Livelihood Specialist

Job Title: Livelihood Specialist (Philippine Nationals only)

Department: Programming

Division: Programme Implementation

Area of Responsibility (AOR): SGA and Maguindanao del Sur

Duty Station: Cotabato City (with frequent field travel to AOR)

Line Manager: Project Coordinator

Position Type: Full-Time

OVERVIEW

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is an international NGO committed to protecting civilians through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) by reducing violence, supporting community-led protection, and strengthening local capacities for safety and dignity. Under this mandate, the Livelihood Specialist will lead the BABAE Project's economic empowerment component in BARMM, focusing on the design and implementation of sustainable, market-driven livelihood interventions. The role ensures that Women-Friendly Spaces (WFS) function as economic empowerment hubs and that all initiatives are gender-responsive, conflict-sensitive, and contribute to women's protection, resilience, and long-term economic independence.

JOB SUMMARY

The Livelihood Specialist will lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of the BABAE Project's livelihood and economic empowerment initiatives in BARMM. The role focuses on developing sustainable, market-linked livelihood models, strengthening women's entrepreneurial and leadership capacities, and promoting inclusive economic participation through Women-Friendly Spaces (WFS). The Specialist will conduct livelihood assessments, oversee training and mentorship for women beneficiaries, facilitate access to finance and markets, and build partnerships with government, private sector, and community stakeholders to ensure sustainable impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Design and Implementation

• Lead the planning and execution of livelihood and vocational training activities in line with project objectives.
• Establish and operationalize 10 Women-Friendly Spaces as community-based economic empowerment hubs.
• Coordinate and oversee the training of 1,500 women in practical, market-driven livelihood skills.
• Facilitate access to startup grants, microfinance, and market linkages for at least 50% of trained women.
• Integrate gender-sensitive and conflict-sensitive approaches into all livelihood initiatives.

Capacity Building and Mentorship

• Design and implement mentorship and coaching programs to strengthen women's business, leadership, and financial management skills.
• Support the formation of women's livelihood groups or cooperatives and link them with relevant market and institutional partners.

Coordination and Partnership Building

• Establish partnerships with local government units (LGUs), ministries, private sector entities, and microfinance institutions to expand women's livelihood opportunities.
• Collaborate with other project components (health, protection, and GBV) to ensure an integrated and holistic approach.
• Represent the project in local and regional livelihood coordination meetings and relevant forums.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Develop and apply monitoring tools and indicators to measure progress and impact of livelihood activities.
• Collect and analyze data to document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories.
• Submit regular progress reports, activity documentation, and recommendations for improvement.

Expected Deliverables

• Conduct and prepare a Livelihood Needs Assessment Report for the project areas.
• Establish ten (10) operational Women-Friendly Spaces (WFS) serving as hubs for women's economic empowerment.
• Train 1,500 women in sustainable and market-relevant livelihood skills.
• Ensure that at least 50% of the trained women initiate or expand income-generating activities.
• Develop and sustain mentorship and coaching mechanisms to support women's livelihood initiatives.
• Ensure the regular and timely submission of livelihood activity plans, reports, and documentation.
• Trained women's groups will be linked to financial institutions, training organizations, and government agencies such as Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) for capacity building, mentorship, and sustainability support.

Finance and Admin responsibilities

• Prepare and submits workers'/contractors' payment documents; certify quantities completed per milestone and cross‑check with BoQs.
• Support budget tracking for civil works lines; flag variances early and propose value‑engineering options without compromising safety or inclusivity.
• Maintain the project asset register; ensure secure storage, proper labelling, and periodic inventory of tools and equipment.

Safeguarding, PSEAH, and Code of Conduct

Adhere to NP's safeguarding policies and Code of Conduct, including Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). Embed safety, dignity, accessibility, and privacy considerations in facility design and site management. Report concerns through approved channels.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Community Development, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in livelihood development, women's economic empowerment, enterprise promotion, or market systems development.
• Proven experience in market-based livelihood programming and value chain development.
• Strong understanding of gender equality, GBV prevention, and inclusive economic growth.
• Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate skills training and mentoring programs.
• Excellent project management, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in English and Filipino; knowledge of Maguindanaon or other BARMM languages is an advantage.
• Prior experience working in BARMM or conflict-affected areas is preferred.

Desirable:

• Ability to apply gender-sensitive, conflict-sensitive, and culturally appropriate approaches in livelihood programming.
• Expertise in livelihood program design, value chain and market analysis, and micro-enterprise
• Knowledge of entrepreneurship models, business planning, and access to finance.
• Experience in developing monitoring tools and conducting impact assessments.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Deep understanding of local customs, gender dynamics, and community contexts in BARMM.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with government agencies, private sector partners, and community stakeholders.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Field‑based with frequent travel (up to 60%) within SGAs and Maguindanao del Sur.
• Work in active/remote contexts requiring strict adherence to NP safety protocols and cultural sensitivity.
• Flexible hours may be required to meet construction milestones and community schedules.

HOW TO APPLY: 

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit all documents mentioned above, through our website, detailing their experience and how they qualify for the role. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 19th November 2025.
• This is on a rolling basis.
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment and if successful, participate in an interview process.

SPECIAL NOTICE 

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. 

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector. NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. 

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation. 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job 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.

NO FEE  

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.