The International Labour Organization (ILO) has opened an opportunity for experienced administrative professionals in the Philippines. The organization is recruiting a Programme Administrative Assistant at the G5 level to support an upcoming technical cooperation project focused on eliminating forced labour.
Based in Manila at the ILO Country Office, this fixed-term role offers the chance to contribute to a programme that strengthens institutions, improves governance, and enhances protection for vulnerable workers. For candidates with strong finance and administrative backgrounds, this could be a meaningful way to support international labour standards while working in a multicultural UN environment.
Applications close 20 February 2026.
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🌍 About the Project
The position is linked to a Canada-funded initiative titled Promoting Responsive Institutions and Mechanisms to Eliminate Forced Labour in the Philippines (PRIME PH).
Forced labour remains a complex challenge, often hidden in supply chains and affecting the most vulnerable. PRIME PH aims to tackle the problem from several angles:
- Strengthening prevention, advocacy, and research so interventions are evidence-based.
- Improving governance frameworks in line with international labour standards.
- Expanding the capacity of authorities and partners to identify victims, support rehabilitation, and pursue enforcement.
- Building stronger partnerships across agencies and sectors.
The project sits under the technical responsibility of the ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FUNDAMENTALS) Branch.
Because funding approval is part of a competitive grant process, the appointment will be confirmed once the award is secured. The selected candidate should be ready to begin within about 45 days of project confirmation.
🧠 Where the Assistant Fits In
Behind every successful development project is a solid administrative backbone. Budgets must be tracked, contracts cleared, reports prepared, and logistics organized. The Programme Administrative Assistant ensures these essential systems run smoothly.
The role operates under the overall supervision of the Director of the ILO Country Office and reports directly to the National Project Coordinator, with additional guidance from operations and programme specialists.
In short, you become a central point connecting finance, administration, project staff, and external partners.
🔧 Main Responsibilities
This is a busy and varied job suited to someone who enjoys detail, organization, and problem-solving.
Key functions include maintaining financial monitoring systems, reconciling expenditures, and ensuring transactions follow ILO rules. The assistant processes contracts and payments, verifies supporting documents, and liaises with the finance unit when clarifications are needed.
Communication is another big part of the work. The incumbent drafts correspondence, follows up with consultants and partners, and flags urgent issues to supervisors. They also review financial reports from implementing partners to ensure compliance before submission.
Budget support tasks include assigning codes, checking invoices, preparing recurring and special reports, contributing to projections, and assisting with revisions.
On the administrative side, the assistant helps organize travel, visas, hotel bookings, and logistics for meetings, workshops, conferences, and webinars. Presentations and documentation for donor or internal reporting are also part of the portfolio.
It’s a role that requires multitasking and accuracy, but it places you at the heart of programme delivery.
🎓 Qualifications Required
Education
Completion of secondary school, plus formal training in accounting or in the programme/administrative field.
Experience
At least five years of progressively responsible work in finance and administration. Familiarity with UN procedures is a strong advantage.
Languages
Excellent command of English is essential.
💼 Skills That Will Help You Succeed
The ILO is looking for someone comfortable navigating a complex framework of rules and procedures. Attention to detail, ethical conduct, and discretion with confidential matters are critical.
Strong analytical ability, solid organizational habits, and confidence using Microsoft Office tools are expected. You should be able to work independently, but also collaborate effectively within a diverse team.
Diplomacy, tact, and the ability to handle time pressure will serve you well, especially when coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
🌈 Who Can Apply?
Both internal and external candidates may apply. However, as this is a General Service position, the selected applicant must already have valid residency and the legal right to work in the Philippines.
The ILO is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities.
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📄 Contract Details
The initial appointment is one year, with possible extension depending on funding availability, operational needs, and performance.
For external hires, the starting salary is typically at the first step of the grade. The estimated entry level for this role is PHP 876,102 annual net pensionable remuneration, based on the UN salary scale.
It is important to understand that technical cooperation contracts do not automatically lead to long-term careers or conversions within the organization.
🚀 Why Consider This Role?
If you want practical exposure to international development operations while contributing to the fight against forced labour, this is a strong opportunity. You’ll gain experience with donor-funded programming, UN financial systems, and multi-agency collaboration — all while supporting work that protects human dignity.
