Oda Specialist

**USAID Vietnam Local Capacity Development Program**

**ODA Specialist**

**Consultancy to Support Project Document Development and Approval**

**Hanoi, Vietnam**

**Tentative period of performance: March 2024 - September 2024**

**Overview**

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

**Program Description**:
The USAID-funded Vietnam Local Capacity Development (LCD) Activity is a five-year activity with the overall goal to support the capacity of and engagement between local governments and organizations and improve linkages with the national government on local priority issues, leading to more transparent and effective policymaking and policy implementation processes, and better delivery of services to Vietnamese citizens, particularly marginalized or underrepresented groups.

**Position Summary**:
LCD seeks an ODA Specialist (national consultant) to support the LCD Senior ODA Specialist and the Academy of Policy and Development (APD), under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), in developing the Project Document (PD) and other relevant documents as well as supporting the APD in completing the regulated procedures to obtain the project approval decision. The consultant will report to the LCD Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP). The consultant will work in close cooperation and under the guidance of APD during this consultancy.

**Responsibilities**

The Specialist will conduct tasks assigned by the Senior ODA Specialist and be jointly responsible to ensure effective consultation, discussion, and alignment between APD and LCD in the development and finalization of the project document. The draft and final project document versions are required to:

- Follow GVN regulations in ODA management.
- Reflect the contents of the project description as discussed and agreed between USAID, LCD and APD; and
- Align with USAID/Vietnam guidance in managing LCD’s activities in Vietnam.

Specific activities to attain project approval include (but are not limited to):

- Reviewing of relevant documents and regulations including but not limited to the USAID Vietnam Country Development Cooperation Strategy for the period 2020 - 2025, Vietnam’s regulations related to Innovation and Industrial Revolution 4.0, relevant Socio Economic Development Plans, master plans, relevant laws and regulations of Vietnam, relevant researches and analysis in the areas of the project.
- Conducting meetings and ongoing consultations with the APD, relevant MPI departments, development partners, other stakeholders, and potential beneficiaries as guided by APD.
- Supporting to develop and agree with APD and LCD on a specific work plan for project approval process.
- Supporting development of the PD using the relevant template in Decree 114/2021/ND-CP (USAID will provide the template that includes USAID standard language specific requirements) in both English and Vietnamese for APD and LCD review.
- Supporting the Senior ODA Specialist and APD in following up with relevant departments of MPI and other concerned ministries to obtain feedbackand appraisal comments.
- Taking part in revising the PD, preparing the report on justification and acceptance of the appraisal comments.
- Supporting the Senior ODA Specialist and APD in finalizing the PD and preparing the appraisal package for MPI approval
- Facilitating the exchange of information between APD and LCD and other key stakeholders by ensuring that the PD and its revisions are available in both English and Vietnamese for USAID review and inputs.

**Required Qualifications**
- Experience with ODA Approval Process_
- Good understanding of GVN ODA project document approval regulations and processes, and at least 3 years experience working on ODA project document approval.
- Experience working on ODA project document approval for projects of at least $3m.
- Demonstrated ability to diplomatically coordinate work between GVN stakeholders and international organizations.

**Knowledge of Sector**
- Knowledge of the legal and policy framework for sub-national governance and public service delivery in Vietnam
- Experience working with the government of Vietnam, sub-national government, local partners, and the private sector on service delivery issues
- Familiarity with the sub-national governance ecosystem in Vietnam

**Language and Communication Skills**
- Native in Vietnamese
- Excellent written and spoken English skills are required.

**Deliverables (all to be delivered in English and Vietnamese)**

**No.**

**Deliverabl