Country Program Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change, and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Established with a mission to provide humanitarian assistance and development support, RI operates in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization employs over 7,000 staff and local volunteers who work collaboratively to deliver essential services in Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming. RI's approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, conflict sensitivity, and climate-smart strategies, ensuring that programs are inclusive and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve. The organization is structured as an alliance of four entities—Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, Relief International-UK, and Relief International-Europe—operating under a unified leadership team to enhance operational efficiency and impact.

Job Overview:
The Country Program Manager is tasked with providing strategic leadership, oversight, and coordination of Relief International’s program portfolio in the Philippines. This role encompasses the effective design, implementation, monitoring, quality assurance, and growth of multi-sector programs, which include health, nutrition, livelihoods, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, protection, peacebuilding, emergency response, and anticipatory action initiatives. The Country Program Manager works closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director, Project Managers, technical specialists, support departments, partners, and external stakeholders to ensure that programs are implemented effectively, meet donor and organizational standards, achieve intended outcomes, and contribute to Relief International’s strategic objectives. This position is pivotal in program development, partnership management, capacity strengthening, representation, safeguarding, and organizational learning, ensuring that all initiatives align with the overarching mission of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Program Manager is responsible for a comprehensive set of duties that include: providing overall leadership and management of Relief International’s program portfolio in the Philippines; ensuring timely achievement of project deliverables, objectives, and indicator targets in accordance with donor agreements; supporting the Country Director in providing strategic vision and direction for the country program; offering technical guidance and day-to-day support to Project Managers and program teams; leading project start-up and mobilization processes; conducting regular program review meetings to monitor progress and implement corrective actions; undertaking field monitoring visits to assess program quality; ensuring integration of gender, protection, safeguarding, conflict sensitivity, and Do No Harm principles; leading emergency preparedness and response planning; developing and strengthening program systems and tools; ensuring compliance with donor regulations and organizational policies; monitoring project implementation and spending; identifying new funding opportunities; leading proposal development; supporting MEAL systems; managing partnerships; representing the organization in various forums; providing leadership and capacity building to program staff; and supporting the development of communications materials that highlight program achievements.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Community Development, Development Communication, Public Health, Political Science, Humanitarian Assistance, or a related field. Candidates must have a minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience managing humanitarian and development programs, with demonstrated experience in managing multi-sector programs throughout the full project cycle. Strong leadership and people management skills are essential, along with excellent program management, organizational, financial, and budget management capabilities. Candidates should possess strong proposal writing, reporting, and analytical skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with conflict-sensitive programming and emergency response is preferred, along with knowledge of the Philippines context, particularly Mindanao.

Educational Background:
Candidates are expected to hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Social Sciences, Community Development, Development Communication, Public Health, Political Science, Humanitarian Assistance, or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian and development work and for effectively leading programs that address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Experience:
The role demands a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 8–10 years in managing humanitarian and development programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading and supervising diverse program teams, managing large and complex program portfolios and budgets, and establishing and strengthening Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems. Experience in emergency response and preparedness programming is preferred, as is familiarity with the local context in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and spoken communication skills. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as requiring standard pre-employment checks and enhanced due diligence. The role is full-time and involves significant leadership responsibilities, including direct reports to Project Managers and Coordinators. The Country Program Manager will have budget responsibilities that are yet to be determined, and the position requires regular travel to project locations to ensure effective program implementation and oversight.