Regional Project Coordinating Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The organization behind this job posting is I-LEAD, which focuses on empowering Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) in the Philippines. The mission of I-LEAD is to affirm and strengthen the rights and leadership capacities of Indigenous women and girls, particularly in Regions XI and XII of Mindanao. The organization aims to address the challenges faced by these communities, including poverty, marginalization, and limited access to essential services. I-LEAD is supported by the Government of New Zealand and collaborates with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). The project is set to be implemented over four years, from 2026 to 2030, and emphasizes a rights-based, gender-transformative approach to development, engaging various stakeholders to co-create solutions that respect Indigenous rights and cultural identity.

Job Overview:
The Regional Project Coordinating Assistant will play a crucial role in coordinating, facilitating, and monitoring socio-economic projects and activities within Indigenous Cultural Communities in the I-LEAD sites located in Region XII. This position requires effective stakeholder engagement and cultural integration to ensure that all project activities align with the overarching objectives of I-LEAD. The assistant will support the planning, scheduling, execution, and monitoring of project activities, ensuring compliance with UNDP guidelines and policies. The role also involves maintaining regular communication with community facilitators, assisting in Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes, and fostering collaborative relationships with local government units and other stakeholders. The assistant will be responsible for collecting and consolidating data on project implementation, preparing reports, and identifying any issues that arise during the project lifecycle. Overall, this position is integral to the successful implementation of the I-LEAD project, which aims to empower Indigenous women and girls economically and socially.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Project Coordinating Assistant include:

• Coordination, Planning, and Implementation: Support the planning, scheduling, execution, and monitoring of project activities in I-LEAD sites, ensuring alignment with project objectives and approved work plans. Facilitate resource mobilization and provide logistical support for project activities, ensuring compliance with UNDP guidelines. Prepare regional work and financial plans in coordination with partner agencies. Organize and document Regional Inter-Agency Technical Working Group meetings and monitor action points. Ensure collaboration with NCIP Regional Office units and other stakeholders for holistic implementation. Prepare and submit periodic progress and status reports to the PMU and NCIP.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Community Facilitation: Maintain regular communication with Field Assistants and support community consultations and capacity-building sessions. Assist in the facilitation of FPIC processes and support building collaborative relationships with LGUs and other stakeholders.
• Monitoring, Documentation, and Reporting: Collect and consolidate data on project implementation and community feedback. Prepare periodic progress reports and maintain organized records of project documents.
• Socio-Economic and Cultural Development Support: Assist in identifying livelihood and cultural development opportunities for IP communities and promote sustainable interventions. Participate in training and support knowledge sharing relevant to the project.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Regional Project Coordinating Assistant position include:

• Education: Secondary education is required, with a first-level university degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Economics, Public Administration, or related fields being an advantage.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in project coordination or socio-economic development involving Indigenous Peoples or rural communities is required for candidates with secondary education. For those with a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is required. Candidates should have experience working with NCIP and other agencies in the Philippines, as well as practical experience in project planning, coordination, and monitoring.
• Skills: Proficiency in data collection and analysis, as well as MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), is essential. Desired skills include experience with IPRA, FPIC processes, and culturally sensitive approaches.

Educational Background:
The educational background needed for this position includes secondary education as a minimum requirement. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Community Development, Economics, or Public Administration is preferred but not mandatory. Candidates with relevant experience may also be considered favorably even without a degree.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Regional Project Coordinating Assistant position includes a minimum of 5 years of experience in project coordination or socio-economic development for those with secondary education. For candidates with a bachelor’s degree, at least 2 years of relevant experience is required. This experience should involve working with Indigenous Peoples or rural communities, as well as collaboration with NCIP and other governmental and non-governmental organizations in the Philippines. Practical experience in project planning, coordination, and monitoring, including preparation of work plans and progress reports, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in Filipino and English is required for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of Visayan is desired, which would enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a project that is set to be implemented over four years, from 2026 to 203

• The role is expected to be full-time and may involve working with various stakeholders, including local government units, national government agencies, and civil society organizations. The organization values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. The organization reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions in the future. Importantly, UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.