Consultancy for the Development of a Three-Year Provincial Youth Development Plan

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is a humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering and supporting communities in crisis. Founded with the mission to provide emergency relief and development assistance, Relief International operates in various countries, focusing on health, education, and economic development. The organization emphasizes the importance of community engagement and local partnerships, ensuring that its programs are tailored to the specific needs of the populations it serves. With a commitment to integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability, Relief International strives to uphold humanitarian principles and safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals. The organization has a diverse workforce and collaborates with local stakeholders to implement effective solutions in challenging environments.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to provide technical and facilitation support for the development of a participatory, evidence-based three-year Provincial Youth Development Plan (PYDP) for Lanao del Sur. This initiative builds on previous investments in youth participation and local development planning, particularly through the BE Models and Way to Peace initiatives. The consultant will engage with youth organizations and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the voices and priorities of young people are integrated into local governance and planning structures. The process will involve reviewing existing planning documents, facilitating consultations, and drafting a comprehensive PYDP that reflects the aspirations of the youth and aligns with local development priorities. The consultant will also be responsible for validating and endorsing the PYDP with key stakeholders, ensuring its integration into local governance frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct an inception meeting with the project team and Provincial Local Youth Development Office (PLYDO) to agree on the consultancy approach, schedule, roles, and expected outputs.
• Review relevant documents, including the 20 Barangay Development Plans and local youth development plans.
• Map relevant youth organizations and planning stakeholders.
• Develop consultation tools and a detailed work plan for the consultancy.
• Facilitate youth-focused consultations and focus group discussions (FGDs) across the four target municipalities to identify youth priorities and concerns.
• Document and synthesize consultation findings.
• Analyze findings from consultations alongside reviewed planning documents.
• Identify and consolidate priority youth development issues across municipalities.
• Facilitate a youth planning retreat to consolidate inputs and agree on strategic priorities. 1
• Prepare a draft three-year PYDP, including strategic objectives and implementation considerations. 1
• Facilitate validation of the draft PYDP with stakeholders and revise based on feedback. 1
• Organize policy forums for endorsement and integration of youth priorities into the PYDP. 1
• Present the final PYDP to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and relevant BARMM Parliament representatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or relevant professional qualification in development planning, social sciences, public administration, youth development, governance, peace and development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, drafting, reviewing, or facilitating local/provincial development plans or similar policy documents.
• Knowledge of the youth situation and development context of Lanao del Sur, preferably with experience working in the region.
• Experience working with local government units (LGUs), youth organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Strong experience in facilitating FGDs, consultations, and participatory planning processes.
• Excellent research, analytical, synthesis, report-writing, and technical writing skills.
• Understanding of youth participation, inclusive governance, and safeguarding principles.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess an advanced degree or relevant professional qualification in fields such as development planning, social sciences, public administration, youth development, governance, peace and development, or related disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively engage with youth and facilitate the development of the Provincial Youth Development Plan.

Experience:
The position requires substantial experience in developing, drafting, reviewing, or facilitating local or provincial development plans, youth development plans, or similar policy/planning documents. Candidates should have a demonstrated understanding of the youth situation and development context in Lanao del Sur, ideally with direct experience working in the region or with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Experience in engaging with local government units, youth organizations, and community stakeholders is crucial, as is a strong background in facilitating participatory planning processes and multi-stakeholder workshops.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the consultant will need to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and produce written reports. Proficiency in Filipino or local dialects spoken in Lanao del Sur is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better engagement with youth organizations and local communities during consultations and workshops.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to commence on 25 October 2026 and will run for approximately three months, concluding on or about 25 January 202

• The consultant is required to propose a detailed work schedule that accommodates the availability of local government and youth stakeholders, particularly considering the December holiday period. The position is project-based and may involve travel to various municipalities within Lanao del Sur for consultations and workshops. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the proposal submission process, and the consultant will be expected to adhere to Relief International's values and safeguarding principles throughout the consultancy.