KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Specialist
Position Type (full/part time): Part Time
Duration/Level of Effort (long/short term): May – July 2026 (up to 10 working days)
Position Location (e.g. city, country, remote): Metro Manila, Philippines with virtual coordination if necessary

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

The GEDSI Specialist will provide targeted technical support to ensure that the Social Protection Capability Development Harmonization activity integrates gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles throughout all stages of implementation, and that the resulting DSWD Academy capability development package is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to diverse needs. Working under the guidance of the Training Specialist (Team Lead) and in close coordination with the DSWD Academy and relevant DSWD units, the GEDSI Specialist will ensure that GEDSI integration supports DSWD’s mandate to deliver social protection programs that are gender- and shock-responsive and accessible to persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalized groups, consistent with the Social Protection Floor.

The GEDSI Specialist will review priority modules, tools, and learning pathways and provide practical recommendations to strengthen inclusive participation and content integration across the harmonized curriculum. This includes advising on accessibility of learning materials (including digital modules), competency framework, and the data collection to monitor inclusivity and guide improvements. The GEDSI Specialist will also support the refinement and validation of prototype module packs by embedding GEDSI concepts, examples, and case studies that strengthen inclusive service delivery, disability rights, gender responsiveness, and culturally sensitive program design. All GEDSI recommendations are advisory in nature and will be aligned with relevant Philippine laws and DSWD policies and will be submitted for DSWD Academy review and approval.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The GEDSI Specialist will provide technical inputs to strengthen integration of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion across the harmonized SP capability development package and related implementation processes. Working under the guidance of the Training Specialist (Team Lead) and in close coordination with the DSWD Academy focal point and relevant DSWD units, responsibilities include:

1. GEDSI integration in the competency framework, learning pathways, and M&E

• Review the draft SP competency framework and learning pathway matrix to identify gaps and entry points for GEDSI integration.

• Propose GEDSI-relevant competency statements, indicators, and practical examples (including inclusive service delivery, disability inclusion, gender responsiveness, culturally sensitive approaches, and safeguarding considerations), aligned with DSWD mandates.

• Review the proposed training M&E framework and tools and recommend practical inclusivity measures, including disaggregated indicators and feedback questions (sex, age, disability, and other relevant categories).

• Coordinate with the M&E Specialist to ensure GEDSI-related indicators and feedback mechanisms are practical, consistently defined, and can be used for adaptive improvements to modules and delivery.

2. GEDSI review and integration across priority learning modules

• Review priority modules, tools, and prototype module packs to identify gaps and recommend practical GEDSI integration approaches.

• Provide recommendations to embed GEDSI concepts, examples, and case studies that strengthen inclusive service delivery, disability rights, gender responsiveness, and culturally sensitive program design.

• Ensure recommendations are consistent with applicable national and DSWD policy frameworks on gender equality, disability inclusion, safeguarding, and culturally sensitive service delivery.

3. Inclusive participation and stakeholder process guidance

• Advise on inclusive participation measures for consultations, curriculum review sessions, validation activities, and pilot-related discussions, including representation of women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, and Muslim communities where relevant.

• Provide practical guidance to strengthen facilitation approaches that are inclusive and safe for diverse participants.

4. Accessibility of learning materials and delivery modalities

• Provide recommendations to improve accessibility of learning materials, including digital modules, such as bilingual formats where appropriate, readable fonts, captioned videos, audio narration, and sign-language interpretation or translation support when necessary.

• Review prototype module packs and provide inputs to ensure materials can accommodate varied learning needs.

DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINES

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Advanced degree (master’s degree or higher) in Gender Studies, Social Development, Public Policy, Social Work, Disability Studies, Human Rights, or a related field.

• Relevant training or certification in GEDSI, safeguarding, disability inclusion/accessibility, or inclusive program design is an advantage.

Minimum Experience:

• At least 7 years of demonstrated experience providing GEDSI technical advice for government or development programs, including integration of gender and disability inclusion in policy, programming, and/or capacity development.

• Proven experience reviewing and strengthening training curricula or learning materials to embed GEDSI principles, inclusive service delivery practices, and culturally sensitive approaches.

• Demonstrated experience developing practical guidance on inclusive participation, facilitation, and accessibility accommodations for workshops and learning activities.

• Experience working with Philippine government agencies and familiarity with the social protection sector is an advantage (DSWD experience is an advantage).

Essential Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to integrate GEDSI considerations into competency frameworks, learning pathways, and monitoring tools, including practical disaggregation and feedback mechanisms.

• Strong ability to translate GEDSI principles into clear, actionable recommendations for training content, examples, case studies, and learning activities.

• Strong understanding of disability inclusion and accessibility standards for learning materials, including practical adaptations for digital modules.

• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills to support inclusive consultations and validation processes.

• Strong analytical writing skills to produce concise guidance notes, checklists, and technical inputs that can be implemented by the DSWD Academy.

• 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.