function as sth
phrasal verb with function verb [ I ] uk/ˈfʌŋkʃən/ us
to do a particular job or task, especially when this is not your usual job or task:
Delivery men now function as account managers equipped with tools for pricing, ordering and inventory tracking.
The Internet has a unique ability to function as a platform for a variety of program types.
The group functioned well as a team.