Subnational GEDSI Officer, Philippines

KEY INFORMATION
 
Job Title: Subnational GEDSI Officer
Sector: Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion
Position Type: Full-time
Duration/Level of Effort: Long-Term
Position Location: SPRING Subnational Office (Indicative Provincial sites may include Occidental Mindoro, Leyte, Davao Oriental, Albay, Northern Samar, Agusan Del Norte)
 
PROJECT SUMMARY
 
The DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender equality (SPRING) program is Australia's flagship investment of support to the Philippine Government on Social Protection, Gender Equality, Disability, Social Inclusion and Indigenous Inclusion. It is an AUD 40 million investment over 5 years that will support the joint Development Partnership Plan (DPP 2024-2029) between the Government of Australia and the Philippine Government. The investment will be the DFAT's primary avenue in the Philippines for supporting poverty reduction and bilateral funding on gender equality and social inclusion at the national level and with some select Local Government Units (LGUs). SPRING supports efforts under Australia's new International Development Policy and DFAT's forthcoming new strategies on gender equality, disability equity and rights, and translate these into implementation in the Philippines.
 
SPRING contributes to the goal that the social and economic transformation in the Philippines reduces poverty and provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos in line with the Philippines Development Plan.
The objective of SPRING is that Australia works in partnership with the Philippine Government to improve systems and structures that reduce poverty and inequality and advance gender equality and the rights of people with disabilities.
 
SPRING has four mutually reinforcing End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):

1. Philippine Government social protection plans, policies and programs increasingly close gaps in the social protection floor.
2. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and select LGU systems increasingly deliver quality social protection that is inclusive, gender and shock responsive, and climate sensitive.
3. The Philippine Government increasingly invests in gender responsive policies, plans, programs and systems.
4. The Philippine Government improves data, systems and targeting to enable people with disability and Indigenous Peoples improved access to targeted services.

 
SUMMARY OF POSITION
 
Reporting to the Subnational Program Manager and working in close collaboration with the National GEDSI Lead, the National GEDSI Officer, and other members of the SPRING Program team, the Subnational GEDSI Officer will support the SPRING Subnational Office in providing essential technical assistance and operational support services to selected provincial and municipal local government units (LGU) engaged under the SPRING Program.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 
1) Compile relevant data, conduct data collection and analysis, and draft technical reports with evidence-based recommendations to assist the provincial and municipal LGU and other subnational stakeholders in developing recommendations, and in designing and implementing programs, projects, and activities related to GEDSI, and in ensure GEDSI considerations are integrated into local SP and service delivery programs of the LGU.
2) Assist the Subnational Program Manager and the National GEDSI Lead in developing and conducting capacity-building sessions, workshops, and briefings on GEDSI-focused social protection, inclusion, and gender equality for the subnational local government, in coordination with the DSWD and DILG regional and provincial office, the SPRING Program Team, and other stakeholders
3) Support the Subnational Program Manager and National GEDSI Lead in organizing and coordinating GEDSI and social protection-related activities for the SPRING Program at the subnational level.
4) Support the Subnational Program Manager and National GEDSI Lead in ensuring GEDSI data at the subnational level is collected and reported in compliance with the SPRING MEL framework, reporting structures, feedback mechanisms, data-driven planning, and communication protocols.
5) Provide insights on challenges encountered, propose resolutions, and share lessons learned to improve the integration of GEDSI considerations in local policy and program enforcement/implementation, in collaboration with the SPRING Program Team.
6) Support the Subnational Program Manager and National GEDSI Lead in promoting the integration of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles across all SPRING Program activities at the subnational level, and foster inclusive policies and GEDSI awareness within the subnational LGU, the DSWD and DILG regional and provincial office, and other SPRING Program stakeholders.
7) Promote inclusive policies and GEDSI understanding within the subnational LGU, DSWD and DILG regional and provincial offices, and other SPRING Project stakeholders.
8) Collaborate with Subnational Program Manager to support Program implementation and in managing GEDSI deliverables at the subnational level.
9) Assist in drafting Program reports, track implementation progress, and periodically review and evaluate the execution of SPRING Program subnational plans with regard to GEDSI.
10) Assist the Subnational Program Manager in preparing the GEDSI components of the annual work plans and program schedules of the Subnational Office, in coordination with the SPRING Program team.
11) Maintain strong working relationships with the subnational LGU, the regional and provincial offices of the DSWD, DILG, PCW, NCDA, and NCIP, and other SPRING Program stakeholders and lead administrative and logistical coordination for SPRING GEDSI-related activities, workshops, and fieldwork at the subnational level.
12) Collaborate closely with the Subnational Activity Lead, Social Protection Lead, and GEDSI Lead to ensure GEDSI is appropriately mainstreamed across subnational activities, and support the collection and communication of GEDSI information, ensuring GEDSI considerations are included in feedback mechanisms between service delivery levels.
13) Coordinate with the Subnational Program Manager and SPRING operations team to ensure the GEDSI-related logistical and administrative needs for the delivery of program activities at the subnational level, such as workshops and field work are met.
 
REQUIREMENTS
 
Education

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Social Development, Community Development, Public Administration, or other relevant fields in social sciences and gender studies. Completion of post-graduate studies or units on the above is preferred.

 
Minimum Experience

• With at least 3 years of relevant professional experience in gender equality, indigenous peoples, disability, social welfare and development programs focusing on policy development, program implementation management, capacity building, program monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience in working with the Philippine government agencies such as the DSWD, DILG, PCW, NCDA, and NCIP, or with provincial and municipal LGUs on gender, disability, social inclusion, and social welfare and development and basic service delivery policies, programs and activities. Experience working with donor-funded programs, and particularly DFAT, would be an advantage.
• Proven experience in implementing programs on gender equality, disability and social inclusion particularly promoting inclusion of women, PWDs and IPs in local government programs, would be an advantage.
• Experience in supporting and delivering GEDSI capacity building trainings for government partners and stakeholders to ensure GEDSI is integrated and promoted in activities.

 
Key Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to apply understanding of social protection, gender equality, disability and social inclusion programs, policies and systems.
• Understanding of local government system and GEDSI related PPAs at LGUs level.
• Proficiency in GEDSI-responsive governance strategies across social protection sector, gender and development, disability and indigenous peoples groups in the Philippine context.
• Demonstrated effective collaboration work and influence partners most especially local government officials and technical staff in various capacity under GEDSI engagements.
• Strong computer skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook, and SharePoint).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines while being able to adapt to evolving needs of the programs as projects, and in responding to government partners with ease.
• Ability to analyze, plan and develop appropriate responses to complex situations, and highly developed problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills, including proficiency in written and oral English and Filipino.
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of GEDSI principles, with knowledge or experience in promoting gender equality, disability, and social inclusion especially within adaptive programs like SPRING. This includes a clear understanding of and practical experience in safeguarding, particularly in the context of child protection (CP) and Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH), with the ability to integrate safeguarding measures into program implementation.
• Compliance to DFAT policies on fraud control, financing terrorism, child protection and other social safeguards

 
APPLICATION PROCESS
 
This is a rolling recruitment. Applications will be reviewed and vetted sequentially as they are received. We encourage interested individuals to apply as early as possible.
 
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
 
Please send your cover letter addressing the position selection criteria and CV with name and contact details (phone and email) of three professional referees to hr@springphilippines.org mentioning the position you are applying for in the subject line "SPRING GEDSI Officer" or apply online.

Women, persons with a disability and Indigenous Peoples are highly encouraged to apply.
 
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law. Persons with disabilities may send a request for reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process to hr@springphilippines.org.
 
Cowater International adheres to the highest standards of protection of children and vulnerable adults in the delivery of programs and services. Cowater is committed to the prevention of sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.
Cowater International upholds standards of ethical conduct and has zero tolerance against fraud and bribery.
Prior to any offer of employment, applicants will be subject to appropriate background checks.
 
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
 
ABOUT US
 
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.
 
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.