Research Associate

Cowater International; Metro Manila; On-site; PHP 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Cowater International in Manila, Philippines, seeks a Research Associate to support a Legal Specialist in drafting a new omnibus bill on the rights of persons with disabilities. The role focuses on research, documentation, and coordination across agencies.

Responsibilities include desk reviews of disability-related laws, data compilation, and preparing summaries and inputs for reports and workshops, with emphasis on GEDSI and safeguarding practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Development Studies, Sociology, Economics, or a related discipline.
• An advanced degree in the above field is an advantage.
• At least 3 years of professional experience supporting research on development programs, policy and governance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Desk review and assessment of relevant national and international documents on disability, inclusion and rights.
• Prepare a compilation of data, summaries, tables, and descriptive outputs for the omnibus bill.
• Maintain clear documentation of data sources, assumptions, and versions for QA.
• Support documentation requirements for workshops and meetings.

Skills

Analytical writing

Interpersonal & coordination

GEDSI knowledge & safeguarding

DFAT policy compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy / Public Administration / Political Science / Development Studies / Sociology / Economics

Advanced degree in related field (advantage)

Tools

Excel

Job description

Research Associate

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Research Associate will provide technical and research support to the Legal Specialist in the drafting of a new omnibus bill on the rights of persons with disabilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Associate will provide research, documentation, and coordination support in the review of existing laws and policies on disability in the Philippines. Specific responsibilities include:

1. Desk review and assessment

• Review relevant national and international documents and materials related to disability, inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities
• Develop summary notes

2. Analysis and coordination support

• Prepare a compilation of relevant data, basic analysis summaries, tables, and descriptive outputs to support the development of an omnibus bill on disability and inclusion
• Maintain clear documentation of data sources, assumptions, and versions to support quality assurance
• Support documentation requirements for workshops and meetings

QUALIFICATIONS AND Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Development Studies, Sociology, Economics, or a related discipline.
• An advance degree in the above field of study is an advantage

Minimum Experience

• At least 3 years of professional experience supporting research on development programs, policy and governance analysis
• Experience in organizing and producing summary tables and short analytical notes (for example using Excel)

Key Abilities and Skills

• Strong analytical and writing skills, including ability to consolidate consultation notes and translate findings into clear, structured inputs for reports and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills, with ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary and cross-agency environment.
• 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.