Project Officer

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) is a private diplomacy organisation founded on the principles of humanity, impartiality and independence. Its mission is to help prevent, mitigate, and resolve armed conflict through dialogue and mediation. HD has been working in the Philippines since 2005 facilitating initiatives aiming to support the peace process in the Bangsamoro and other parts of Mindanao. HD is currently looking for a:

Project Officer

Location: Metro Manila, Philippines

Working Arrangement: Hybrid (with office located in Quezon City, Philippines; and frequent travel to Mindanao)

Starting date: October 2026 or earlier

Overall purpose of the position

The Project Officer (PO) supports the achievement of HD Philippines strategic and operational objectives by providing core technical support to project implementation and the management grants. The PO also acts as a coordinator between the Manila office and the Cotabato field office.

Responsibilities:

Strategy & Direction

• Contributes to the development of HD Philippines strategic direction and identification of priority activities by providing political analysis and technical knowledge.

Project Management / Implementation

• Supports the Senior Programme Manager (SPM) in management of grants/projects by keeping track of donor/grant provisions including reporting deadlines, visibility requirements and other grant conditions, and coordinating with the field team to ensure compliance;

• Leads preparation of substantive reports such as those required by donors and HD's internal monitoring and evaluation systems;

• Leads planning and implementation of activities to be held in Manila (outside BARMM/Mindanao);

• Helps conceptualise projects and contributes to fundraising efforts; drafts proposals and concept notes;

• Responsible for the maintenance of an updated central file (physical and digital) of all grant agreements, reports to donors, partnership agreements/sub-grant awards to local partners, internal notes, etc.;

• Contributes political analysis and technical expertise to improve the design of project activities;

• Organizes regular team meetings for the purpose of keeping the team abreast of progress of projects, harmonizing schedules; keeps minutes;

• Drafts background papers on topic/country-related issues, briefing documents and other reports as needed including those required by HD regional office or headquarters;

• Assists in tracking spending for activities under projects assigned and coordinates with the field and finance team to predict variances and report the same to the SPM; assists in monthly cash forecasting and reclass as needed;

• Provides backstop and surge support (on-site or off-site) to field operations / project activities outside Manila as needed.

Political and Security Analysis

• Contributes to HD's political and security analysis: stays up-to-date with developments in the areas of operation (national and local) that affect HD's strategy, programme of work, and ability to operate.

Partnerships

• Coordinating with the Administration & Finance Manager, drafts partnership agreements/sub-grants;

• Monitor progress of projects implemented by local partners, ensuring compliance with sub-grant provisions including reporting deadlines.

Relationships and Networking

• Supports the SPM in donor relations and fundraising efforts; liaises with donors and provides briefings; drafts letters and other communications;

• Contributes to HD's efforts to build and strengthen HD's relationships with key stakeholders, partners and interlocutors in the BARMM and national government;

• Supports the SPM in representing HD to government representatives and peer organizations, especially in Manila;

Others

• May act as facilitator during meetings or workshops;

• May train/mentor new or junior staff, and serve as a resource person for areas of expertise.

• May serve as focal point for emerging themes and new initiatives;

• Performs other tasks as requested.

The candidate should have the following essential qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree or graduate studies in a relevant field (such as political science, peace and development, international studies, history, etc)

• At least five years experience working in a related field, with demonstrable experience in the following:

o Designing, planning and organizing a range of activities such as meetings, workshops, and field visits

o Writing substantive reports, communication, and other documentation

o Supporting the implementation of grants and donor funding including basic financial management

• Knowledge and experience in monitoring and evaluation including reporting concepts, tools and approaches

• Excellent writing and oral skills in English

• Excellent organizational skills and time-management skills; the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines even under pressure

• Familiarity with and interest in the conflict issues within Bangsamoro and Philippines; political sense, cultural sensitivity, and appreciation for confidentiality

• Initiative and a problem-solving approach to new challenges

• Willingness to contribute to a multi-cultural team, demonstrating teamwork and accountability, and helping foster a safe and fair work environment

• Willingness to travel to Mindanao extensively; knowledge of local languages spoken in the Bangsamoro is desirable

• Other advantageous experiences include experience in facilitation of meetings and workshops; contributing to research work; working with databases and handling and organising diverse information; donor management and fundraising in the non-profit sector; and contributing to political, conflict, and/or security analysis

• Commitment to HD's fundamental principles and professional standards

If you are interested in this position and meet the above-described qualifications, please send your resume (maximum 2 pages) with a short cover letter by 29 July 2026 to [Confidential Information]

HD is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, please visit www.hdcentre.org.