Background
In the Philippines, Indigenous Peoples, particularly women, endure significant economic and social disparities, despite the country’s adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Barriers such as limited access to education, health care, electricity, and financial services, as well as tenurial insecurity and lack of or limited investments both public and private, persist in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) where ancestral domains are situated. These challenges, compounded by cultural and gender norms, hinder meaningful participation, leadership, and economic opportunities for Indigenous women and girls. Notably, 60% of the IPs in the country resides in Mindanao, a conflict-affected region that has been a focal point of international development efforts, including support from Aotearoa New Zealand over the past two decades.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment are central to the New Zealand Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (NZ MFAT) international development agenda, as outlined in the Ministry’s Gender Action Plan (GAP) and its broader commitment to human rights. To address these issues, a targeted intervention in Mindanao is proposed, focusing on (i) enhancing employment and livelihood opportunities for indigenous women and girls through investments in entrepreneurial skills and leadership training; (ii) raising awareness of the rights of indigenous women and girls; and (iii) addressing formal and informal customs that perpetuate gender-based social exclusion.
The proposed initiative, named the Indigenous Women and Girls – Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD) Project, aims to bolster intergenerational socio-economic development of indigenous women and girls in Mindanao. It targets two key barriers: weak participation of Indigenous women and girls in governance and management of ancestral domains, and their constrained access to education and livelihood services hindering their economic participation.
To address these barriers, the Project will carry out interventions that will result in the following: (i) IP women and girls benefiting from improved accountability and transparency of ancestral domain management and governance; (ii) IP women and girls with increased income and improved livelihoods; and (iii) improved gender and human rights-responsive policy and institutional support for IP women and girls at national and regional levels. With these targets, the I-LEAD Project will undertake three interrelated and mutually reinforcing project components:
Ancestral domain governance is strengthened with a human rights and gender perspective Gender-equitable and culturally appropriate economic empowerment Support to NCIP and stakeholders on gender and human rights-responsive policy and knowledge managementThe Project will operate in select ancestral domains in Regions XI and XII, and will prioritize gender and human rights perspectives, ensuring the full enjoyment of rights by diverse gender identities, especially women, and empowering individuals to claim and advocate for their rights.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Assistant will be responsible in coordinating with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and ensure timely and high-impact delivery of targets. S/he will also support the NCIP in managing project activities such as but not limited to convening of the I-LEAD TWG, coordination with the concerned NCIP regional offices and project stakeholders. S/he will coordinate with project team and UNDP Country Office teams to ensure relevant requirements are fulfilled in a timely manner with the required quality, following standards in line with the UNDP guidelines and procedures.
Specific Functions:
A. Project development and implementation support:
Assist in completing any additional studies required for the preparation of the Inception Report as guided by the Project Manager and the Project Analyst; Work closely with the NCIP for the coordination and implementation of project activities, including logistical and administrative support to the Inception Phase implementation in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations; Support NCIP in planning, organizing, and/or facilitating meetings, discussions and other project related activities; Maintain detailed records and documentation of project activities led by and/or with the participation of NCIP, e.g., TWG meetings, coordination meetings, consultations, field visits, and other project-related activities; Prepare periodic timely and accurate reports on project activities, outcomes, and challenges encountered; and Attend project management meetings.B. Support coordination, partnership and advocacy:
Support NCIP in the coordination with project stakeholders such as government agencies, civil society organizations, and community partners to facilitate relationship building and ensure inclusive participation in project activities; In coordination with the I-LEAD Project Manager and Project Analyst, liaise with the Project Field Assistants for: Timely provision of support from the NCIP Central Office to facilitate smooth implementation of project activities including the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process; Ensuring application of culturally-sensitive approaches to community engagements; Ensuring inclusivity and comprehensiveness in community engagement processes; Provide inputs to the review and finalization of the site selection criteria, ensuring factors relevant to indigenous communities, particularly women and girls, are considered.C.Assist and conduct Knowledge building and management:
With the Project Management Team, coordinate learning sessions with NCIP Central Office and support NCIP in developing strategies for cascading/rolling out of best practices from the project; Organize and conduct workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting the project and enhancing the leadership skills, decision-making capabilities, and economic knowledge of indigenous women and girls; Support the conduct of research activities within selected indigenous communities such as, but not limited to, community profiling, socio-economic assessments, stakeholder mapping, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) surveys, and capacity needs assessment (for skills, tools and resources).The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
Institutional Arrangement
The Project Assistant will work under the immediate supervision of and directly report to the I-LEAD Project Manager. S/he will closely coordinate with the I-LEAD Project Analyst and the Foreign Assisted Programs and International Relations Office (FAPIRO) of NCIP. Through the Project Analyst, s/he will coordinate with the Project Field Assistants to support the implementation of project activities and foster cross-learning.
Core Competencies
Achieve Results
LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:
LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously:
LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility
LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:
LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:
LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:
LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
CROSS FUNCTIONAL & TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Business Management: Project management
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Business Management: Communication
Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
Ability to relate and ensure sensibilities of communication taking into consideration the cultural context of the audience.
Business Development: Knowledge generation
Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
Business Direction & Strategy: Business acumen
Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization.
Business Direction & Strategy: Strategic thinking
Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.
Partnership Management: Relationship management
Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.
Finance: Budget management
Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.
Required Skills and Experience
Academic requirements:
Secondary Education is required.
A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in Development Studies, Business Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Environmental Management, or related fields will be given due consideration but not a requirement.
Min. years of relevant work experience
Minimum four (4) years of work experience (with secondary education) or one (1) year (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant working experience in management and implementation of development projects.
Required knowledge/ skills
Proficiency in software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.
Desired skills and competencies
Experience on foreign-funded projects focused on biodiversity conservation and Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines, specifically in supporting community consultations and the FPIC process in the Philippines, an asset.
Experience in procurement, processing of payments, project budgets, and other administrative processes in development organizations; knowledge of UN and New Zealand processes and systems is desirable;
At least five (5) years of experience working with the NCIP and/or other line agencies in the Philippines, international non-government organizations, academe, civil society organizations, and local government units is advantage.
Required Language
Fluency in English and Filipino languages is required.
The following documents shall be required from the applicants:
Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers. A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position. Transcript of Records and Diploma Copies of relevant training certificates (if applicable)Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters:
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.