaluate performance and collaboration between local governments.  It is also interesting to understand the role of UCLG ASPAC as local government association in bridging and fostering the international cooperation between members.

Programme Summary

In the era of democracy, the dispersion of power through the decentralisation process make the cooperation could be more dynamic between cities and local governments. Besides, at the international level, the interaction between state and nation is increasing. With the rising demand of international cooperation, local governments became the prominent actor to promote the sustainable framework of partnerships. Many challenges could affect the cooperation process and its results. In doing so, the needs of strategic cooperation framework are necessary.

Besides that, with the rising of cooperation among global and regional level, coordination pattern is necessary[1]. The demand for coordination has been increasing, as well as shored up the distribution of conflict. International cooperation needs to connect the institutional design and level of formalisation to the negotiations process between the parties. International institutions could be providing stability and long-term mutual interest. In doing so, less formal and more flexible institutional arrangements seem to be preferred in international cooperation. Also, effectivity in cooperation is a paramount aspect for the cities to keep doing the partnerships in the future.

In general, effectivity in international cooperation indicated by achieving the common goals between parties. In particular, according to Nigel Ringrose there are at least five indicators to conducting a successful city to city cooperation, (1) commitment to link; (2) community participation; (3) understanding; (4) reciprocity; and (5) results through examples[2]. First, commitment needs to maintain the mutual relationship between both parties. Second, the domestic community (stakeholders) must be engaged and actively participate in the project. Third, there are a set of goals and expectations that meets both parties. In doing so, memorandum of understanding is a necessary element. Fourth, mutual trust and respect between both parties must be reciprocal. Fifth, there are tangible results in the cities. Nevertheless, with the complexity of international cooperation, the needs of more comprehensive studies are a must. Tjandradewi et al. stated that the multi-perspectives and layers of research will make a fruitful analysis to both parties, so the international cooperation between them could be successful and effective[3].


In doing so, the framework's effectiveness for international cooperation between members of UCLG ASPAC needs to be studied more deeply and more comprehensive research regarding the role of UCLG ASPAC as international association in international cooperation is necessary.


Objectives


The main objectives of Consultant for International Cooperation Evaluation: Effectivity on Cities and Local Governments Partnership and The Role of UCLG ASPAC in the International Cooperation between/ amongst Members:


1.         Developing the tools for analysing the effectiveness of International Cooperation, focusing on city-to-city partnerships (can analyse the existing sister city cooperation of UCLG ASPAC members as priority for sampling).


2.         Examine the central role of UCLG ASPAC in terms of International Cooperation amongst/between members.

Key Factors


1.         Be able to submit the works according to the deliverables and outputs.


2.         The works and recommendations developed are understandable and implementable.


3.         Processed transfer of knowledge with the appointed staff gradually according to the timeframe.


Competencies and Requirements


Competencies:


1.         At least five years’ experience in research and data analysis.


2.         Familiar with the International Cooperation framework.


3.         Understanding the Asia-Pacific studies, particularly on local governments’ cooperation.


4.         Experience in strategic planning and evaluation programmes.


5.         Comprehensive analytical and report writing skills.


6.         Excellent organisational and teamwork.


7.         Excellent spoken and written English.


8.         Availability to fulfil the role and tasks within the stipulated time frame.


Desirable


1.         Experience of research on international urban development cooperation or international cooperation, political studies.


2.         Experience working with local governments.


3.         Background studies relevant with International Relations and Development Studies


To apply for this position, you must submit the following materials:


1.         Your most recent CV.


2.         Publications on the following topics: International Cooperation, the Role of International Organisation, City-to-City Cooperation.


3.         Sample of analysis report on the effectivity of international cooperation.


4.         Proposal on how the evaluation on international cooperation will be held and proposed honorarium.


Location


The consultant could work remotely and needs to schedule the online meeting and weekly progress report to the appointed staff.


Project Engagements


The consultant will be engaging with the project starting from 20th September 2020 until 15th December 2020. The output will be delivered to UCLG ASPAC with the following timeframe:


-          Submission of the first draft: 15 November 2020.


-          Submission of the second draft: 30th November 2020.


-          Submission of the third/final draft: 15th December 2020.

Scope of Works


The consultant will be working with an appointed staff of UCLG ASPAC and team. Focus sampling on UCLG ASPAC members or potential members. Comparing the international cooperation between members from developed with developing countries. At least two or three pairs from members or potential members. Including the responsibilities as mention below:


1.             Creating a workflow and considerable modules to the team.


2.             Analyse the effectiveness of the international cooperation/city-to-city cooperation or partnership between local governments, members in UCLG ASPAC.


3.             Developing performance evaluation tool(s) on international cooperation of local governments.


4.             Reviewing and providing the strategic recommendation for the UCLG ASPAC regarding the central role of international cooperation amongst members.


5.             Reviewing and analyse the past membership constraints in their cooperation under the UCLG ASPAC.


6.             Conducting effective frameworks for international cooperation between the members of the UCLG ASPAC.

Deliverables and Outputs


The consultant will be delivered the output such as:


1.             Document for workflow and modules


2.             Report on evaluation and strategic recommendations for the UCLG ASPAC role in international cooperation between the members. 


3.             Report on analysing the effectiveness and constraints of international cooperation between members of the UCLG ASPAC with mixed methodological research (qualitative and quantitative).


4.             Frameworks and tools for performance evaluating systems on international cooperation of local governments.


5.             Frameworks for strategic international cooperation between members of the UCLG ASPAC.

Benefits

The consultant will receive the honorarium.


Deadline for Submission


Please submit your applications no later than the 15th September 2020. All of the requirements delivered to e-mail address: <recruitment@uclg-aspac.org> under subject Consultant for International Cooperation – Evaluation Tool on Effective Local Governments Collaboration and the Role UCLG ASPAC. 

[1] Lens, Hartmut. "Achieving Effective International Cooperation: How Institutional Formalisation Shapes Intergovernmental Negotiations". World Affairs (Summer 2018): 160-180


[2] As cited in Tjandradewi, B.I., P.J. Marcotullio, & T. Kidokoro. “Evaluating City-to-City Cooperation: A Case Study of the Penang and Yokohama Experience”. Habitat International 30, no. 3 (2006): 357-376.


[3] Ibid. 

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