Project Assistant (HPDE DRIVE)

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build the institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include enterprise ecosystems, democratic governance, business advocacy, anti-corruption & ethics, and trade.

Position:                     Project Assistant

Position Type:           Project-based (11 months)

Location:                   Manilla, Philippines  

Reporting to:             Project Coordinator up through to the Country Director




Overview
CIPE supports digitalization to expand economic opportunity for entrepreneurs specially in underserved communities while strengthening democratic resilience through greater transparency and civic engagement. CIPE’s Harnessing the Power of the Digital Economy (HPDE) Course provides practical solutions by equipping entrepreneurs with digital skills, resources, and support networks necessary to thrive in today’s technology-driven marketplace, fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and participatory digital economy. Building on past models of rolling out the HPDE course in the Philippines, HPDE-DRIVE will be implemented using a strategic selection of geographic locations and partnership models in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, working with a mix of public and private institutions based on targeted demand, existing resources and expertise, ensuring scalable and sustainable impact while advancing economic opportunity and democratic resilience.

Position Summary
The Project Assistant will support the Project Coordinator for all project activities, providing comprehensive stakeholder coordination, and administrative support to ensure effective and timely implementation of the HPDE-DRIVE. The Project Assistant will support CIPE’s partner relations and project implementation through effective coordination, knowledge sharing, and technical support. The role will ensure that CIPE’s implementing partners deliver high-quality outputs in line with project goals. The role requires a professional with strong project management capabilities, stakeholder engagement experience, and understanding of digital transformation strategies to equip entrepreneurs with digital skills, resources, and support networks necessary to thrive in today’s technology-driven marketplace, fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and participatory digital economy.



Tasks and Activities

• Assist in drafting partner agreements and maintain organized records of program documents, contracts, and correspondence.
• Assist in coordination between CIPE and partners to address implementation issues and bottlenecks.
• Support the development and maintenance detailed project work plans, timelines, and milestone tracking systems.
• Assist in coordinating daily project management implementation, ensuring activities align with project objectives and donor requirements.
• Support in monitoring project progress against planned targets and recommend adjustments as necessary.
• Assist in project budgeting and financial reporting in coordination with the project coordinator, finance manager, and grants officer.
• Assist in organizing regular team meetings, stakeholder consultations, and project review sessions
• Assist in deliver training sessions, workshops, or mentoring to strengthen partner organizations’ skills and systems.
• Support peer-to-peer learning and exchange opportunities between partners.
• Support partners in adopting tools and practices for effective program management and reporting.

• Support partnership development and maintenance with key advocacy networks and business organizations
• Assist in communicating with international partners and digital economy and transformation networks
• Support the documentation, packaging, and dissemination of knowledge, lessons learned, and success stories from partner initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products such as briefs, case studies, or policy notes.

• Assist in preparing monthly, semi-annual and annual progress reports for donors and stakeholders
• Assist in coordinating preparation of project communications, newsletters, and public materials
• Support the collection, consolidation, and analysis of partner reports and data against project indicators.
• Assist in tracking progress toward outcomes and ensuring quality of partner contributions to M&E processes.
• Participate in partner feedback mechanisms and learning reviews.
• Assist in problem-solving and troubleshooting to address technical challenges faced by partners.

• Assist in developing communication materials highlighting partner initiatives and achievements.
• Coordinate visibility activities (e.g., social media posts, podcasts, website features, partner spotlights).
• Ensure alignment of partner communications with CIPE’s branding and messaging guidelines.

Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in economics, business administration, information technology, development studies, international relations, or a related discipline is required. Advanced or master’s degree is highly desirable.

Experience: At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project management and coordination, private sector development, and/or advocacy and research. Proven experience and network working with chambers of commerce and business associations in the Philippines, including government or donor-funded projects on topics related to digital transformation, digital governance, SME development, and enterprise ecosystems, is highly desirable.

Policy Analysis Skills: Experience in conducting policy research, writing policy briefs on topics such as digitalization, civic tech engagement, economic development, digital economy and governance, international trade and investment policy or international development.

Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for effectively communicating with stakeholders, crafting persuasive messaging, and disseminating accurate information suitable for a global audience. Ability to tailor messages for different audiences and channels

Collaboration and Networking: Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, media organizations, academic institutions.

Ethical Standards: Commitment to upholding ethical standards and integrity in all aspects of work, including the handling of sensitive information and engagement with diverse stakeholders.