KEY INFORMATION

 

Job Title: Technical Evaluation Panel Specialist – Office Fit Out 

Reports to: SPRING Chair, RFP Evaluation Panel

Direct Reports: None

Location: Home-based / Manila

Duration: Up to 5 days, over June-July 2026

 

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 Technical Evaluation Panel Specialist (the “Specialist”) will serve as a member of the Tender Evaluation Panel for the procurement of a contractor to undertake the fit-out of SPRING’s permanent office space at Paseo 111. The Specialist will be a qualified architect, or a suitably qualified engineer with demonstrated experience in commercial office fit-out projects and technical design evaluation.

The Specialist will provide independent, objective, and expert technical assessment of proposals submitted by shortlisted bidders following the Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) processes. The Specialist will evaluate the technical soundness, compliance, and feasibility of proposed designs and methodologies related to the office fit-out scope, with particular focus on space planning and functional requirements.

The Specialist will ensure that all technical submissions are assessed against agreed criteria, relevant regulations, and industry standards, and will contribute to a transparent, fair, and value-for-money contractor selection process..

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Specialist will undertake the following tasks:

 

1. Technical Review and Evaluation

• Review and assess technical submissions, including architectural layouts, design concepts, and supporting documentation provided by bidders.

• Evaluate compliance with the specified planning and design criteria, including: 

  • Provision and layout of management offices

  • Reception area requirements

  • Main workspace configuration

  • Storage solutions and adequacy

  • Door sizing and accessibility considerations

  • Internal toilet facilities (where applicable)

  • Pantry specifications (capacity and type)

• Assess the feasibility, functionality, and efficiency of proposed layouts within the given site conditions.

 

2. Compliance and Standards Assessment

• Verify that proposed designs comply with: 

  • Applicable Philippine building codes and regulations

  • Fire safety and occupational health and safety standards

  • Accessibility requirements and universal design principles

  • Recognized industry standards and best practices for office fit-outs

• Review the proposed materials, finishes, and construction methodologies for suitability and quality.

 

3. Technical Evaluation and Scoring

• Contribute to the application and, where necessary, refinement of technical evaluation criteria.

• Score proposals in accordance with the agreed evaluation framework and provide clear, evidence-based justifications.

• Identify technical risks, deficiencies, or inconsistencies within submissions.

 

4. Reporting

• Prepare or contribute to the preparation of a consolidated technical evaluation report.

• Provide written and/or verbal inputs to support panel deliberations and final recommendations.

 

5. Panel Participation and Advisory Support

• Participate in Tender Evaluation Panel meetings and consensus discussions.

• Support the review of bidder clarifications and technical queries during the RFP process.

• Participate in bidder presentations and site visits, as required.

• Provide independent technical advice to the panel on design optimization, functionality, and value-for-money considerations.

 

DELIVERABLES, DURATION AND LEVEL OF EFFORT

 

The Specialist is expected to deliver the following:

• Completed technical evaluation scoring sheets for assigned proposals

• Written technical assessment inputs and justification for scores

• Contribution to the consolidated technical evaluation report

• Participation in panel meetings, including providing technical advice and recommendations

 

The engagement is expected to be short-term and intermittent, aligned with key procurement stages, including:

• Evaluation of RFP submissions

• Participation in panel deliberations and clarifications

 

The total estimated level of effort is 5 days over mid June to mid July 2026. 

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (preferred), Civil Engineering, or a related discipline. 

• Must be a licensed Architect or Engineer in the Philippines, in good professional standing.

 

Minimum Experience

• Minimum of 7–10 years of relevant professional experience in building design, construction, or interior/office fit-out projects.

• Demonstrated experience in commercial or institutional office space planning and interior fit-out projects.

• Experience in reviewing or evaluating contractor technical proposals, designs, or tender submissions is strongly preferred.

 

Note: Candidates with an Architecture background are preferred due to the emphasis on space planning, layout optimisation, and functional design. Engineers will be considered where they demonstrate substantial experience in office fit-out design, space planning, and technical evaluation.

 

 

Key Abilities and Skills

Technical Competencies

• Strong ability to interpret and assess architectural drawings, technical specifications, and design documentation.
• Sound knowledge of space planning principles and workplace design standards.
• Familiarity with Philippine building regulations, fire safety codes, and accessibility standards.

Analytical and Evaluation Skills

• Proven ability to assess technical compliance, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of design proposals.
• Strong analytical skills to identify design risks, inefficiencies, and implementation constraints.

Communication and Reporting

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present clear, structured, and evidence-based evaluation findings.

Professional Attributes

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary panel.
• Demonstrated integrity, impartiality, and adherence to ethical procurement standards.
• 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 assessed on an ongoing basis as they are received, and the position may be filled once a suitable candidate is identified. We encourage interested individuals to apply as early as possible. 

Candidates will be assessed against the requirements of this Terms of Reference (ToR), including relevant qualifications, demonstrated experience in office fit-out design, construction, or technical evaluation, and availability to support the anticipated procurement timeline. Selection will be undertaken on a merit basis, considering the candidate's suitability for the role and value for money.

Prior to engagement, the selected Specialist will be required to declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest and execute a Confidentiality Agreement in line with probity requirements. The Specialist will participate in the Tender Evaluation Panel in an independent advisory and technical capacity, with responsibility for final procurement decisions remaining with the designated delegate.

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows: 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.