Accreditation and Framework Consultant

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Accreditation and Framework Consultant
Position Type (full/part time): Part Time
Duration/Level of Effort (long/short term): April - July 2026 (up to 20 working days)
Position Location (e.g. city, country, remote): Metro Manila, Philippines with virtual coordination if necessary

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

The DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender equality (SPRING) program is Australia’s flagship investment of support to the Philippine Government on Social Protection, Gender Equality, Disability, Social Inclusion and Indigenous Inclusion. It is an AUD 40 million investment over 5 years that will support the joint Development Partnership Plan (DPP 2024-2029) between the Government of Australia and the Philippine Government. The investment will be the DFAT’s primary avenue in the Philippines for supporting poverty reduction and bilateral funding on gender equality and social inclusion at the national level and with some select Local Government Units (LGUs). SPRING supports efforts under Australia’s new International Development Policy and DFAT’s forthcoming new strategies on gender equality, disability equity and rights, and translate these into implementation in the Philippines.

SPRING contributes to the goal that the social and economic transformation in the Philippines reduces poverty and provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos in line with the Philippines Development Plan.

The objective of SPRING is that Australia works in partnership with the Philippine Government to improve systems and structures that reduce poverty and inequality and advance gender equality and the rights of people with disabilities.

SPRING has four mutually reinforcing End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):

1. Philippine Government social protection plans, policies and programs increasingly close gaps in the social protection floor.
2. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and select LGU systems increasingly deliver quality social protection that is inclusive, gender and shock responsive, and climate sensitive.
3. The Philippine Government increasingly invests in gender responsive policies, plans, programs and systems.
4. The Philippine Government improves data, systems and targeting to enable people with disability and Indigenous Peoples improved access to targeted services.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The Accreditation and Framework Consultant will provide technical inputs to ensure that the Social Protection Capability Development Harmonization activity is aligned with relevant competency standards, accreditation requirements, and institutional learning frameworks applicable to the DSWD Academy. Working under the guidance of the Training Specialist (Team Lead) and in close coordination with the DSWD Academy and relevant DSWD units, the consultant will support the development and validation of the social protection competency framework and learning pathway matrix. The Consultant will work using existing DSWD Academy competency standards, learning systems, and reference materials that will be provided by the DSWD Academy and SPRING, as available.
The consultant will advise on how the SP modules and learning pathways can be structured to support institutionalization, recognition, and potential accreditation, including alignment with relevant HR and competency systems. The role will also support the streamlining and packaging of modules by providing framework criteria and will contribute to validation processes to ensure that recommended products are feasible and compliant with DSWD Academy requirements. All recommendations and outputs will be submitted as drafts for DSWD Academy review, and will be finalized only upon DSWD Academy confirmation and endorsement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Accreditation and Framework Consultant will provide technical inputs to strengthen alignment of the harmonized SP learning package with competency standards, learning frameworks, and potential accreditation requirements relevant to the DSWD Academy. Working under the guidance of the Training Specialist (Team Lead) and in close coordination with the DSWD Academy focal point and relevant DSWD units, responsibilities include:

1. Framework and standards review

• Review relevant DSWD Academy competency standards and learning systems and other applicable HR development and learning framework references that guide training delivery, recognition, and quality assurance.
• Provide framework options and minimum standards to guide module harmonization and packaging, for DSWD Academy review.

 2. Competency framework development support

• Provide technical inputs to the development of the SP Competency Framework to ensure clarity of competency statements, levels/proficiency, and alignment with institutional standards.
• Support definition of competency domains and level descriptors that can be used for training design and assessment.
• Ensure proposed refinements are aligned with existing DSWD Academy competency and HR systems, and are submitted for DSWD Academy validation and approval.

 3. Learning pathway and accreditation alignment

• Provide inputs to the learning pathway matrix to ensure it supports structured progression and recognition, including prerequisites, levels, and potential credentialing options.
• Provide recommendations on how modules and pathways could be mapped to recognition or accreditation options, including documentation and quality assurance requirements, for DSWD Academy decision.

 4. Module streamlining and packaging criteria

• Provide framework-based criteria to guide module review and streamlining decisions (retain/revise/merge/retire/develop), including quality and compliance considerations. Provide criteria in a format that can be applied by DSWD Academy for consistent decisions and documentation.
• Support integration of these criteria into the streamlining plan and prototype module pack standards.

 5. Validation and institutionalization support

• Support validation by preparing review notes on feasibility for institutionalization and compliance with agreed standards and consolidate feedback for revisions led by the Team Lead.
• Consolidate framework- and accreditation-related feedback and support revisions to ensure final outputs are aligned with agreed standards and requirements.

DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINES

Deliverable / Milestone | Performance Indicator | Number of Days |  Timeline

Framework and standards review note

• Performance Indicator: Key standards/framework references identified and practical alignment recommendations provided to the team and DSWD Academy
• Number of Days: 4 Days
• Timeline: April 2026

Inputs to SP Competency Framework

• Performance Indicator: Competency statements and level descriptors refined and aligned with institutional standards
• Number of Days: 2 Days
• Timeline: May 2026

Accreditation and recognition pathway note/matrix
Performance Indicator: Note/matrix completed and validated with DSWD Academy/HRMDS; outlines recognition/accreditation options, steps, and documentation checklist
Number of Days: 5 Days
Timeline: June 2026

Inputs to SP Learning Pathway Matrix (recognition/accreditation alignment)
Performance Indicator: Pathway matrix includes levels, prerequisites, and proposed recognition/accreditation considerations
Number of Days: 4 Days
Timeline: June 2026

Inputs to Module Review and Streamlining Plan (framework criteria)
Performance Indicator: Streamlining decisions reflect agreed framework criteria and compliance considerations
Number of Days: 3 Days
Timeline: July 2026

Validation workshop support and revisions
Performance Indicator: Framework/pathway alignment validated; feedback integrated and final outputs updated
Number of Days: 2 Days
Timeline: July 2026

Total: Up to 20 days



JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:

• Advanced degree (master’s degree or higher) in in Human Resource Development, Education, Public Administration, Organizational Development, Social Sciences, Social Work or a related field.
• Relevant certification or formal training in competency-based training, qualifications frameworks, accreditation processes, or instructional quality assurance is an advantage.

Minimum Experience:

• At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in competency framework development, HRD systems, training quality assurance, accreditation, or qualifications/credentialing processes, preferably within government or public sector training institutions.
• Proven experience developing competency frameworks, level descriptors, and learning pathways linked to assessment and recognition mechanisms.
• Demonstrated senior advisory experience providing technical guidance to institutional frameworks, standards development, and validation/endorsement processes with government counterparts.
• Experience advising on accreditation or certification requirements, including documentation standards and quality assurance processes, is an advantage.

Experience working with government counterparts to align learning products with HR and institutional standards is an advantage (DSWD/DSWD Academy experience is an advantage).

Essential Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to translate competency and learning pathway concepts into practical frameworks, criteria, and documentation requirements that a training institution can implement.
• Strong understanding of competency-based approaches, learning progression, assessment linkages, and quality assurance considerations.
• Proven ability to develop clear, usable guidance notes and matrices (e.g., accreditation/recognition pathway checklists).
• Strong analytical and writing skills to synthesize standards and stakeholder inputs into practical recommendations.
• Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement skills to support validation processes and integrate feedback into final outputs.
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of GEDSI principles, with knowledge or experience in promoting gender equality, disability, and social inclusion especially within adaptive programs like SPRING. This includes a clear understanding of and practical experience in safeguarding, particularly in the context of child protection (CP) and Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH), with the ability to integrate safeguarding measures into program implementation.
• Compliance to DFAT policies on fraud control, financing terrorism, child protection and other social safeguards.

APPLICATION PROCESS
This is a rolling recruitment. Applications will be reviewed and vetted sequentially as they are received. We encourage interested individuals to apply as early as possible.

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.

Cowater international strives to maintain a fair, transparent, and human centered recruitment process. As part of our commitment to responsible hiring practices and compliance with evolving recruitment regulations, we may use AI assisted tools to support limited aspects of our talent acquisition workflow, such as reviewing or shortlisting applications. These tools are used only to enhance efficiency and consistency in our processes. All assessments, interviews, and final hiring decisions are made exclusively by our human recruiting managers. Candidates may request additional information about the use of these tools or reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

About the Organization

ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.