Vacancy Announcement

Country GEDSI and Communications Specialist

Contract Type: Part-time, 12 January – 31 March 2026 (with possibility of extension)

Location: Manila, Philippines (travel to project sites may be required)

Eligibility: Philippine nationals only

Application Deadline: 19 December 2025

Background: Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) Facility Philippines

Human activities, including harmful fishing practices, coastal habitat conversion, and pollution, are accelerating biodiversity loss and degrading ocean and coastal ecosystems. This decline heightens vulnerability in coastal communities, especially in developing countries where poverty is high and livelihoods such as artisanal fisheries and aquaculture depend directly on fragile ecosystems.

Climate change further amplifies these risks. Sea level rise, stronger storms, marine heatwaves, and ocean acidification threaten both marine biodiversity and coastal populations.

DAI is responding through the COAST Facility, guided by the vision: “To revolutionise coastal and marine ecosystem management through a pioneering approach that combines local community empowerment, national reform, and global advocacy.”

Our integrated methodology is grounded in five delivery principles essential for effective coastal resilience programming: holistic approaches, community-centred solutions, collaborative partnerships, legacy and sustainability, and learning and adaptation.

DAI leads the COAST consortium, working with Blue Green Advisors, DevLearn, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

About the Role

The position reports to the Country Team Leader, coordinates with the PMU GEDSI Advisor and Communication and Stakeholder Advisor

Key Responsibilities

GEDSI:

1) Support the Gender Advisor in developing and implementing the country GEDSI strategy.

2) Apply the GEDSI mainstreaming checklist and ensure alignment with the Gender Ambition Statement.

3) Deliver GEDSI orientation and training for COAST delivery partners.

4) Monitor and review GEDSI strategy implementation and ensure adaptive learning.

5) Integrate GEDSI into Technical Assistance, grants, and programme activities; identify inclusion-focused partnerships.

6) Provide technical backstopping to in-country team, including quality assurance.

7) Document learning, good practices, and case studies.

Communication:

1) Localisation of Communications Strategy

· Translate the global Communications Strategy into actionable country plans.

· Map key stakeholders for targeted engagement.

· Develop and implement a short-term event and outreach plan.

2) Localisation of COAST Brand Assets

· Adapt COAST brand materials for cultural and linguistic relevance.

· Produce communication assets, including local-language materials where required.

· Ensure all outputs comply with COAST Facility and FCDO branding guidelines.

3) Digital Content Creation

· Produce content for LinkedIn and Medium highlighting programme impacts.

· Ensure locally relevant messaging aligned with global brand tone.

· Track and analyse engagement to strengthen digital outreach.

4) Guidance to Grantees and TA Partners

· Support partners in applying branding guidelines correctly.

· Collect and curate photos, videos, and stories from project sites.

· Review partner-produced materials for branding and messaging compliance.

5) Behaviour Change

· Provide support for the behaviour change campaigns carried out by COAST partners

· Work with country MEL specialist on behaviour change monitoring

Required Qualifications

Education

• Degree in Community Development, Social Science, Development Communications, or related field.

Experience

• At least 15 years’ experience in GEDSI, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven GEDSI strategy implementation experience.
• Strong digital content creation background.
• Experience with environmental topics such as coastal resilience or climate change.
• Consortium experience is an advantage.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal English communication.
• Proficiency in Canva and other communication tools.
• Strong stakeholder mapping and engagement skills.

Knowledge

• Familiarity with development programmes and donor branding (e.g., FCDO).
• Understanding of Philippine socio-cultural and media contexts.

Values

• Commitment to social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.