Program Manager, Philippines

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build the institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include enterprise ecosystems, democratic governance, business advocacy, anti-corruption & ethics, and trade.

Position:                     Program Manager

Position Type:           Full-time

Location:                    Asia Pacific Regional Hub, Philippines

Duration:                   Initial one-year term with possible renewal

Reporting to:             Country Director


Overview
CIPE’s Asia Regional Initiatives address interconnected challenges to improve democratic governance, market-oriented reforms, and economic resilience across the Indo-Pacific region. The Center’s regional programs coordinate systematic interventions that strengthen business environments, expand entrepreneurial opportunities, and build institutional resilience through anti-corruption frameworks, counter corrosive capital influence, and enhance institutional capacity for crisis response and democratic transitions.

Position Summary
The Program Manager will lead comprehensive regional initiatives across Asia through coordinated multi-country programming, strategic partnership development, and integrated business advocacy networks. This senior position requires demonstrated expertise in managing complex initiatives while building sustainable institutional capacity for democratic governance and market-oriented reform across diverse political and economic contexts.

Tasks and Activities

1. Multi-Country Program Development

• Lead development of integrated regional strategies addressing economic freedom, opportunity, and resilience challenges across various countries
• Design cross-border programming that leverages regional integration frameworks, and regional coalitions and networks
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with partners such as business associations, chambers of commerce, industry groups, and entrepreneurship organizations as well as  academic institutions, think tanks, and civil society organizations providing research, analysis, and independent monitoring capabilities
• Act as liaison between CIPE and these partners to address implementation issues and bottlenecks.
• Coordinate implementation of harmonized approaches while adapting to diverse country contexts, political systems, and development priorities
• Facilitate knowledge sharing, peer learning, and best practice replication across country programs through regional networks and platforms

2. Program Management, Partner Engagement and Capacity Building

• Support the country director in overseeing activities of program officers, associate program officer and program associates in implementing economic freedom, opportunity, and resilience initiatives
• Provide technical guidance, capacity building support, and quality assurance for program implementation
• Coordinate resource allocation, budget management, and financial oversight across multi-country programming portfolio
• Facilitate regular coordination meetings, annual planning processes, and performance review sessions with country teams
• Draft partner agreements and maintain organized records of program documents, contracts, and correspondence.
• Review detailed project work plans, timelines, and milestone tracking systems
• Coordinate daily project management implementation, ensuring activities align with project objectives and donor requirements
• Organize and facilitate regular team meetings, stakeholder consultations, and project review sessions
• Design and deliver training sessions, workshops, or mentoring to strengthen partner organizations’ skills and systems.

3. Donor Relations, Stakeholder Engagement and Thought Leadership

• Provide program leadership support in proposal development, concept note preparation, and fundraising initiatives for regional program expansion and sustainability
• Provide program leadership support in coordinating donor reporting, compliance requirements, and audit processes across multi-country programming
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and consultation processes
• Support partnership development and maintenance with key advocacy networks and business organizations
• Support the documentation, packaging, and dissemination of knowledge, lessons learned, and success stories from partner initiatives.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing forums, roundtables, or dialogues on thematic issues relevant to the project.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products such as briefs, case studies, or policy notes.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Systems

• Oversee preparation of monthly, semi-annual and annual progress reports for donors and stakeholders
• Coordinate preparation of project communications, newsletters, and public materials
• Support the collection, consolidation, and analysis of partner reports and data against project indicators.
• Assist in tracking progress toward outcomes and ensuring quality of partner contributions to M&E processes.
• Participate in partner feedback mechanisms and learning reviews.
• Assist in problem-solving and troubleshooting to address technical challenges faced by partners.
• Support evidence generation and application of best practices relevant to project goals.
• Support research and knowledge product development highlighting regional trends, best practices, and policy recommendations
• Facilitate annual regional conferences, learning events, and stakeholder coordination meetings

5. Communication and Outreach

• Draft and edit communication materials highlighting partner initiatives and achievements.
• Coordinate visibility activities (e.g., social media posts, podcasts, website features, partner spotlights).
• Ensure alignment of partner communications with CIPE’s branding and messaging guidelines.

Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in social sciences, public policy, development studies, international relations, economics, or a related field is typically required. Advanced or master’s degree is highly desirable.

Experience: Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in project management, private sector development, and/or advocacy and research. Experience working with business associations, NGOs, advocacy groups or civil society organizations, government or donor-funded projects, is highly desirable.

Policy Analysis Skills: Experience in conducting policy research, writing policy briefs, and providing recommendations for policy change on topics such as economic development, governance and anti-corruption, economic security, digital economy, international trade and investment policy or international development.

Research and Analytical Skills: Strong research skills to analyze policies, identify gaps, and propose recommendations for strengthening private sector participation in policy reforms. Experience in conducting policy research and stakeholder consultations.

Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for effectively communicating with stakeholders, crafting persuasive messaging, and disseminating accurate information suitable for a global audience. Ability to tailor messages for different audiences and channels

Collaboration and Networking: Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, media organizations, academic institutions.

Ethical Standards: Commitment to upholding ethical standards and integrity in all aspects of work, including the handling of sensitive information and engagement with diverse stakeholders.