The candidate will join the Business Promotion and Political Team and will be responsible for following up political and economic developments, peacebuilding efforts, and Norwegian development assistance. The candidate should have a strong grasp of the Philippines' political and development landscape. They will monitor projects related to peace building, Human Rights, Women – Peace and Security climate action, gender equality, sustainable development and will handle grant administration tasks. The position reports to the Deputy Head of Mission.
Main tasks:
- Monitor and analyse political, security, and governance developments.
- Produce briefs, reports, and talking points for management.
- Liaise with multilateral and local organisations applying for funding from the Embassy.
- Support high-level political and diplomatic engagements and conferences, preparing briefings, presentations, speeches for management
- Develop and maintain strong networks across PH government, multilateral, diplomatic and civil society actors. Coordinate internally across Embassy Teams.
Responsibilities:
- Build relationships with national agencies and local Mindanao/BARMM entities, civil society, multilateral institutions and private sector partners to advance the embassy's foreign policy priorities.
- Support grant management functions ensuring compliance with Norwegian grant management regulations and practices.
- Spearhead field visits to Norwegian supported program/projects around the country.
- Perform other duties assigned.
Education, Knowledge and Experience:
- A degree in relevant fields (political science, public policy, international relations, development, peace and conflict studies etc.) An advanced degree is a plus, but documented practical experience can compensate.
- Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in international development cooperation, peace building, civil society engagement, or political analysis.
- Documented experience in program/grant management
- Excellent writing and presentation skills.
Personal qualities
We are looking for a candidate:
- With the ability to manage competing priorities, handle tasks independently and accurately while maintaining high standards of work.
- Adaptable and resilient professional who delivers results under pressure and transitions smoothly to new tasks.
- With strong interpersonal skills, professionalism and demonstrated the ability to be self-motivated.
- A self-starter who thrives both independently and in a highly collaborative team
environment. - Foster an inclusive workplace culture by cultivating positive, productive
relationships across culturally diverse teams. - Who is organized and can handle relevant administrative tasks efficiently.
- Who can work extended hours when required.
- Who can work in an open plan environment.
What the Embassy can offer
The Embassy can offer a competitive salary, supportive working environment, where staff members work in a cooperative spirit across program areas and sectors, with well regulated work conditions. Working hours, Monday to Friday 08:00 - 15:30, but with some flexibility. Located in a modern, functional office within Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila, the Embassy operates with a team of 26 staff members.
The role of a Political Advisor may involve some travel.
Applications
An application in English stating your motivation for applying, with an updated CV and a list of references should be sent to emb.manila@mfa.no with the heading “Political Advisor”. The Embassy has an inclusive and diverse working environment. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their race, sex, disability, age, religion, or sexual orientation. All hiring decisions are made based on merit and competence.
Any personal information submitted will only be used for its intended purposes and will be destroyed when no longer needed. Any other processing or disclosure of personal data is not allowed other than in the exceptional circumstances provided for under the Data Protection Acts of the Philippines.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 03 August 2026
IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants should meet the minimum requirements to be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants invited for interviews will be required to submit a portfolio or relevant work samples. Applicants who do not receive a response within four weeks of the closing date should assume that their application has not been successful.