Call for Expression of Interest: Pool of Experts for Short-Term Services

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION
Title: Call for Expression of Interest: Pool of Experts for
Short-Term Services Position Type: Part Time
Duration/Level of Effort : Short Term
Position Location : Philippines

1. INTRODUCTION

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 is 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 Philippine 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 service.

2. PURPOSE OF THIS EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
SPRING is establishing a pool of qualified experts (individual consultants) to support the implementation of program activities. Multiple short-term service contracts are anticipated over the next 12 months across various technical areas.
This EOI aims to pre-qualify experts with relevant experience, skills, and expertise in social policy, social protection, gender equality, climate change, shock responsiveness, disability inclusion, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and related technical areas. Pre-qualified experts will be contacted directly when specific assignments become available, streamlining the procurement process and ensuring timely program implementation.

3. AREAS OF EXPERTISE REQUIRED
SPRING seeks experts across the following technical areas and specific technical expertise.  Interested parties may apply for multiple technical areas/expertise for which they are qualified. Complete details of the technical areas and expertise outlined in this link: https://www.cowater.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AREAS-OF-EXPERTISE-REQUIRED_full-description.pdf

3.1. GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion), with expertise in one or more of the following:

1. Gender-Responsive Design of Social Protection and Social Security Programs
2. Disability-Inclusive Social Protection System Design and Service Delivery
3. Indigenous Peoples Inclusion in Social Protection, Gender Equality, and Disability Support Systems
4. Inclusive Beneficiary Identification Systems
5. Accessible and Inclusive Service Delivery Mechanisms
6. Safeguarding and Risk Mitigation in SP and GEDSI Program and Service Delivery Operations,
7. Institutional Governance and Capacity Strengthening for SP and GEDSI
8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Systems

3.2. Social Protection, with expertise in one or more of the following:

1. Social Protection Policy and Systems Design
2. Social Assistance and Social Insurance Programs
3. Beneficiary identification and Social Registries
4. Social Protection Services Delivery Systems and Operations
5. Governance and Accountability in Social Protection
6. Digital Transformation and Innovation in Social Protection
7. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning in social protection programming

3.3. Public Finance Management, with expertise in one or more of the following:

1. Public Financial Management and Financing
2. Financing and Equity in SP and GEDSI Program Design and Service Delivery
3. LGU Financing and Local Governance

3.4.  Local Government Strengthening and Participatory Development, with expertise in one or more of the following:

1. Strengthening Inclusive Local Governance
2. Building LGU Institutional Capacity for SP and GEDSI Programming
3. Strengthening LGU Systems to Support Citizen Engagement
   
   

3.5. Adapting SP and GEDSI services to climate change and other shocks, with expertise in one or more of the following:

1. Philippine climate policy, adaptation, and mitigation strategies and resilience-building in vulnerable communities in line with the National Climate Change Action Plan and DRRM frameworks, Climate policy development, climate finance, adaptation and mitigation strategies, promoting green jobs and just transitions, early warning systems, anticipatory action, climate-smart agriculture, and disaster risk reduction/management.
2. Adaptive and Shock-Responsive Social Protection (ASRSP)
3. Gender, disability, and social inclusion in vertical and horizontal expansion mechanisms

3.6. Data and Management Information Systems, with expertise in one or more of the following:

1. Social Registry and Beneficiary Identification Systems
2. Development or Strengthening of Digital Systems
3. Digital Payment Systems
4. Monitoring, Accountability, and Regulatory Frameworks

3.7. Policy Review, Sector Analysis, and Policy Development, with expertise in one or more of the following:

1. Inclusive Policy and Legislative Review
2. Gender and Social Inclusion Policy Analysis
3. Social Protection Coverage and Adequacy Analysis
4. Political Economy and Stakeholder Analysis
5. Evidence-Based Policy Reform Design and Development
6. Subnational Policy and Decentralization Reform
7. Adaptive and Shock-Responsive Policy Development
8. Behavioral and Institutional Analysis

3.8. Capacity Building and Training, with expertise in one or more of the following:

1. Designing Training Modules
2. Training National and Local Government Technical Staff
3. Developing Mainstreaming Toolkits and Operational Guidance Notes

4. QUALIFICATIONS:

4.1.  Academic background, preferably with advanced studies or degrees, in the fields/s relevant to the required area/s of expertise indicated in section 3., above.
4.2.  At least 7 years of professional experience in a field/s relevant to the required area/s of expertise indicated in section 3., above.
4.3. Demonstrated experience engaging with (i) government partners, including national government agencies and local government units; (ii) bilateral and multilateral development agencies; (iii) DFAT and DFAT-funded programs, and; (iv) relevant stakeholders, including CSOs engaged in social protection and GEDSI service delivery, Women’s Rights Organization (WRO), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPD), Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPO), and other relevant groups in the performance of tasks related to indicated expertise. 
4.4. Proven ability to produce high-quality technical outputs within agreed timelines.
4.5. Strong command of, and with excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Filipino
4.6. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
4.7.  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.
4.8  Compliance to DFAT policies on fraud control, financing terrorism, child protection and other social safeguards
4.9. Based in the Philippines, and with demonstrated cultural sensitivity and understanding of Philippine context.

5. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Interested individuals must submit the following documents:

1. Signed Expression of Interest Form (see Annex A: https://www.cowater.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ANNEX-A_Call-for-Expression-of-Interest-Pool-of-Experts-for-Short-Term-Services_SPRING_Mar-2026.pdf)
2. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 4 pages) that clearly demonstrates alignment of academic qualifications and professional background and experience with one or more of the areas of expertise required.
3. Copies of Academic Degrees and Professional Certifications
4. At least three (3) professional references with contact information.
5. Portfolio or Writing Samples (maximum 3 samples) to be requested as needed, demonstrating relevant expertise in selected areas/fields.

6. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Email Submission:

All applications must be submitted electronically to: hr@springphilippines.org

Subject Line Format:
    EOI-SPRING-[TECHNICAL AREA (TA) NUMBER]-[INDIVIDUAL NAME]
Example:
    EOI-SPRING-TA3-TA6-Juan dela Cruz

Multiple Expertise Applications: Applicants may apply for multiple expertise. Submit one application with all relevant qualifications, specifying all expertise for which you qualify in the subject line (e.g., TA1-TA3-TA5).

File Format: Submit all documents as a single PDF file (maximum 20MB). Name the file: [INDIVIDUAL NAME] _SPRING_EOI_2026.pdf

Application deadline: April 18, 2026


7. SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION
This Expression of Interest is a market search to establish a pool of pre-qualified experts. Selection from the pool for specific assignments will be based on:

• Relevance and depth of technical expertise for specific assignment requirements
• Quality and relevance of past work portfolio and references
• Availability and capacity to deliver within required timeframes
• Value for money and cost-effectiveness
• Compliance with DFAT partner standards, policies on fraud control, financing terrorism, child protection, and safeguarding requirements

Pre-qualified experts will be notified by email and included in SPRING’s expert roster. When specific assignments arise, shortlisted experts will be invited to submit detailed technical and financial proposals.
Important Notes:

• Submission of an EOI does not guarantee a contract or assignment
• SPRING reserves the right to request additional information or clarifications
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for specific opportunities
• Applications may be kept on file for the duration of the program (until June 2029)
• SPRING may conduct reference checks and due diligence for selected applicants

8. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Confidentiality: All information submitted will be treated as confidential and used solely for SPRING recruitment purposes.
2. Data Privacy: By submitting an application, applicants consent to SPRING collecting, storing, and processing their personal data in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) for recruitment and contract management purposes only.
3. Safeguarding: All contracted experts must comply with Cowater International’s Child Protection and Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) policies. Background checks may be required.
4. Conflict of Interest: Applicants must declare any potential conflicts of interest. Failure to disclose conflicts may result in disqualification.
5. Costs: SPRING will not reimburse any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of EOI applications.
6. Right to Accept or Reject: SPRING reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications without obligation to provide reasons.
7. Updates and Amendments: SPRING may update expert requirements throughout the program period. Applicants may be invited to update their submissions if new expertise areas are identified.

9. INQUIRIES AND CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions or clarifications regarding this Expression of Interest, please contact:
SPRING HR Unit
Email:  hr@springphilippines.org
Subject Line: INQUIRY - EOI SPRING 2026

Note: All inquiries must be submitted in writing via email. Deadline for inquiries is March 20, 2026. Responses to common questions will be shared with all interested parties who have submitted inquiries.

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 look forward to receiving your application and potentially working with you to advance social protection, gender equality, and social inclusion in the Philippines.

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