KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Research Associate-IPMR Summit

Reports to: SPRING GEDSI Lead

Direct Reports: None

Location: Metro Manila, Philippines 

Duration: October to November 2026 (Up to 25 days, with a possibility of extension)

SUMMARY OF 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 is 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 Philippine 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 service.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Research Associate will contribute to two priority activities of NCIP: 1) the delivery of the IPMR Summit in October 2026 and 2) the review of IPMR policies and guidelines. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Associate will provide 1) technical support in the conduct of the IPMR Summit and  2) research and documentation support in the review of existing IPMR laws and policies. Specifically, the Research Associate will undertake the following tasks:

1.  Technical and coordination support

• Coordination with the NCIP officers and staff in the preparations for the IPMR Summit 

• Support documentation requirements in the conduct of the summit and consolidate the key outputs

• Assist the Policy Adviser in the consolidation and synthesis of the results of the IPMR Summit
  

  2. Data collection and research support with guidance from the Policy Adviser 

• Research relevant documents and materials for the review of existing IPMR policies to be led by the Policy Adviser

• Review IPMR engagement practices in local development planning under the supervision of the Policy Adviser

• Develop summary notes 

DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINES

QUALIFICATIONS AND 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 documenting, organizing and producing summary tables and short analytical notes 

Key Abilities and 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

Candidates are encouraged to apply by 19 October 2026. 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 Research Associate – IPMR Summit”.

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.