Policy Analyst, Philippines

KEY INFORMATION
 
Job Title: Policy Analyst
Position Type (full/part time): Part Time
Duration/Level of Effort (long/short term): April 2026 - June 2026 (up to 35 days)
Position Location (e.g. city, country, remote): Metro Manila, Philippines
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
 
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 THE POSITION
 
Working closely with the Senior Policy Adviser, the Policy Analyst will provide technical input and research support in the following key areas:

• Development of the disability strategy and action plan;
• Conduct of policy forums and dialogues on social protection, disability and inclusion;
• Finalization of the omnibus amendment covering existing local laws and legislation on the rights of persons with disabilities; and
• Production of knowledge products

 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Support and assist the Senior Policy Adviser in drafting the National Disability Strategy by undertaking data-collection, consolidation of information and organizing pertinent materials and references
• Coordinate and document consultation meetings and policy forums at national and subnational levels, ensuring participation of persons with disabilities and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs)
• Assist in the mapping exercise and analysis of existing disability legislation and policies to produce a concise report highlighting strengths and weaknesses aligned with RA 7277, CRPD, and other related policies
• Provide research support to the Senior Policy Adviser in the preparation of a legislative document or omnibus amendment
• Undertake research and analyses to produce or develop discussion papers and policy briefs to aid advocacy efforts on inclusion and disability rights
• Assist in the production of knowledge products on social protection, disability and inclusion

 
DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINES

Data collection including interviews, management of online survey, and consolidation of information in the development of the Disability Strategy and Action Plan

• Indicative Dates - April to June
• # input days - Up to 10 days

Documentation of consultation meetings and policy forums

• Indicative Dates - April to June
• # input days - Up to 10 days

Research support to finalize legislation and policies contributing to the omnibus amendment

• Indicative Dates - April to May
• # input days - Up to 10 days

Input to discussion papers, policy briefs and knowledge products

• Indicative Dates - April to June
• # input days - Up to 5 days

Total # of days: up to 35 days

 
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:

• Advanced university degree (master's equivalent) in gender studies, the social sciences, development, public administration or related fields.
• A combination of a Bachelor's degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

 
Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in gender equality, disability, inclusion, social protection and development programs
• At least five (5) years of relevant research work in the areas of gender equality and rights of persons with disabilities
• Demonstrated experience in working with key government agencies and local government on social protection, gender, disability and social inclusion, and development programs is an asset

 
Essential Skills:

• 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 programs, policies and activities at the LGU level.
• Proficiency in responsive governance strategies across social protection sector, gender and development, disability and indigenous peoples groups in the Philippine context.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams in a fast-paced environment; demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines (adaptable to evolving needs of the SPRING Project and responding to government partners with ease)
• Ability to analyze, plan and develop appropriate responses to complex situations and highly developed problem-solving skills
• Strong computer skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook, and SharePoint) and use of appropriate applications or programs for data collection and consolidation
• 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 followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
 
Cowater international strives to maintain a fair, transparent, and human centered recruitment process. As part of our commitment to responsible hiring practices and compliance with evolving recruitment regulations, we may use AI assisted tools to support limited aspects of our talent acquisition workflow, such as reviewing or shortlisting applications. These tools are used only to enhance efficiency and consistency in our processes. All assessments, interviews, and final hiring decisions are made exclusively by our human recruiting managers. Candidates may request additional information about the use of these tools or reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.
 
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.
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.