Country Director - Philippines

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization established to partner with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disaster. The organization aims to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing. With a workforce of over 5,500 staff and local volunteers, RI operates in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, focusing on Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming. RI was founded in 1990 and has been operational in the Philippines since then, delivering integrated programming in various sectors. The organization is structured as an alliance of four entities, including Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, and Relief International-UK, all working under a unified leadership team to achieve their shared mission.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director (CD) will lead Relief International's operations in the Philippines, holding full accountability for strategy, programming, finances, partnerships, representation, and internal operations. This role requires a strategic vision and operational oversight to ensure compliance, risk mitigation, financial sustainability, and a high-performing team culture. The CD will drive RI's mission to deliver impactful, locally relevant programming while maintaining stakeholder trust and ensuring programmatic excellence. The position involves significant travel within the country to oversee RI projects and requires advanced pre-employment checks and enhanced due diligence due to the nature of the role.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director will be responsible for strategic visioning and resource mobilization, leading the development of medium and long-term country strategic plans, and ensuring alignment with RI's strategic goals. The CD will develop alliances with partners and donors to secure funding and advocate for policy changes that align with program goals. The role includes overseeing quality program operational delivery, identifying and resolving complex technical and operational issues, and ensuring timely and effective project implementation. The CD will also manage external relationships with government authorities, donors, and stakeholders, ensuring RI's interests are protected and a positive image is maintained. Additionally, the CD will oversee financial management, risk management, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security management, ensuring compliance with internal policies and donor regulations. Leadership responsibilities include managing the country team, fostering a positive work culture, and ensuring adherence to ethical conduct and safeguarding policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess progressive proven country leadership experience in implementing multi-sector programming in humanitarian and/or development settings. Previous experience managing change with country teams is essential. A degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience is required. Candidates should demonstrate persuasive interpersonal, communication, public speaking, writing, and strategic planning skills. Excellent project management and financial management skills are necessary to ensure timely program delivery, along with strong attention to detail. The ability to coach and mentor team members in management practices is also crucial, as is the passion and agility to navigate complex and changing environments.

Educational Background:
A degree in a relevant field is required, although commensurate work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. The educational background should ideally align with the sectors in which Relief International operates, such as public health, international development, or humanitarian studies.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in country leadership roles, particularly in the implementation of multi-sector programming in both humanitarian and development contexts. Experience in managing change within country teams is highly valued. Familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities in the Philippines, as well as experience in sectors such as Health, Protection, WASH, and Livelihoods, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Philippines would be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position involves a leadership role with significant responsibilities, including a budget responsibility of $5 million. The role requires up to 50% travel within the country to oversee RI projects. The Country Director will report to the Desk Director and will have direct reports including the Country Senior Management Team, Security focal point, and Awards manager. The position is full-time and may involve working in both development and humanitarian contexts.