KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Finance and Administrative Officer
Sector: Public Financial Management and Accountability
Position Type: Full-time
Duration/Level of Effort: Long-term
Position Location: 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 Government of Philippines (GPH) on Social Protection, Gender Equality, Disability, Social Inclusion and Indigenous Inclusion. It is an AUD 34 million investment over 5 years that will support the joint Development Partnership Plan (DPP 2024-2029) between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Philippines (GPH). 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 will support efforts under Australia’s new International Development Policy and its forthcoming new strategies on gender equality, disability equity and rights, and translate these into implementation in the Philippines.  
 
The intended goal of SPRING is to contribute 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 GPH 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 Finance Manager, the Finance and Administrative Officer (FAO) will provide on-the-ground administrative, logistics, and project implementation support, as needed. The FAO will work closely within the operations team to ensure that the SPRING program is implemented with sound administrative principles in line with Cowater International and DFAT Australia policies and procedures.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Office Administration & Financial
 

• Provide support to the Finance Manager in the preparation of supporting documents for liquidation and reporting on operational expenses
• Support the preparation of payroll and ensure timely compliance with mandatory government benefits
• Verifying completeness of program and activity supporting documents for audit and program compliance purposes
• Act as custodian of petty cash
• Maintain HR records as required under Philippine government regulations
• Track staff travel, leave plans and attendance records
• Ensure hard and soft copies of reports and records are filed systematically and in keeping with required standards for data privacy and confidentiality.
• Track and comply with required office permits
• Provide administrative support to team members

Coordination and Logistics
 

• Ensure all project administrative activities are coordinated effectively
• Coordinate workshop/training events as required, including hotel liaison, participant confirmation, invitations, travel arrangements, supplies and materials, equipment rentals and providing point of contact support for participants at events;
• Provide logistical support for project activities, including travel arrangements, visas, field visits, and DFAT/counterpart visits;
• Review supplier contracts and contracts for terms and conditions.

Scheduling and Meetings
 

• Coordinate meeting arrangements, including informing team members, booking meeting rooms and keeping management/staff calendars updated;
• Schedule and coordinate vehicles and drivers, including driver booking schedules;
• Perform any other task assigned by the supervisors to ensure efficient program implementation.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education
 

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in accounting, finance, economics, business administration or any other relevant field.

Minimum Experience
 

• Minimum 5 years in a similar role.
• Experience working on donor-funded projects (i.e. DFAT Australia) would be an asset
• Strong experience coordinating and managing logistics, schedules and travels

Key Abilities:
 

• Experience in standard financial management software (e.g. Quickbooks)
• Strong time management and organizational skills with attention to detail
• 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)
• Advanced filing skills (both electronic file management and hardcopy filing protocols)
• Helpfulness / positive attitude / diplomacy
• Strong commitment to ethical work practices, demonstrating integrity, honesty, and accountability in all aspects of work.
• Proficiency in English and Filipino.
• Promoting Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) is a key focus of SPRING. Applicants with knowledge or experience in GEDSI issues will be highly regarded by the selection panel.

 
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by November 12, 2024. This is an ongoing recruitment, and candidates will be reviewed before and leading up to the deadline. 
 
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 <marissa.castillo@cowater.com>, mentioning the position you are applying for in the subject line “SPRING Finance and Administrative 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.
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.