Project Officer

In 2015, the Department for International Development announced the Cross-Government Prosperity Fund to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as the 2015 UK Aid Strategy by promoting growth and prosperity in developing countries.  The Cross-Government Prosperity Fund’s focus is on Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible middle income-countries and provide expertise and technical assistance in sectors and countries where there is the highest potential for inclusive growth. 

The UK Prosperity Fund for Skills Programme in South East Asia (UKPFSEA) project falls under the Cross-Government Prosperity Fund’s Global Skills Programme where ODA is granted to support middle income countries to address skills shortages.  The Global Skills Programme takes a partnership approach and draws on UK expertise to promote sustainable and inclusive growth by improving the affordability, quality, relevance and equity of Higher Education (HE) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the partner countries. 

The UKPFSEA project is implemented by the International Labour Office (ILO), led by the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) and the Decent Work Technical Support Team for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific (DWT-Bangkok).  The UKPFSEA project aims to increase national capacity to achieve sustained inclusive growth through the enhancement of skills development and technical and vocational education training (TVET) systems.  These systems will offer relevant, quality and inclusive programmes that support both industry upgrading and transformation, and improvements in employability, employment and the livelihood opportunities of beneficiaries.  The project targets three middle-income countries in Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.  Across all countries, the project will support national efforts to facilitate reform at the policy and system levels for broad national impact and sustainability.  At the same time, it will ensure impact at the individual level by contributing to poverty reduction and address inequality.  In short, the project combines interventions at the upstream level (e.g. policy and structure) and the downstream level (training delivery, certification and employment facilitation).  The intended impact is the increased capacity for inclusive growth in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines due to more productive and equitable skills systems and TVET systems, improving employability, employment opportunities and the livelihoods for the beneficiaries.

This position is located in Manila, Philippines and a work unit that falls under the ILO Country Office for the Philippines (CO-Manila).  As a team member the incumbent provides professional services for the efficient, effective and client-oriented delivery and administration and of a range of activities.  Work is governed by established rules, regulations, policies procedures and guidelines and includes the use of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.  The incumbent applies and promotes the principles of results based management.

The incumbent will report to the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) for the Philippines component of the project, closely work with the Enterprise Development Specialist and the Senior Programme Officer in CO-Manila, and will receive technical guidance from the concerned ILO technical departments including the Skills & Employability Specialist attached to the Decent Work Technical Support Team for East and South-East Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok.

Under the guidance and supervision of the CTA, the Project Officer will liaise with the UKPFSEA project in the Philippines and collaborate with the national staff and other staff under this project located in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as with the project coordination team in Bangkok.

1. Provide inputs to developing operations plan for overall compliance with national, regional and global strategic priorities as well as with programming instructions.

2. Provide knowledge and information management support for activities of the project. Assemble and edit basic data required for planning, reporting and negotiation of project activities, considering different approaches and alternative methods for project design, management, problem identification and problem resolution.  Use baselines, milestones and indicators to measure, analyse and report on performance.  Monitor and verify accuracy of data.

3. Provide inputs to and draft portions of the terms of reference, policy briefs, research, tools, guidelines and other materials developed by the project.  Prepare background information, reports, subject matter related technical reports and statistical data on status of project activities and relevant developments in the country.

4. Work in cooperation with external partners and technical specialists in the preparation of draft contracts and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and ensure that these are consistent with requirements and timelines for project implementation.  Request and follow-up on the timely submission of progress reports and raise areas of concern with concerned parties.

5. Provide support and be involved in enhancing the monitoring and evaluation framework for results-based project management, including the theory of change, detailed M&E plan, performance framework, risk management strategies, management information systems, and M&E manuals and tools.  Contribute to the development of the inception report.

6. Contribute to the effective implementation of the project’s inception phase, through timely provision of inputs and outputs, and planning, control, monitoring and evaluation of project activities, in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines and country/action programs, and administrative and financial procedures.

7. Provide technical advice and support to project staff and national partners in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project activities, in coordination with the ILO Office and HQ.

8. Provide support to research and integrate technical inputs for regional and country analyses, reports and publications related to the project.

9. Provide support to the preparation of the training materials and conduct seminars and workshops. Contribute to training and strengthening of project teams in the country covered by the project.

10. Under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor for the Philippines component of the project, Enterprise Development Specialist and the Senior Programme Officer for the Philippines, maintain close liaison with governments, workers' and employers' organizations, UN organizations non-governmental organizations on a broad range of country programmes and projects. Maintain working contacts and collaboration with multi-lateral and bilateral donor agencies and prepare proposals for funding.

11. Co-ordinate closely, promote linkages and share best practices and lessons learnt with other relevant ILO projects in the region, ILO units and external stakeholders.

12. Promote ILO policies regarding the project/program, other fundamental rights at work and the relevant International Labour Standards through a more effective coordination with a range of relevant national policies and the strategies of various projects, including those being undertaken by other agencies or in complementary fields of activity.

13. Undertake missions in relation to project implementation.

14. Undertake other duties as required.

University degree in economics, statistics, management, social science or related fields with demonstrated expertise or equivalent experience. 

At least two years of relevant professional experience at the national and/or international level development sector. 

Excellent command of English, ability to draft report in English.  Good knowledge of the local language.

• Knowledge or the programming cycle (planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation).
• Political awareness and understanding of socio-economic factors.
• Ability to participate effectively in technical missions and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to provide technical advice and to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff and young professionals in the area of specialization.
• Ability to draft reports and prepare guidelines relating to programme development and implementation and ability to provide technical support to senior specialists carrying out research, project formulation and implementation.

• Excellent analytical skills and knowledge of analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and statistical software packages.
• Ability to interpret and work within applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, personal discipline and impartiality.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with key stakholders.
• Ability to work under political and time pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.