Project Coordinating Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The organization behind this job posting is UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), which is a global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and disaster resilience, and aims to empower lives and build resilient nations.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordinating Assistant will play a crucial role in the I-LEAD project, which aims to empower Indigenous women and girls in the Philippines by enhancing their rights and leadership capacities. The position involves coordinating socio-economic activities, ensuring that interventions are culturally sensitive and aligned with Indigenous Peoples' rights. The assistant will work closely with the I-LEAD Project Manager and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to facilitate project planning, implementation, and monitoring. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders, including local government units and civil society organizations, to promote inclusive development and ensure the successful execution of project objectives. The assistant will also be responsible for capacity building, socio-economic profiling, and advocacy efforts to uphold Indigenous knowledge systems and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordinating Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Project Planning, Coordination, Implementation, and Monitoring: Provide technical assistance in planning and implementing socio-economic initiatives for Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Regions XI and XII. Ensure project activities align with I-LEAD objectives and community development priorities. Support the preparation of annual work plans and financial plans, and coordinate schedules of project activities with partners. Facilitate regular meetings and monitor compliance with agreements. Conduct field visits to assess implementation and provide technical support. Prepare progress reports and ensure proper documentation of project-related documents.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building: Organize inter-agency meetings and workshops to ensure active participation of ICCs/IPs. Promote Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes in project planning. Design and deliver capacity-building activities on livelihood and entrepreneurship.
• Socio-Economic Profiling and Enterprise Assessment: Develop tools for socio-economic surveys and maintain an updated database of ICC/IP socio-economic profiles. Identify potential livelihood opportunities and sustainable income-generating initiatives.
• Advocacy, Knowledge Management, and Cultural Sensitivity: Advocate for inclusive development and recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems. Ensure project activities uphold IP rights and promote gender equality. Support knowledge sharing relevant to the project.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a secondary education as a minimum, with a first-level university degree in Sociology, Community Development, Economics, Public Administration, Management, or related fields being advantageous. Candidates should have a strong understanding of project coordination and socio-economic development, particularly in relation to Indigenous Peoples or rural communities. Experience working with the NCIP and other relevant agencies is highly desirable, along with proficiency in data collection and analysis, and community organizing.

Educational Background:
A secondary education is required for this position, with a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in relevant fields such as Sociology, Community Development, Economics, Public Administration, or Management being preferred but not mandatory. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the socio-economic dynamics and challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in project coordination or socio-economic development with Indigenous Peoples or rural communities if they possess only a secondary education. If they hold a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is required. Experience working with the NCIP and other line agencies in the Philippines, as well as international organizations and NGOs, is essential. Proven experience in project planning, coordination, and monitoring, along with proficiency in MS Office applications, is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Filipino is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it relates to the communities served by the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is part of a project that will be implemented over four years (2026–2030). The role involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, local government units, and civil society organizations. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and values diversity, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in its recruitment process.