Skills Development and Partnerships Director (SDPD)

Job Description

About EQUIP
Education Quality for Inclusive Prosperity (EQUIP) is a critical component of Australia’s strategic partnership with the Philippines. It builds on over 30 years of investment by the Government of Australia into the Philippines’ education sector and supports the Marcos government’s commitment to improve the global competitiveness of the Philippine education and labour market. EQUIP reflects the collective interest of Australia and the Philippines to foster a robust and adaptive education system where learners and graduates can thrive in an increasingly digitalised economy.
EQUIP aims to support the Philippines’ inclusive economic growth ambitions by ensuring the labour force is well equipped with skills relevant to meet the needs of the country’s rapidly transforming economy. EQUIP aims to promote skills development in senior high school and enable a smooth transition to the labour force, whether immediately upon leaving school or after further education. It will also support Philippine Government agencies improve its policies and practices to support relevant skills pathways for senior secondary school learners.

The Role
The Skills Development and Partnerships Director (SDPD) will be a key member of the Team and will report directly to the Deputy Team Leader. The SDPD will lead the implementation of skills development initiatives in the pilot schools. Under the guidance of the DTL and in partnership with program partners and experts, lead in the design and implementation of capacity building programs for teachers, school heads, and other school personnel to improve the delivery of skills training to learners. The role also includes supporting school efforts in building partnerships for more meaningful and relevant immersion experiences and exposure of learners taking the Technical Vocational (TechVoc) track. The SDPD will collaborate with the Inclusion Lead to ensure that inclusion considerations are core considerations in the design and actual implementation of programs. The SDPD will work with the MERL Lead to ensure that the team and other implementing partners learn from the pilot initiatives and are reported to capture evidence and relevant data. 

The SDPD will contribute to programmatic reporting and annual planning – driving a culture of high performance, client-focused service delivery, and setting the standard for program implementation, innovation and quality assurance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Deputy Team Leader and members of the Leadership Team, lead the implementation and regular update of the Skills Development components of the EQUIP Program Strategy.
• Provide technical support to the regional coordinating team, including quality assuring the design and implementation of the program interventions.
• With guidance from the Deputy Team Leader, work closely with the Education and Partnerships Director to ensure partners, including DepEd and TESDA, industry and business leaders and managers are consulted and engaged in the design and implementation of specific program pilots.
• Maintain close coordination with the Deputy Team Leader to align priorities, refine program messaging, and contribute to clear and accurate reporting.
• With guidance from the Deputy Team Leader, work closely with the Inclusion Lead, ensure that GEDSI considerations are integrated into all pilot interventions, training packages and materials, data collection methods and reporting.
• With guidance from the Deputy Team Leader, work collaboratively with the MERL Lead to capture key learnings and evidence of achievements to inform program delivery across all aspects of the program.
• With guidance from the Deputy Team Leader, lead the development of toolkits, resources, and guidance notes to support the field teams in providing quality interventions to the pilot schools.
• Identify, outreach and scope potential program partnerships between Department of Education, TESDA, local government units, private sector and educational institutions in Australia.
• Support the Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader in the production of high-quality information and reports to demonstrate and promote the results of the investment.

Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position:  https://tinyurl.com/EQUIP-SDPD

About You

• Relevant post-graduate qualifications, preferably in strategic leadership or educational management or equivalent Technical and Vocational qualifications and certifications.
• Substantial experience in implementing educational programs in the TechVoc sector involving high level strategic planning, policy development and implementation. 
• Demonstrated experience in developing annual work plans, overseeing progress against budgets, managing risks and overseeing performance of teams and partners in a complex policy and development context.
• Proven leadership experience in the TechVoc sector in the Philippines or similar, including experience in working with senior representatives from Government agencies, industry and the private sector. 
• Familiarity with the TechVoc system, including Training Regulations, assessments and certifications, and skills training delivery systems.  
• Demonstrated excellence in managing program reporting and deliverables, including experience in quality assurance systems and meeting programmatic expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualise and plan for the design of inclusive pilot or experimental programs that foster innovation and promote locally led development.
• Demonstrated experience in providing accurate, succinct reports and analysis on program issues and progress. 
• Demonstrated experience in safeguards assessment and management, particularly in relation to child safety and environmental safeguards.
• Demonstrated commitment to champion gender equality, social inclusion and climate resilience issues in all activity planning, practice and in support of service delivery.
• Demonstrated understanding of development principles, good practice, and effective stakeholder engagement.

HOW TO APPLY
Click the ‘Apply Now’ button.

Please submit
1) Your CV
2) A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 9^th April 2026, Thursday, 11:59 pm Manila Time

Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.  Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.

About the Organization

About DT Global Asia Pacific

At DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people’s lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges — from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity — with innovative thinking and a commitment to long-term impact.

For more information, please see www.dt-global.com