Program Officer for Governance (Coalitions for Change Progran)

THE ASIA FOUNDATION – PHILIPPINES

TITLE: Program Officer

UNIT: Coalitions for Change – Governance
REPORTS TO: Senior Program Officer and Strategic Adviser

SUPERVISES: None

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The Program Officer supports the Senior Program Officer and Strategic Adviser in ensuring effective planning, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of Governance policy reforms under the Coalitions for Change (CfC) program of The Asia Foundation (The Foundation). S/he will help develop innovative and entrepreneurial approaches in solidifying CfC’s governance programs, as well as help identify emerging issues and new opportunities to possibly expand the program.

The Program Officer coordinates and engages with various partners in the implementation of a broad range of Governance programs under the Coalitions for Change program supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Works with the Senior Program Officer and Strategic Adviser to deliver the team target results and consults with finance and administration staff on logistical, administrative, and financial aspects of program management.

Internal
Daily interaction with the Senior Program Officer and other CfC Governance team members. Regular interaction with CfC Strategic Adviser, CfC Program Leader, CfC Program Management Team, other CfC officers, as well as colleagues from the Foundation.

External
Daily interaction with program partners from several reform teams for program coordination and implementation, which includes but not limited to information exchange, strategy formulation and analysis, and networking.
Interaction with government agencies, non-government organizations, and individuals involved with the Coalitions for Change project.

REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Completed Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the field of social sciences, development studies, political science, economics, public administration/management, or similar.
• Master’s degree in related field not required but advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years related professional experience.
• Program Management in terms of design, coordination, administration, networking, risk management, monitoring, and reporting.
• Project administration in terms of logistics, basic finance, and contracts management.
• Basic management of grants, such as budget monitoring and tracking.
• Solid experience in dealing with partners and actors in both government and civil society.
• Strong-track record of working independently and in a diverse team environment.
• Familiarity on broad governance and development issues, as well solid knowledge in at least one of the following: electoral, women and gender, disaster risk reduction and management, local governance, public budget and finance, and housing.
• Good interpersonal skills and able to build good rapport with various team members, organizations, and agencies.
• Highly organized, high attention to details, solid time management, and has strong overall program administration skills.

Other:

• Excellent capacity to handle information with diligence.
• Proficient in spoken and written English, as well as spoken Filipino
• Knowledgeable in basic MS Office programs and widely used online applications.
• Able to provide specialist advice to colleagues and partners on issues related to the area of governance.
• Previous working experience in a government agency is an advantage.
• Experience in adaptive management is an advantage.
• Network in government agencies and civil society organizations is highly desirable.
• Basic knowledge of international funding agency reporting requirements is desirable.
• Knowledge of programs and operations of The Asia Foundation or similar international development organizations will be useful.

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Program Supervision
• Support the Senior Program Officer and Strategic Advisor of Coalitions for Change (CfC) in the management, planning, implementation, and monitoring of the assigned program area within the Governance reform team.
• Participate in policy reform strategy formulation.
• Forge collaboration and solidify relationships with partners working in the same program area.
• Develop mechanisms for effective reporting of activities and other updates from the program areas and implementors/grantees.
• Ensure that activities and program are implemented in accordance with The Foundation’s and DFAT’s and rules and regulations.
• Ensure all program activities and reports are delivered at high quality, making the most effective and efficient use of program resources.
• Provide full range of program management coaching and assistance to partners as they implement program activities.
• Contribute to the development of concept papers and proposals.
• Keep track and support in the management of project budget and expenditures.
• Support in managing Assistant Program Officers (APOs) and interns with approval from the Senior Program Officer or Strategic Advisor.
• Prepare letters of grants and consultancies, as well as other necessary administrative tasks.
• Monitor the implementation of grants and activities for CfC in coordination with The Foundation’s Sub-Awards and Audit teams.
• Develop presentation materials and briefers for trainings, meetings, and workshops.
• Represent the Foundation in Governance meetings in the absence of the Senior Program Officer
• Other Responsibilities
• Provide support to other on-going programs and activities of the Foundation as may be necessary and as requested.
• Manage relationship with INGOs, NGOs, local government units/officials and other branches of government.
• Perform other functions as may be directed by the Senior Program Officer, Program Leader, Strategic Adviser, Deputy Country Representative, and Country Representative.