The Program Manager plays an essential role in Educo Philippines, leading the development and operationalization of the Country Programmatic Framework (CPF). The position ensures that projects are designed with the CPF and the goals shared by Educo and partners. The role provides strategic leadership in the development of program strategies, concepts and innovations, ensuring high quality of programs, addressing implementation efficiency, and incorporating learning, research and best practices to inform the quality of work. The position holder also closely coordinates with the humanitarian community and leads the Country Office’s humanitarian action strategy. The position provides the needed support promptly and at scale, applying all standards and principles during emergencies. Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Program Manager is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and promotes accountability and high performance that reflects Educo’s dual mandate and values. The position helps establish, maintain, and improve working relationships with host government authorities, humanitarian and development donors, and local and international NGOs.

Employment Status: Regular

Department: Program

Area of Implementation: Legazpi City, Albay

Supervises Technical Specialists, Sponsorship Coordinator

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Design and Planning:

• Lead in the development of the Country Programmatic Framework ensuring program areas is articulated and contributing to the achievement of EDUCO’s Global Impact Framework
• Design innovative approaches in program delivery and other programmatic areas to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability
• Lead in the preparation of Plan of Action articulating priorities through project management disciplines, processes and tools
• Support the Advocacy, Partnerships and Communications strategies with evidence-based and quality programming inputs

Sponsorship/ Project Management

• Oversee the integration of projects and their implementation by providing technical support and advice to the project implementation team
• Lead the development of all DHAR projects, supporting all Sector Specialist and Area Manager (Concept Notes, Full Proposal, technical review, etc.)
• Oversee all sponsorship management efforts while ensuring their full integration into DHAR project portfolio & programming overall strategy
• Ensure that programs and projects are coherent with CPF in alignment with programming quality standards
• Monitor the financial execution of the projects, work with project teams to address variances and burn rate and identify cost-saving measures for efficiency
• Conduct periodic project reviews and analyses referencing CPF and POA and disseminate the same to SMT and the program team
• Support the MEAL unit in the project evaluation, monitoring and operationalization of the Impact Measurement System
• Coordinating partners’ compliance with EDUCO policies and underpinning policy frameworks within EDUCO country office operations, specifically on Safeguarding

Grants Acquisition and Management

• Oversee the preparation of project proposals to ensure coherence and integrated programming
• Collaborate with donor requirements for funding opportunities for all units
• Provide oversight in quality implementation of grants-funded projects
• Ensure donor and partnership engagement are in place and align with donor requirements
• Initiate new and diverse partnerships that will strengthen programming working with the Grants and area team
• Network with national and global communities of practices to strengthen knowledge and skills, induce innovation and creativity that redounds to team development

Team Management

• Establish strong working relationships within the programs department to foster cohesion, coordination and
• Communication by providing general supervision and mentoring and ensure appropriate staffing requirements of the program team
• Coordinate with P&C capacity development and enhancement based on team requirements and succession planning
• Performs periodic performance evaluation of direct reports, provides guidance in defining performance targets of direct
• Reports and reviews performance appraisals of conducted by direct reports

Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Ensures that all staff understand and are able to perform their roles in an emergency situation.
• Contributes to ensuring a well-trained and prepared Emergency Response Team (ERT)
• Oversee the development of proposals for emergency response for HO approval and other modalities of implementation (consortium or direct partnership).
• Compliance to Corporate Mandates.
• Support in monitoring compliance to organizational policies and standards, such as but not limited to Child Safeguarding Policy, Anti-Fraud, Whistle Blower Policy, and P&C, Finance and Operations Policies and Procedures.

Experience and Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Relations, or related field. A Bachelor’s degree with equivalent extensive experience may be considered

Experience:

• Minimum of 7–10 years’ progressive experience in program management within the development or humanitarian sector, including at least 3 -5 years in a leadership role
• Proven track record in designing, implementing, and evaluating multi-sectoral development and humanitarian programs
• Demonstrated experience in grant acquisition and donor relations, including proposal writing and contract management
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and working in complex, multicultural environments
• Solid background in child rights, child protection, and safeguarding programming is strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of program cycle management, monitoring and evaluation, sponsorship strategy and impact measurement frameworks
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to mentor and motivate teams
• Strong financial acumen, including budget management, forecasting, and reporting
• Proven ability to engage with government institutions, INGOs, NGOs, and donor agencies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills in English and Filipino.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and deliver quality results within deadlines
• High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to Educo’s values, child safeguarding, and humanitarian principles

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to travel extensively to project sites, including remote and conflict-affected areas
• Flexibility to respond to emergency situations as needed

Application Instructions:

1. Recent curriculum vitae (two non-relative references must be mentioned; one must be your latest supervisor)
2. Letter of Intent addressed to:
   • Marlon A. Villanueva
   • Country Director, Educo Philippines
3. Send your application to [email protected] and cc: [email protected]