DevTech Systems, Inc. (DevTech) is an international consulting firm dedicated to development, with 39 years of experience providing advisory services and technical assistance to government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders in more than 100 countries. DevTech core practice areas include: Monitoring Evaluation, Research and Learning; Data Solutions; Public Financial Management and Fiscal Sustainability; and Education, Gender, and Youth.

At DevTech, we care deeply about doing work that leads to positive change in the world. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to an inclusive work environment. We encourage each person to learn, develop, and meet their professional potential. We rethink and evolve how we do things to grow and improve our company.

Project Description:

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states play a crucial role as global suppliers of major mineral and metal products, with trade in minerals accounting for a significant portion of ASEAN's total trade. Critical minerals (CM) have gained prominence due to their use in green digital and advanced technologies, and ASEAN's untapped reserves of these minerals have garnered international attention. The increasing demand for green energy and technology presents an opportunity to expand CM manufacturing value chains within ASEAN, which requires a coordinated strategy. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA) ASEAN Office seeks to support ASEAN member states in this endeavor by assessing CM resources, production capacity, and areas for integration.

Objective:

The objective of this project is to take stock of AMS CM resources, the level of production capacity and areas for ASEAN integration in the sector, especially in processing, refining and component manufacturing. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA) ASEAN Office (ASEAN Office) works with the AMS to develop and integrate greater shares of variable renewable energy in the ASEAN Region.  The RDMA updated Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) IR 3.1 notes that the ASEAN Office’s fiscal year (FY) 2023 activities, and its upcoming FY 2024 USAID Partnership Program Activity, support AMS efforts to decarbonize and strengthen power systems by increasing regional energy trade and accelerating development and deployment of clean energy technologies to advance ASEAN energy goals.

The Local Consultant is expected to contribute to the whole process of Assessment of Critical Minerals. Specific duties and responsibilities include:

Data Collection and Analysis

• Support the identification of data sources, methodologies, and tools required for data collection and analysis.
• Support the international consultant in the development of a comprehensive methodology and data collection plan in consultation with USAID ASEAN Office, USAID’s Center for Economics and Market Development, and relevant US government agencies.
• Support the international consultants in conducting an in-depth analysis of the critical minerals supply chain in ASEAN member states, with a particular focus on Indonesia and the Philippines.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Support International consultant in conducting stakeholder consultations with central and local government regulatory agencies, the ASEAN Secretariat, producers, suppliers, and large-scale industries in Indonesia.
• Support field missions to Indonesia for stakeholder consultations with the ASEAN Secretariat, relevant government agencies, producers, suppliers, and other actors in the CM value chain.
• Conduct stakeholder consultations with central and local government regulatory agencies, the ASEAN Secretariat, producers, suppliers, and large-scale industries in ASEAN member states.
• Engage with USAID and other relevant US Government agencies to gather insights and expertise.

Data Collection and Research:

• Lead the data collection, including methodologies and sources to gather comprehensive information on CM supply chains.
• Lead local consultants to collect data on CM reserves, production levels, raw materials, and deposits.

Final Report and Presentation:

• Support the International Expert in developing a comprehensive a draft report of the Assessment and incorporating revisions into the Final Report.

Qualifications and Expertise

·       Senior Level Trade Specialist:

The senior-level International Trade Specialist is expected to hold a Ph.D., with a minimum of 10 years of experience; a JD / master’s degree with 12 years of experience; or a BA/BS with 15 years of experience.

·       Mid-Level Trade Specialist:

The mid-level International Trade Specialist is expected to hold a Ph.D., with a minimum of 10 years of experience; a JD / master’s degree with 12 years of experience; or a BA/BS with 15 years of experience.

The international Consultant is expected to deliver the following measurable milestones throughout the period of assignment:

Duration of Assignment

The Local Consultant is expected to work up to 60 days, between December 01, 2023 and March 31, 2024. Depending on the scope of the assignment and client’s requirements, the number of days are subject to change.  

Payment Terms:

Payment for the consultant's services will be made in two installments as follows:

• First Installment (50%): The initial payment will be made following the successful completion of stakeholder consultations, focused group discussions (if needed) and desk research.

• Second Installment (50%): The final payment will be made upon the completion of the final assessment report, following feedback and comments received from the client. Once the client confirms the receipt of the final report, the second installment will be released.

Home Office Reporting

The selected consultant for this project must adhere to the reporting structure, which includes reporting to both the Project Lead and the Home Office Program Manager.

The primary reporting responsibility is to the Project Lead, who oversees project management and execution. Regular updates, progress reports, and findings must be provided to the Program Manager

Additionally, as part of our contractual obligations, the consultant is required to report periodically to the Home Office Program Manager, ensuring contractual commitments, payments and other obligations are met.

NOTE: This job posting should not be construed to imply that the requirements are the exclusive standards of the position nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor. 
 
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age (40 and older), physical and mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history) or characteristics, military status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship or alienage, or any other protected status as established by applicable federal, state, or local law.