Program Manager

KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Program Manager, Manila

Sector: Program Management, Business Development

Position Type: Full-Time

Duration/Level of Effort: Long-Term

Position Location: Manila, Philippines

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

Cowater is a global international development consultancy firm that works with partners to deliver technical assistance to governments and the private sector in Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East. 

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The Program Manager will support in-country program delivery, strategic positioning, and the growth of our donor-funded program portfolio in the Philippines. This includes representing Cowater and liaising with clients such as Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The primary focus of this role is on program administration and management, team leadership and support, operations management, financial oversight, security and risk management, technical backstopping, and managing relationships with key stakeholders. However, it may also involve significant contributions to business development activities, including proposal writing, industry networking, and client relationship management.

The Program Manager will collaborate closely with our HQ team responsible for core client service lines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate Initiatives and Operations

·      Support Cowater operations in the Philippines.

·      Assist in key client relationship management, marketing, and communications.

·      Establish close working relationships with Cowater division leads.

Business Development

·      Assist in business development and donor networking in the Philippines.

·      Build and maintain Cowater’s reputation with existing and prospective clients in the region (ADB, DFAT, EU, FCDO, GAC, etc.).

·      Update and maintain a roster of relevant advisers and consultants in the Philippines.

·      Provide technical inputs into proposals in relevant areas.

Program management, leadership, and technical input

·      Act as a Program Manager supporting our Philippine programs both operationally and technically.   

·      Provide technical, managerial, delivery, and advisory support to Cowater programs in areas of GEDSI, environment and climate change, urban development, community development, governance and public sector strengthening, civil society strengthening, and economic development.

·      Support relationship management and engagement with Philippine government counterparts at provincial and national levels.   

·      Provide operational support to programs including ADB and DFAT contract management, quality assurance, financial management, administration, HR functions, and reporting.  

·      Build effective working relationships with clients and partners from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, providing troubleshooting guidance in partnership management as needed.

·      Communicate key risks and issues, updates, and milestones to Cowater and stakeholders clearly, concisely and in a timely fashion.  

·      Work effectively in politically sensitive and challenging environments, adhering to Cowater's duty of care and safeguarding policies.

·      Perform additional tasks and support to the country and regional portfolio, as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Key Qualifications:

•        At least 5 years of program management and administration expertise.

•        Experience in areas of operations management, including finance, administration, logistics, human resources, and/or contract management in the Philippines.

•        Familiarity with the Philippines legal and regulatory systems and practices.

•        Demonstrated expertise and experience in at least one of Cowater’s technical expertise areas.

•        Strong understanding of integrating gender and climate considerations into programs, proposals, and operations.

•        Experience supporting proposal development and writing.

•        University undergraduate degree in a relevant area of study.

•        Strong English writing and speaking skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

·      Experience with DFAT and ADB funded programs.

·      Experience in other countries in Asia and/or the Pacific.

·      A graduate-level degree in a relevant area of study.

·      Experience working in the sector of Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion.

·      Familiarity and understanding of DFAT’s Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Strategy, DFAT’s New International Development Policy, as well as the social inclusion priorities and landscape in the Philippines.

·      Established network in the development sector in the Philippines.

·      Fluency in English.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates are encouraged to apply by Wednesday September 18, 2024/as soon as possible.

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.