Title: MIS Officer, SPRING – Philippines

KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: MIS Officer

Reports to: MEL Lead 

Direct Reports: None

Location: Manila, Philippines

Duration: One year, renewable annually based on performance and program needs.

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

Reporting to the MEL Lead, and working closely with the International MIS Adviser, the MIS Officer is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of the SPRING Management Information System (MIS). The role ensures that program data, including grants, activities, results, GEDSI markers, performance indicators and key operational information, are accurately captured, stored, analysed and reported in line with DFAT requirements and internal program needs.

The MIS Officer plays a critical role in ensuring that planning, monitoring, reporting, learning and program operations across SPRING are underpinned by a reliable, user-friendly and fit-for-purpose information system. The role works closely with MEL, program, grants, operations, finance, procurement and HR teams to ensure that data systems support decision-making, adaptive management, performance tracking, operational coordination and reporting.

The position contributes to data quality assurance, system functionality, user support and training, and supports integration between program data, MEL frameworks, operational processes and reporting outputs. The MIS Officer is expected to proactively identify improvements to system functionality and data processes, including modules that support HR, procurement, finance, grants and activity management, and escalate system risks or gaps in a timely manner.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. MIS Development, Maintenance and Administration

• Support the establishment, configuration and continuous improvement of the SPRING MIS, including development or adaptation of modules for activities, grants, results, GEDSI tracking and core program operations such as HR, procurement and finance workflows.
• Maintain system functionality, including user access, data structures, templates, workflows and module-level configurations that support both MEL reporting and operational management needs.
• Coordinate with IT/system developers or external providers, if applicable, to troubleshoot issues and implement system enhancements across MEL, grants, HR, procurement, finance and activity management modules.
• Periodically review system performance and recommend improvements to ensure the MIS remains fit-for-purpose as program and operational needs evolve.

2. Data Management and Quality Assurance

• Ensure accurate, timely and complete data entry across the MIS by working closely with program, MEL, grants, operations, finance, procurement and HR teams.
• Conduct routine data quality checks, validation and cleaning to maintain data integrity.
• Develop and maintain data standards, guidance notes and protocols for data entry, coding and management.
• Identify and escalate data gaps, inconsistencies or risks affecting reporting, program performance tracking and operational decision-making.

3. Reporting, Analysis and Visualisation

• Generate routine and ad hoc reports, dashboards and data summaries to support internal management, DFAT reporting, external communications and program operations.
• Support MEL and program teams in extracting, analysing and interpreting data to inform decision-making and adaptive management.
• Assist in producing data inputs for key deliverables, including six-monthly reports, annual reports, PBR submissions and Steering Committee materials.
• Support development of dashboards and visualisations, such as Power BI or equivalent tools, to improve accessibility and use of MEL, grants, activity and operational data.

4. User Support and Capacity Building

• Provide day-to-day technical support to MIS users across SPRING, including troubleshooting system and data issues.
• Develop user guides, templates and training materials to support effective system use.
• Deliver onboarding, coaching and refresher training for staff and partners on MIS processes and tools.
• Act as a key focal point for user feedback to inform system improvements.

5. Integration with MEL, Program Operations, Grants and Program Systems

• Work closely with the MEL team to ensure the MIS aligns with the program’s MEL framework, indicators and results architecture.
• Support integration of data from grants management, procurement, finance, HR and activity tracking systems where applicable.
• Support the design and maintenance of operational MIS modules that strengthen workflow tracking, approvals, pipeline management and management visibility across HR, procurement, finance, grants and program delivery functions.
• Ensure the MIS enables tracking of cross-cutting priorities, including GEDSI, climate and inclusion metrics.
• Contribute to strengthening systems that support evidence-based decision-making across both program implementation and program operations.

6. Coordination and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with program, operations, finance, procurement, HR and partner teams to ensure information needs are understood and met.
• Contribute to development and refinement of SOPs, templates and processes for MEL, operational data management and reporting.
• Stay informed of emerging tools and approaches in data management, information systems and digital solutions relevant to the program context.
• Perform other tasks as required to support effective MIS, MEL data, operational data and reporting management across SPRING.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, data management, statistics, economics, development studies or a related field

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in MIS, database management, data analysis or information systems support.
• Experience working with donor-funded programs, international development projects or MEL systems is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in managing databases, data cleaning, reporting and dashboard development.

Essential Skills:

• Strong data management and analytical skills, with attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Experience with database systems, such as SQL-based systems, SharePoint or similar platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with data visualisation tools, such as Power BI, Tableau or similar.
• Ability to translate technical data concepts into clear, user-friendly guidance.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to identify and address system or data issues.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Proficiency in English and Filipino.
• Knowledge of Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) concepts is an advantage.

• 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

Candidates are encouraged to apply by 14 August 2026. This is an ongoing, rolling recruitment, and candidates may be reviewed before and leading up to the deadline.

For your application to be considered, please upload or submit your documents using the following file naming format: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.

Please send your cover letter addressing the position selection criteria and CV with the name and contact details of three professional referees to hr@springphilippines.org, mentioning the position you are applying for in the subject line: “SPRING MIS Officer”.

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.