Title: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, SPRING – Philippines

KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Research Associate

Reports to: Legal Specialist with technical coordination with the SPRING GEDSI Lead

Direct Reports: None

Location: Metro Manila, Philippines 

Duration: August to September 2026 (30 days, with a possibility of extension)\

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 Research Associate will provide technical and research support to the Legal Specialist in the drafting of a new omnibus bill on the rights of persons with disabilities. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Research Associate will provide research, documentation, and coordination support in the review of existing laws and policies on disability in the Philippines.    Specific responsibilities include:

1. Desk review and assessment 

• Review relevant national and international documents and materials related to disability, inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities

• Develop summary notes 

2. Analysis and coordination support

• Prepare a compilation of relevant data, basic analysis summaries, tables, and descriptive outputs to support  the development of an omnibus bill on disability and inclusion

• Maintain clear documentation of data sources, assumptions, and versions to support quality assurance 

• Support documentation requirements for workshops and meetings 

DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINES

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Development Studies, Sociology, Economics, or a related discipline 

• An advance degree in the above field of study is an advantage

Minimum Experience:

• At least 3 years of professional experience supporting research on development programs, policy and governance analysis 

• Experience in organizing and producing summary tables and short analytical notes (for example using Excel)

Essential Skills:

• Strong analytical and writing skills, including ability to consolidate consultation notes and translate findings into clear, structured inputs for reports and presentations.

• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills, with ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary and cross-agency environment.

• 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

The application period will close on 03 August 2026. All applications received by the deadline will be reviewed thereafter.

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, Date, and 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 Research Associate4” or apply online.

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.