Applied Research and Development Specialist (Supporting Innovation of the Philippine TVET System Project)

The Organisation

Plan International Pilipinas Foundation Inc. is a local non-government, non-religious, and non-political development and humanitarian organization committed to enabling children to live free of poverty, violence, inequality, and injustice.

We are committed to gender equality and actively work with and engage children, communities, other people, and institutions in addressing the root causes of poverty and gender inequality. We support children and young people, especially the most vulnerable, to build the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to claim their rights to a fulfilling life, today and in the future. We focus on girls, young women, and other marginalized groups so that they can improve their well-being and achieve their full potential.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Plan International Pilipinas is anticipating a four-year project titled, Supporting Innovation in the Philippine Technical and Vocational Education and Training Systems Project. The overall scope supports the modernization of the Philippines’ technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system by improving the quality of skilling programs, upgrading training facilities and equipment, and building the capacity of trainers and assessors to impart higher-level skills and competencies required in an increasingly globalized, technology, and knowledge-driven market

In line with this, Plan International Pilipinas invites competent, experienced, and committed professionals to submit a letter of intent and CV as part of an anticipatory recruitment for the following position:

The Applied Research & Development Specialist will provide strategic guidance and advice on research and development (R&D) and innovation activities in the 17 Regional TVET Innovation Centers (RTICs); develop standard operating procedures and operations manual on R&D; monitor and evaluate the progress of R&D projects in RTICs and provide technical support as necessary; build the capability of researchers in RTICs either through in-house training or external training program or a combination of both; provide support to intellectual property rights on R&D and technology commercialization effort of RTICs.

Plan International Pilipinas is a local development and humanitarian organization. In exceptional cases, you will be asked to support emergency response activities in the communities covered by Plan International Pilipinas.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

To be successful in the role you will need among other things:

• University degree in economics, engineering, technology, or any other science related degree.
• Ph.D. in deep technologies in any of the focus priority trade areas of the project.
• At least 5 years of work experience as researchers in a reputable research institution and/or institution of higher learning.
• At least a couple of publication on research in reputable journals.
• Preferably R&D experience at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) level 5 and above with proven track record of patent filed and technology commercialized.
• Preferably with a couple of years of experience in R&D management.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to relate to people from all backgrounds.
• Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural environment.
• Applicants must be based in the Philippines and a Filipino national.

*Disclaimer: this advertisement is for applicant pooling purposes. The project is still subject to donor approval.

Location: Country Office (Makati City)

Type of Role: Project-based (four years)

Reports to: Project Manager

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive compensation package (local T&C)

‍

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organizational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights, and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organization, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme, we will request information from applicants' previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.