IIRR is one of the worlds leading rural development non-governmental organizations. Founded in 1960 IIRR has impacted more than 62 million rural lives across five continents. Its programs strengthen the health education and environmental conditions of rural communities and prioritize sustainable community-led solutions that empower people to improve their lives and livelihoods. IIRR maintains offices in Africa Asia and North America. IIRR-Philippines seeks an accomplished and motivated development professional to serve in the role of Philippines Country Director. Qualified women are encouraged to apply.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Philippines Country Director provides strategic leadership and full oversight of country operations (including financial human and programmatic resources) for IIRRs work in the Philippines. This role is responsible for implementing the country strategy securing funding ensuring financial and operational integrity strengthening partnerships and representing IIRR with key stakeholders in government civil society and the donor community. The Country Director will make strategic and operational recommendations to the Regional Director and contribute to global leadership discussions. The Philippines Country Director champions IIRRs mission to empower rural people to build resilient communities and attain socioeconomic equity through creative and community-led action. The post holder reports to the Asia Regional Director.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development
Lead the development implementation and periodic review of the IIRR-Philippines Country Strategy in alignment with IIRRs global vision and regional priorities.
Represent the country program at local national and regional forums strengthening IIRRs visibility and influence.
Foster a strong organizational culture of performance learning inclusion and accountability.
2. Program Design Implementation and Quality Assurance
Oversee the planning delivery monitoring and evaluation of all programs using the full project cycle management approach.
Ensure high-quality evidence-based program design that integrates community input to address IIRRs priority areas of climate resilience biodiversity food systems education and community health.
Promote innovation adaptive management and continuous learning across projects.
3. Team Management and Capacity Building
Recruit lead and manage a multidisciplinary team (consisting of on-site and remote staff).
Conduct regular performance reviews and professional development planning for all staff.
Identify capacity gaps and ensure appropriate training and mentoring is provided.
Foster a positive inclusive and performance-driven work environment.
4. Financial and Operational Oversight
Ensure sound financial management of country operations including budgeting cash flow compliance and internal controls.
Oversee procurement and administration processes to ensure transparency efficiency and compliance with donor and organizational policies.
Ensure accurate and timely financial and narrative reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
5. Resource Mobilization and Donor Engagement
Lead diversified fundraising efforts by identifying new opportunities cultivating donor relationships and overseeing the development of compelling funding proposals.
Ensure that all proposals and reports align with donor requirements and IIRR quality standards.
Expand IIRRs partnerships with NGOs academic institutions private sector actors and government bodies.
6. External Representation and Strategic Partnerships
Serve as the primary liaison with national and local government agencies development partners donors media and civil society organizations.
Advocate for policies and initiatives aligned with IIRRs strategic priorities and amplify the voices of the rural communities we serve.
7. Risk Management and Compliance
Ensure adherence to national laws donor regulations and IIRRs global policies (including child protection safeguarding fraud prevention whistleblowing and data protection).
Proactively identify and manage risks that may impact operations reputation or safety.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Education and Qualifications
Masters degree or higher in international development rural development public administration social sciences or a related field.
Professional Experience
Minimum of 710 years of progressive experience in international development including 5 years in a senior leadership or country management role.
Proven track record in managing complex programs in areas such as climate resilience food systems education or rural livelihoods.
Experience working with diverse donors (e.g. USAID EU multilateral agencies philanthropic foundations).
Core Competencies
Strategic thinker with the ability to align country operations with broader organizational goals.
Strong leadership mentoring and team-building skills especially across remote worksites.
Excellent proposal writing donor reporting and communication skills.
Advanced financial and operational management capabilities.
High level of integrity professionalism and diplomacy.
Strong intercultural sensitivity and commitment to diversity equity and inclusion in staffing and programming.
Special Working Conditions
Frequent travel to project sites and communities across the Philippines including remote or hardship areas.
Occasional regional and/or international travel for meetings conferences and coordination.
Flexibility to work extended or irregular hours as required by program demands is essential.
Interested applicants who meet the above job criteria should submit the follow materials via the application portal:
Cover letter (1-2 page) that summarizes key competencies and skills relevant to the job
Curriculum vitae (35 page summary)
Contact information (telephone email)
Three character references with address and contact email/phone numbers
Closing date of application is 31 August 2025 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
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