Background
The \"EU-PH Partnership in Reinforcing Capacity, Transparency, and Efficiency in Public Procurement\" project is a collaborative initiative aimed at improving public procurement systems in the Philippines. Public procurement represents a significant portion of the national GDP, yet inefficiencies and corruption have hindered its potential to boost market competition and innovation. With the enactment of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) in 2024, the project seeks to institutionalize reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency. These reforms include modernizing procurement processes, adopting international data standards, and integrating participatory practices to ensure the best value for public funds.
To achieve its goals, the project focuses on three key outcomes. First, it aims to strengthen the capacities of public expenditure oversight bodies such as the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB). This includes providing training on data analytics and participatory audits, developing evidence-based policy recommendations, and enabling collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs). Second, the project will improve the internal capacity of the Procurement Service under the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) by codifying processes, standardizing training, and promoting gender-responsive procurement practices. Lastly, it seeks to enhance the ability of PS-PhilGEPS to manage and publish procurement data, develop interactive dashboards, and adhere to Open Contracting Data Standards.
By addressing systemic gaps, the project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. It leverages technology and multi-stakeholder engagement to foster a transparent, accountable, and inclusive procurement ecosystem. Through this effort, the project supports the Philippine government’s anti-corruption initiatives, enhances public trust, and contributes to a more effective and equitable public procurement system.
UNDP is looking for a Project Officer, who will form part of the Project Management Unit (PMU). The Project Officer will support the PMU in the day-to-day implementation of the project. The Project Officer is expected to liaise with key partners, prepare activity designs, develop Terms of Reference, conduct meetings with partners, ensure proper adherence to corporate requirements, and is able to conduct research for development of project documents. This involves working closely with the UNDP Institutions and Partnerships Programme (I&P) Team, UNDP Results and Quality Team (RQT), and other key stakeholders.
Duties and Responsibilities
Overall direction and guidance shall be provided by the UNDP Team Leader for Institutions and Partnerships while day-to-day supervision shall be performed by the Project Manager with oversight from the Programme Analyst. The selected individual will also provide indirect oversight to the Project Analyst, Project Associate and Administrative and Logistics Assistant, either on behalf of the Project Manager (PM) or as delegated by the PM.
Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager, and working closely with the rest of the members of the PMU and stakeholders, with oversight from the Institutions and Partnerships Programme Team, the Project Officer will:
Support the implementation of the activities of the project, measured by the indicators defined in the Project Document and Annual Work Plans:
Plan the activities of the project and monitor progress against the approved workplan. Execute activities by managing personnel, goods and services and trainings, including drafting terms of reference and work specifications, and overseeing all contractors’ work. Supervise consultants and sub-contractors. Review technical reports and substantively contribute to development of technical knowledge products and other deliverables obtained from consultants and contractors, ensure technical assessment and control of quality. Monitor and control the technical progress of the project and ensure adequate project performance in terms of delivery of progress indicator values in accordance with the agreed timeframes.Ensure implementation of the project activities, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Full compliance of project activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system; In consultation with the Project team, contributes to setting of delivery targets and monitoring of project expenditures.Support to report writing, analysis, procurement, monitoring and evaluation of the project focusing on achievement of the following results:
Work closely with M&E Officer to ensure that Monitoring and Evaluation data for Project component are delivered in a timely manner and in an appropriate format; Oversee the contribution to weekly, bi-monthly, quarterly, mid-year, annual and any other reporting; Oversee national partner reporting, as relevant, and where necessary help them to improve in line with UNDP and project reporting standards; and Promote information sharing and coordination with other components and UNDP projectsDevelop and maintain effective working relationships and coordination with key counterparts to ensure the strategic positioning of the project.
Build and maintain an effective relationship with key partners and stakeholders Develop and finalize Memorandum of Agreements, Responsible Party agreements, or other relevant legal instruments with relevant entities Promote coordination, dialogue, and good practice knowledge sharing among stakeholders; and Ensure effective collaboration with UNDP and other development partnersProvide additional support to the Program Management Unit and the Programme Team at the request of the Project Manager.
Act as deputy in absence of the Project Manager and ensure the project status and deliverables will remain on track. Prepare other program requirements, such as the activity designs, briefing notes, talking points, one-pager, slide decks, among others Provide technical support in organizing Project meetings including Project Board and Technical Working Group meetings, and other relevant stakeholders, including government and private sector partners.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core competencies:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision makingPeople Management
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Data
Data analysis. Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision makingDigital
Data governance. Knowledge of data science, skills to develop data management tools, organize and maintain databases and operate data visualization technologies E-governance. Knowledge of how it works, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and societyPartnership 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 understandingBusiness Management
Monitoring and Evaluation. Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concernsAgenda 2030: Peace
Governance. Public Administration ReformBusiness Direction & Strategy
System Thinking. Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Management, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or related area is required, or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in fields mentioned above in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience:
Minimum two (2) years (with master’s degree) or four (4) years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible administrative or programme experience is required at the national or international level; At least of 2 years of experience in Project/Programme development and management, public policy, governance and systems reforms; public procurement/ business process; and/or implementing a development program related to local governance and/or public sector transformation. Demonstrated experience in public procurement reform and systems strengthening, preferably aligned with international standards Experience coordinating and facilitating stakeholder engagement processes, including working groups and consultations with government, civil society, or international development partners. Working knowledge of Results-Based Management (RBM) frameworks including indicator tracking, work planning, and monitoring and evaluation. At least 2 years previous working experience in the UN system or with international organization at local or international level. Proficiency in using computers and office software, and knowledge of web-based management system. Familiarity with digital tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Excel (advanced), and/or open-source platforms for data analytics and dashboards. Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to produce technical reports, policy briefs, and implementation documents.Required languages:
Fluency in English and Filipino is required.Professional Certificates:
Programme management certification or equivalent will be advantageous.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.
Scam alert
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