Join Our Team: Inclusive Governance Specialist (Sama-Sama Project Philippines)

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Title	Inclusive Governance specialist
Contract type	Project-based, Full-time
Workstation	Cebu City
Supervisor	Program Manager – Philippines
International Relationships	All project team members in Nepal, Regional Team Leader-Asia, Project Officer- Montreal
External Relationships	Partners, donors, and government stakeholders in the Philippines
Travel Requirement	Frequent travel to the project provinces in Philippines
Duration:	1 year, renewable based on performance and project needs (July 2025 start)

1. Introduction

The Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI), founded in 1958, promotes sustainable and inclusive development worldwide. Committed to poverty reduction and gender equality, CECI empowers women, girls, and vulnerable communities through innovative solutions in leadership, economic inclusion, governance, climate resilience, and peacebuilding. With operations in 17 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, it has implemented over 350 projects, partnered with 400+ organizations, and engaged 440+ employees and volunteers globally. Our key priorities include (1) Women and Girls’ Rights – Advocating for equal opportunities, (2) Women’s Economic Empowerment – Strengthening skills for employment and entrepreneurship, (3) Climate Change Adaptation – Supporting communities in environmental resilience, and (4) Inclusive Governance & Peacebuilding – Promoting participatory governance in fragile contexts. CECI collaborates with key partners to drive transformative, gender-inclusive approaches and scale best practices. Its efforts in research, innovation, and international cooperation foster sustainable solutions to global challenges.

The Center for Emergency Aid, Rehabilitation and Development (CONCERN) Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit social welfare development organization formed in 1986 to comprehensively address and support the needs of disaster victims and communities at risk in the Philippines. CONCERN is a long-term partner of CECI in the Philippines. It works hand-in-hand with local communities, civil society organizations, government, with the support of our partners, in strengthening the capacities in rights-based and gender-integrated disaster risk reduction and management.

Background

The Sama-Sama project is a 3-year development project implemented by the CECI, with funding support from the Government of Canada, in partnership with Pro Public in Nepal and CONCERN in the Philippines, from March 2025 to December 2027. This initiative aims to strengthen civil society in Nepal and the Philippines to reinforce civic engagement and democratic participation among women and marginalized groups (WMGs). In the Philippines, the project will be implemented in Eastern Samar, Metro-Cebu, Cagayan De Oro City, Iligan City, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The project will be implemented in 12 LGUs across Nepal’s Madhesh and Lumbini provinces.

2. Position Overview

The IG Officer will support the project by developing and overseeing the implementation of the country-level governance strategy, ensuring that the project staff and partners are capable of collaborating with the government towards inclusion, and providing technical and policy advice.

In collaboration with the project team in the Philippines and Nepal, the Inclusive Governance Specialist will provide strategic and technical leadership to ensure the integration of inclusive governance principles across all project components. The role involves capacity building, policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and the development of inclusive governance frameworks that promote the participation of women and marginalized groups in democratic processes.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

Capacity building

Design and deliver training and orientation to support the project staff and partners in governance and policy matters.
Facilitate participatory processes that enhance the voice and agency of WMGs in decision-making.
Develop tools, guidelines, and training materials on inclusive governance and civic engagement.

Technical advice and support

Develop an inclusive governance strategy for the SAMA-SAMA Project in the Philippines, ensuring alignment with project objectives and focusing on opportunities and mechanisms for enhanced participation of women and marginalized groups in governance processes.
Guide the implementation of the governance strategy in the Philippines.
Provide technical advice and support to project staff, partners, and consultants on governance practices and policy matters.
Review policy briefs, position papers, advocacy materials, and reports to ensure accuracy and quality.
Provide technical inputs to the design of project plans, tools, and materials

Collaboration and partnerships

Collaborate closely with the project’s Gender Equality and Human Rights (GEHR) Officer in the Philippines the MEAL specialist, as well as the IG and GEHR specialist in Nepal for complementarity in the provision of technical support to enhance project activities implementation and outcomes;
Ensure liaison with other I/NGOs implementing similar initiatives in the country, for knowledge sharing and potential collaboration.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

Contribute to the documentation of learning and innovations in the field of gender-responsive inclusive governance and the project’s annual workplans and narrative reports;
Facilitate and conduct knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance understanding of gender-responsive inclusive governance;
Participate to semi-annual and annual review processes;
Contribute to ensure strict compliance with CECI’s and CONCERN’s Codes of Conduct and Protection policies by project teams, partners and consultants;
Perform other related tasks as may be assigned by the Program Manager.

SAFEGUARDING AND ETHICS

Adhere to CECI’s and CONCERN’s procedures, policies, and security guidelines.
Promote security awareness and ensure compliance with relevant procedures for team members and partners.
Uphold CECI’s Code of Conduct, preventing exploitation, abuse, and harassment, Policy on the Protection of Children; Policy Against Corruption; Policy on Data Protection, while fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

4. Qualifications

Advanced university degree in governance, leadership, and democracy studies, law, political science, international development, gender studies, or a related field
At least 10 years of experience in governance, policy engagement, or related fields, preferably in an I/NGO
Strong understanding of inclusive governance, gender quality and human rights frameworks
Experience working with local governments, civil society organizations and marginalized communities in the Philippines particularly in the project’s target areas (Eastern Samar, Metro-Cebu, Cagayan De Oro City, Iligan City, and/or the BARMM)
Prior experience working on major projects related to inclusive governance, federalism, democratic outreach, civic engagement, and capacity development
Skilled in partner capacity strengthening, staff training, and mentoring project teams
Strong analytical and strategic planning capabilities and resource management abilities to drive successful project delivery
Excellent analytical, communication and facilitation skills
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team
Proficiency in information and computer technology (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google and Microsoft 365 environments

5. Work Conditions and Logistics

Transportation allowance for official activities, communication allowance, and a work laptop will be provided.
Statutory benefits (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, 13th Month Pay, Leave Credits) and HMO/insurance will be provided.
CECI/ CONCERN Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women and marginalized groups, including people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities are available upon request for candidates participating in every step of the hiring process.

REFERENCE AND VETTING PROCEDURE

CECI conducts comprehensive background and reference checks, emphasizing protection and safeguarding. Candidates must provide contact details for three references, who will only be contacted with explicit consent.

APPLICATION

Submit your Cover Letter and CV/resume to info@concerninc.org with subject [PH IG] [Last Name] on or before June 27, 2025, Friday.