Background/Rationale:
The Vietnam Bar Federation (VBF) was established in 2009 as the national association of lawyers. As a newly established social professional association the VBF has been focused on developing itself to fulfill its broad mandate as the unified social-professional organization of lawyers nationwide representing and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of lawyers and bar associations as its members; exercising self-management; setting standards for lawyers; developing skills and ethics of lawyers to meet the needs of society; contribute to the development of Vietnam. All lawyers in Vietnam (approx. 6,800) and the 62 local bar associations are members of the VBF. The VBF also must enhance its organizational capacity to enable it to implement its mandate and developing financial resources and sustainability is a key aspect to any organization’s capacity. Increasing the financial capacity of the VBF aiming for financial autonomy of the VBF was identified as a key result in the VBF’s strategic plan as part of enhancing the capacity of the VBF.
JPP is co-funded by Denmark, Sweden and the EU. Component II: “Establishment of a self-managing national bar federation and the empowerment of lawyers supported” is being implemented by Vietnam Bar Federation (VBF) to develop the normative framework for the VBF, develop and implement regulatory instruments and processes for lawyers, support VBF as the articulator of professional common interests and views, and to provide training for aspiring and already active lawyers. Currently, the majority of activities implemented by the VBF are supported by JPP which will operate until 2015. In 2011, in supporting the VBF to move towards financial sustainability JPP Component II supported the VBF to review its membership fee structure and consult with members regarding revision of the fees. While National Council, the governing body of the VBF, resolved in January 2012 to increase membership fees, the VBF has not fully assessed its financial needs, explored other funding resources or considered implementation of collection of the new membership fee strategically. The VBF plan to develop a Financial and Economic Development Strategy in 2012 which should guide the VBF to develop financial resources towards achieving self-sustainability. Development of the Strategy will be supported by JPP Component II through a consultative workshop with an international expert and this consultancy for a national consultant to develop the Strategy.
Objective: The Objective of the consultancy is to develop a viable Financial and Economic Development Strategy for the VBF to become a financially self-sustaining association addressing both the long-term and short-term.
Scope of assignment: The national consultant will develop a Financial and Economic Development Strategy for the VBF along with a short-term action plan for implementation of the Strategy. The national consultant will participate, and may assist in presentation of a one day consultative workshop with VBF participants on development of the Strategy facilitated by an international expert on bar association finances and governance. The expected output of the workshop is a framework for the Strategy which the National Consultant will expand upon. In the development of the Strategy the national expert is expected to:
- assess the VBF’s method of membership fee collection and make recommendations for improvement of fee collection;
- address marketing strategies to improve the perception of the “value” of membership amongst lawyers;
- research and identify possible alternative local funding sources (such publications, training programs, other fee for services, sponsorships, etc), assess whether it is feasible for the VBF to access these potential revenue sources given its current profile, resources and capacity, and outline steps to develop these funding sources;
- develop an implementation plan prioritizing actions identified in the Strategy considering the capacity of the VBF.
During the assignment the Consultant will work directly with the VBF Finance & Economic Committee and the VBF JPP Secretariat in consultation with the JPP Long-Term Advisor.
Duration and Timing: 12-15 working days to be agreed (including participation in workshop)
Location: Hanoi
Qualifications Required: The national consultant is required to meet the following qualifications:
- A degree in economics, commerce, business development, business management or other appropriate degree relevant to this assignment;
- Experience in resource development (fundraising) and financial planning for professional associations, NGOs, mass organizations or community groups;
- Entrepreneurial experience is desirable;
- Familiarity with lawyers in Vietnam and their situation is desirable;
- Computer literacy;
- Fluency in English and Vietnamese languages: speaking, reading, and writing;
- Good interpersonal skills.
Interested applicants are requested to submit a covering letter stating how they meet the qualifications of this consultancy, a brief proposed plan (1-2 pages) for development of the Finance and Economic Development Strategy and action plan, curriculum vitae, and three references (in Vietnamese and English) to the VBF JPP Office – Room No.504A, TDL Building, 22 Lang Ha street, Dong Da District, Ha Noi.