KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Social Protection Officer
Reports to: Social Protection National Lead
Direct Reports: None
Location: Manila, Philippines
Employment type: Full time
Work arrangement: Possibility of hybrid (in office and remote)
Duration: One year with possibility of multiyear extension
  
SUMMARY OF PROGRAM
  
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 will support 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 will 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 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 POSITION
  
Reporting to the Social Protection National Lead and collaborating with the SPRING Program team, the Social Protection Officer will provide essential technical and operational support to the Social Protection National Lead in managing and implementing social protection programs. This role will focus on supporting the National Lead in coordination of the delivery of programmatic activities, including developing activity plans, terms of reference, and meeting readouts, therefore ensuring effective program implementation. Collaboration with key implementing partners such as DSWD, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other relevant stakeholders is integral to this position.
  
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 

1. Assist the SP Lead in the implementation of the SP activities, including program management, monitoring, and collecting data for reporting on progress, therefore ensuring alignment with program goals and objectives.
2. Compile relevant data and research reports, conduct data collection and analysis, and draft technical reports with evidence-based recommendations to assist the National Lead in developing recommendations on social protection policies, programs, and governance arrangements.
3. Assist the National Social Protection Lead in developing and conducting capacity-building sessions, workshops, and briefings on social protection, inclusion, and gender equality for DSWD, DILG, and other stakeholders, in coordination with the SPRING Program team.
4. Collaborate with local and international experts/consultants to support Program implementation and assist the Social Protection Lead in managing deliverables.
5. Assist in drafting Program reports, track implementation progress, and periodically review and evaluate the execution of SPRING Program activity plans.
6. Assist in preparing annual work plans and program schedules in coordination with the SPRING Program team.
7. Maintain strong working relationships with DSWD, DILG, and other SPRING Program stakeholders and lead administrative and logistical coordination for SPRING-related activities, workshops, and fieldwork.
8. Support the National Lead in organizing and coordinating social protection-related activities for the SPRING Program, including meetings, follow-up actions, and engagement with its Steering Committee and Technical Working Groups.
9. Support the National Social Protection Lead in ensuring compliance with the SPRING MEL framework, reporting structures, feedback mechanisms, data-driven planning, and communication protocols.
10. Provide insights on challenges encountered, propose resolutions, and share lessons learned to improve policy and program enforcement/implementation, in collaboration with the SPRING Program team.
11. Support the National Social Protection Lead in promoting the integration of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles across all SPRING Program activities, and foster inclusive policies and GEDSI awareness within DSWD, DILG, and other SPRING Program stakeholders.
12. Promote inclusive policies and GEDSI understanding within DSWD, DILG and other SPRING Project stakeholders. Maintain smooth work relationships with DSWD, DILG, and other SPRING Project stakeholders.
13. Collaborate closely with the Subnational Activity Lead to ensure a joined up approach to national and subnational activities that will strengthen the chain of service delivery from the centre to the frontline, supporting information and feedback mechanisms between these levels of service delivery.
14. Coordinate with the SPRING Operations Team to ensure the logistical and administrative needs for the delivery of program activities, such as workshops and field work are met.  

REQUIREMENTS
  
Education
 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Social Development, Public Administration, Development Economics, or other relevant fields in social sciences.

Minimum Experience
 

• 3-5 years of professional experience in social development program implementation, with a focus on policy development, program management, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience in working with the Philippine government such as DSWD, DILG, and LGUs on social protection, social welfare and development programs and policies and of donor-funded programs, particularly DFAT-funded, would be an advantage.
• Proven experience in implementing programs on gender equality, disability and social inclusion particularly promoting inclusion of women, PWDs and IPs in programs, would be an advantage.

Key Abilities
 

• Demonstrated program management skills with an ability to plan, develop, and implement social protection programs, including governance strategies across sectors such as gender equality, disability, and social inclusion in the Philippine context.
• Proven ability to assess complex social protection issues and inform strategic decision-making through analytical and critical thinking.
• Demonstrated understanding of social protection policies, programs, systems, and social inclusion frameworks, with a strong focus on gender equality, disability, and social protection reforms would be an advantage.
• Effective collaboration skills, particularly with Philippine government officials and technical staff, ensuring successful engagement and partnership in social protection initiatives.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook, SharePoint) and other relevant software tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment; adept at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines while adapting to evolving needs.
• Highly developed problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze, plan, and respond to complex situations effectively.
• Strong communication skills, including fluency in written and oral English and Filipino.
• Knowledge or experience in promoting Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) is a key asset, especially for those engaged in the SPRING project.

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 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 hr@springphilippines.org mentioning the position you are applying for in the subject line “SPRING SP Officer” or apply online.
  
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.