Advocacy Associate (Open to internal and external applicants)

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

Background

The "EU-PH Partnership in Reinforcing Capacity, Transparency, and Efficiency in Public Procurement" project is an European Union (EU)-funded  initiative aimed at improving public procurement systems in the Philippines. Public procurement represents a significant portion of the national GDP, yet inefficiencies and corruption have hindered its potential to boost market competition and innovation. With the enactment of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) in 2024, the project seeks to institutionalize reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency. These reforms include modernizing procurement processes, adopting international data standards, and integrating participatory practices to ensure the best value for public funds.

To achieve its goals, the project focuses on three key outcomes. First, it aims to strengthen the capacities of public expenditure oversight bodies such as the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), including civil society organizations (CSOs). This includes providing training on data analytics and participatory audits, developing evidence-based policy recommendations, and enabling collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs). Second, the project will improve the internal capacity of the Procurement Service under the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) by codifying processes, standardizing training, and promoting gender-responsive procurement practices. Lastly, it seeks to enhance the ability of PS-PhilGEPS to manage and publish procurement data, develop interactive dashboards, and adhere to Open Contracting Data Standards.

By addressing systemic gaps, the project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. It leverages technology and multi-stakeholder engagement to foster a transparent, accountable, and inclusive procurement ecosystem. Through this effort, the project supports the Philippine government’s anti-corruption initiatives, enhances public trust, and contributes to a more effective and equitable public procurement system.

UNDP is seeking an Advocacy Associate who will play a key role in advancing the project's behaviour change, transparency, and inclusive governance objectives. The Advocacy Associate will support the design, implementation, and monitoring of advocacy and behaviour-change strategies aimed at improving public procurement outcomes. The role requires close coordination with UNDP, civil society organizations, government agencies, media partners, and community stakeholders to mobilize public support, influence policy and practice, and contribute to more transparent, accountable, and participatory procurement systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

Overall direction and guidance shall be provided by the UNDP Team Leader for Institutions and Partnerships (I&P) Programme while day-to-day supervision shall be performed by the Project Manager with oversight from I&P Programme Analyst. The Advocacy Associate will work closely with the PMO team and collaborate with other units within the organization to ensure effective implementation of advocacy strategies and initiatives. This role will require coordination with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners.

The Advocacy Associate will support the implementation of an integrated evidence-based advocacy strategy focused on behavior change, public engagement, and influencing policy for strengthening transparency, accountability, and participation in public procurement.  He/She works in cooperation with the UNDP Philippines Communications Team, Project Staff and consultants, government counterparts, civil society organizations, media, and other relevant offices and stakeholders. 

The Key Summary of Functions:

A. Lead the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of Project advocacy and knowledge management strategies focusing on the following results:

B. Ensure the development of an Advocacy Strategy Design:

C. Lead the elaboration and implementation of knowledge products quality assurance process and publication strategy and plan:  

D. Lead the coordination and partnership for advocacies and other relevant project activities:

E. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management: 

Perform other duties within incumbent’s functional profile as assigned and deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the office and Organization.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Cross-Functional & Technical:

Business Development    

Business Management    

Communications    

Data     

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Experience:

Required skills:

Desired skills:

Required Languages:

Equal opportunity

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.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

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. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

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