Programme Management Support Associate

UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services; Cotabato City; On-site; PHP 2,513,000 - 4,397,000; Full time

Job summary

UNOPS Philippines (SUBATRA / PPDM support) seeks a Programme Coordination Support Associate to provide coordination, administrative and secretariat support to the PPDM Programme Director, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and governance across BARMM initiatives. This retainer-like role focuses on maintaining operational continuity and coordinating with multiple partners and government entities.

The role emphasizes governance, documentation, and stakeholder follow-through to ensure

Qualifications

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 6 years of relevant experience OR Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Public Administration, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in coordination, project support, or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in government institutions, development partners, or international organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide institutional coordination between the OCM, BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies, national government agencies, development partners, and implementing agencies.
• Organize inter-agency coordination meetings, consultations, workshops, and technical discussions.
• Monitor action points and ensure timely follow-through with stakeholders; support governance and secretariat functions.
• Prepare minutes of meetings, resolutions, and action trackers; coordinate meeting logistics and outputs.
• Support the Programme Director in reviewing donor reports and programme documentation.

Skills

Interagency Coordination

Project Management

Report Writing

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Development Studies, Social Sciences

Secondary school + 6 years relevant experience

Job description

Provide operational coordination, administrative, governance, and secretariat support to the PPDM Programme Director (Assistant Senior Minister), supporting effective inter-agency collaboration and coordination coherence among programme stakeholders. This is a retainer position providing technical expertise on an intermittent and/or as-needed basis.

About the Region

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

The East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), headquartered in Bangkok, supports UNOPS operations across 24 countries in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Pacific. Established in January 2023, EAPMCO provides strategic direction, operational support, and quality assurance to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of projects across its portfolio. EAPMCO implements initiatives in priority areas such as energy transition, climate change, and sustainable development, drawing on UNOPS' core expertise in human resources, procurement, infrastructure, fund management, and programme management.

About the Project Office

Established in 2016, UNOPS Philippines supports the government and development partners in advancing sustainable development through services including sustainable procurement, project and grant management, infrastructure, and logistical support. UNOPS projects in the Philippines focus on key areas such as governance, justice, health, and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on capacity building, community resilience, and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About the Group

The Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme is a European Union-funded initiative implemented by UNOPS to support the institutional strengthening of the Bangsamoro Government during the transition period.

As SUBATRA approaches completion, the EU has approved the use of residual resources to support selected coordination requirements of the EU4BARMM Project under the Partnership for Peace and Development in Mindanao (PPDM) Programme, as part of the continuity of EU support to the Bangsamoro transition.

EU4BARMM is a European Union-funded initiative supporting peacebuilding, institutional strengthening, and inclusive governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). EU4BARMM supports the Bangsamoro Government in strengthening governance, institutional effectiveness, public service delivery, and peacebuilding through coordinated interventions implemented under multiple thematic areas.

The programme operates across multiple thematic work packages addressing the tri-justice system — encompassing formal, Shari'ah, and customary justice systems — reflecting the region's socio-cultural, historical, and constitutional identity under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Job Specific Context

Successful implementation of the EU4BARMM Programme requires sustained coordination among the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM), BARMM ministries, offices and agencies, local government units, national government institutions, development partners, and implementing agencies. Effective programme delivery depends on strong programme governance, timely follow-up of management decisions, coordinated planning and implementation, and efficient administrative support to programme activities.

To strengthen institutional coordination, the Project will engage a Programme Coordination Support Associate who will be seconded to the office of the Programme Director through the Office of the Assistant Senior Minister to provide coordination, administrative, governance, and secretariat support for the effective implementation of the EU4BARMM Project. The engagement will be supported through SUBATRA resources, following the European Union’s approval for the use of residual SUBATRA funds to support this function during the EU4BARMM implementation period.

Role Purpose

To provide institutional coordination, administrative, governance, and secretariat support to the Office of the Chief Minister, specifically to the PPDM Programme Director (Assistant Senior Minister), in facilitating the effective implementation of EU4BARMM by strengthening inter-agency coordination, supporting programme governance mechanism, monitoring implementation progress, and ensuring effective coordination among programme stakeholders.

The position is intended to provide dedicated operational support that promotes coherent engagement, strengthens coordination continuity, and supports effective implementation and monitoring of inter-agency commitments across the programme. The role supports day-to-day coordination processes, documentation, stakeholder follow-through, and related operational coordination requirements, under the close supervision of the Programme Director or OCM-designated focal persons.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Reporting to Senior Project Manager - EU4BARMM project, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

A. Institutional Coordination and Liaison

• Serve as the programme coordination focal between the OCM, BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies, national government agencies, development partners, and implementing agencies;
• Assist in organizing inter-agency coordination meetings, consultations, workshops, and technical discussions;
• Monitor agreed action points and ensure timely follow-through with concerned stakeholders;
• Support coordination of cross-cutting implementation issues affecting programme delivery;
• Assist in preparing official correspondence, communications, and coordination letters;
• Support scheduling of high level meetings and official engagements.

B. Programme Governance and Secretariat Support

• Provide secretariat support to the Project Steering Committee (PSC), Technical Working Groups (TWGs), and other programme governance mechanisms;
• Coordinate preparation of meeting agenda, presentation materials, discussion papers, and briefing notes;
• Assist in the preparation of minutes of meetings, resolutions, action points, and decision trackers;
• Coordinate meeting logistics, invitations, documentation, and circulation of meeting outputs;
• Monitor implementation of agreed management decisions and governance actions;
• Maintain programme governance records and documentation.
• Support monitoring of Annual Work Plans and implementation schedules;
• Coordinate planning meetings and implementation reviews;
• Track implementation milestones and programme deliverables;
• Support the Programme Director in reviewing donor reports and programme documentation.

Skills

Interagency Coordination, Project Management, Report Writing, Stakeholder Engagement

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

Secondary school (or equivalent) with 6 years of relevant experience OR

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Public Administration, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience.

Experience Requirements

Required

Relevant experience is work in coordination, project support, or stakeholder engagement.

Experience working in government institutions, development partners, or international organizations.

Experience in supporting programme governance mechanisms, steering committees, or technical working groups

Experience in BARMM or Mindanao programmes

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here .
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.