Assistant Program Officer for Climate and Environment and Social Development

THE ASIA FOUNDATION – PHILIPPINES

Position Description

TITLE: Assistant Program Officer

UNIT: (One of the following, depending on the preferred unit the candidate wishes to apply for)

• Climate and Environment
• Social Development

REPORTS TO: Senior Program Officer, Coalitions for Change

SUPERVISES: N/A

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assistant Program Officer (APO) supports the Coalitions for Change (Phase 3) Program on project implementation and monitoring. The APO supports the Senior Program Officer, Program Officer, and Strategic Advisor in ensuring effective and efficient implementation of activities intended to introduce reforms to improve developmental outcomes in the Philippines.

They work closely with the Foundation’s Enabling Services Unit (ESU) staff on all logistical, administrative, operational, and financial aspects of program and contract and grants management related to the Coalitions for Change Program, to ensure that the program fulfils its donor requirements.

The APO assists and supports technical research and policy analysis on Climate and Environment / Economic Reform / Gender Equality / Social Development (depending on the preferred unit the candidate wishes to apply for) in the Philippines. The APO operates within a small team of program staff based in Manila and will help ensure quality of deliverables and achievement of the respective unit’s program goals and objectives.

Internal

Extensive interaction with Coalitions for Change team members and with the Foundation’s ESU (Finance, Administration, and Grants units). The APO may interact with other TAF Program Units in several cross-program activities, from time to time.

External

Regular contact with Coalitions for Change Program partners and grantees for project monitoring purposes. The APO may interact with suppliers, contractors, and government and non-government organizations to support logistical and administrative concerns. There will also be interaction with Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) program officers, as necessary.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years professional experience, preferably with development organizations in the sectors of Climate and Environment, Economic Reform, Social Development, Gender Equality (depending on the preferred unit the candidate wishes to apply for)

Education: Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree, although not required, could be advantageous.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Tagalog. Ability to speak in other languages/dialects may be advantageous
• Experience in technical research and policy analysis and advocacy a huge advantage
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Cloud-based data management platforms expected
• Strong time management skills and professional organizational abilities
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task
• Able to work in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities
• Ability to self-manage, independently prioritize tasks, and confidently develop plans of action with minimal supervision
• Basic knowledge of the Philippine NGO community and government agencies particularly those working in environmental, social, economic, and human development issues
• Basic knowledge of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or other international donor agency requirements and regulations highly advantageous
• Experience or basic knowledge of integrating cross-cutting issues and concerns including, but not limited to, climate change, GEDSI, risk management, child protection, etc. highly advantageous

SPECIFIC JOB FUNCTIONS

• Prepare and manage grant and contract documents and related correspondences
• Collect data and prepare drafts under supervision on activity plans and activity reports to meet the team’s reporting requirements
• Provide support in ensuring that essential activities are properly documented
• Monitor and coordinate reporting and billing schedules of consultants and sub-awardees to ensure timely submissions
• Provide administrative and logistical assistance to the assigned team, such as assisting in the identification, coordination, and management of contractors, service providers, and other suppliers, vendors, and other logistical requirements
• Draft meeting notes and communication products (e.g., success stories, media alerts, press releases, talking points)
• Interact with partners, consultants, donors on administrative and logistical concerns
• May be requested to represent the program/organization in external events
• Assist the Senior Program Officer and/or Program Officer in tracking and analyzing program expenditure
• Coordinate, under supervision, with the CfC Program Management Team on cross-cutting program concerns
• May be requested to assist The Asia Foundation-Philippines’ internal activities (e.g., brownbag sessions, office social events, etc.)
• Other duties as reasonably assigned by the Senior Management, Strategic Advisor, Program Leader, and Senior Program Officer