Project Coordinator [Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants]

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

The Philippines' recent transition to upper-middle-income status has increased the importance of aligning economic growth with sustainability, digital transformation, and human rights accountability. As sectors such as mining, renewable energy, agribusiness, tourism, infrastructure, and digital platforms expand, governance challenges related to community grievances, land and resource disputes, labor rights, environmental impacts, and stakeholder participation persist, often disproportionately affecting women and marginalized groups.

To address these challenges, the Philippines initiated work on a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR), led by the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS). While several ASEAN countries have already institutionalized their NAPs, the Philippines remains in the development stage. Recent efforts have accelerated under the 4th Philippine Human Rights Plan 2024-2028, including the establishment of a multi-agency technical working group to develop a NAP-BHR focused on responsible business conduct, Indigenous Peoples' rights, and ancestral domains.

The FAIR BHR Project seeks to strengthen Business and Human Rights (BHR) governance by promoting more integrated, participatory, and evidence-based approaches that connect sustainability, human rights, accountability, conflict sensitivity, and stakeholder engagement. The project will support the Philippine government in building evidence, raising awareness, strengthening coordination, and fostering inclusive dialogue to inform BHR reforms.

The initiative will also promote stronger collaboration among UN agencies, leveraging complementary expertise and positioning UNDP as a strategic convener. As an initial pilot, the project will generate evidence and lessons to inform longer-term programming and the development of a comprehensive Project Document supporting the institutionalization of BHR in the Philippines.

UNDP is looking for a Project Coordinator who will lead the Project Management Unit (PMU). The post involves working under the overall guidance of the UNDP Institutions and Partnerships (I&P) Programme Team and various key stakeholders to ensure that the project will achieve its intended objectives.

1. Supervise personnel members under the PMU and provide necessary guidance and coaching; and
2. Set performance parameters for staff members under the PMU, assess their performance, and provide feedback.

The Project Coordinator will lead the Project Management Unit (PMU) based in UNDP Country Office in Metro Manila and is expected to lead the implementation and monitoring of the activities under the project.

Under the direct supervision of the Institutions and Partnerships (I&P) Programme Team Leader, the Project Coordinator is expected to work closely with the I&P Programme Analyst – Governance and Rule of Law that provides programme assurance for the project, and collaborative with other UNDP Country Office Programme and Operations teams. S/he is also expected to collaborate with relevant government agencies, UN agencies, and other key stakeholders.

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Law, Human Rights, Public Policy, Development Studies, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, Governance, or a related field is required. OR
• A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in fields mentioned above with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advance university degree. 

A minimum of two (2) years (with master’s degree) or four (4) years (with bachelor's degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience in project or programme coordination and implementation.

• Budget and financial monitoring
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership management.
• Working with government institutions, development partners, civil society, or private sector stakeholders. 

• At least two (2) years of demonstrated work experience in managing public administration, governance, public policy, and/or research-related projects;
• At least two (2) years of demonstrated work experience in research and analysis;
• At least two (2) years’ experience in resource mobilization;
• At least two (2) years of demonstrated experience leading/managing a team. 

• Experience in Business and Human Rights, responsible business conduct, corporate sustainability, human rights, labour rights, governance, or related areas;
• Experience and knowledge of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs);
• Experience working on UNDP, UN, donor funded, or international development projects or international organizations. 

• Fluency in the English and Filipino languages is required.

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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