Program Specialist

SEARCA Head Quarters, Los Baños, Laguna

Research and Thought Leadership Department

Regular Position

Application is open until 31 Aug. 2025

JOB SUMMARY:

Spearheads the full lifecycle of research for development programs and projects — from conceptualization and strategic partnership to rigorous implementation and monitoring. Leveraging expertise in evidence-based policy and program advisory, which ensures that research findings are effectively translated and widely disseminated, directly contributing to sustainable development outcomes.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contributes to the strategic development of RTLD's program by conducting thorough situational analysis and needs assessments, identifying emerging issues relevant to the region.

• Leads the development and submission of concept notes and proposals for research, fora, and conferences, actively pursuing core and/or donor funding opportunities on key regional issues.

• Cultivates and maintains strategic relationships with partners and donor agencies to foster collaborations and secure funding for projects.

• Innovates and refines cross-cutting program concepts to effectively address evolving development and policy strengthening needs of national and regional stakeholders.

• Offers expert technical advice and guidance crucial to the strategic development and implementation of RTLD's program of work.

• Conducts rigorous monitoring and evaluation of PPA activities, tracking progress against targets, assessing expected outputs, and analyzing fund utilization to ensure accountability and impact.

• Collaborates actively in the development of RTLD's operational plans, providing technical assistance and strategic inputs to budget formulation, target setting, and the execution of key activities.

• Prepares comprehensive reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring accurate monitoring of RTLD activities and supporting essential administrative functions critical to departmental operations.

• Actively participates in and coordinates policy analyses and program advisory services, specifically organizing and facilitating fora for the presentation and discussion of research results, thereby contributing to the identification of critical policy issues relevant to the region

• Facilitates cross-departmental and partner coordination for knowledge sharing events, ensuring effective dissemination of research results and the timely publication of conference/workshop/fora proceedings.

• Coordinates RTLD's cross-cutting grants award programs and research support initiatives, ensuring efficient administration and impactful outcomes.

• Develops high-quality policy briefs and diverse publications to inform policy formulation, program development, and to disseminate key research results and highlights from policy dialogues, conferences, workshops, and fora, coordinating closely with relevant Center departments for broad dissemination.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Master's Degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Environmental Science, or related fields

Work Experience: Five (5) years of relevant work experience in program design and implementation, and knowledge of Southeast Asian agricultural and rural development issues, preferably in a similar post and capacity.

Required Skills:

• Proposal Development and Communication: Exceptional ability to develop compelling project proposals, prepare engaging presentations, and effectively market program initiatives.

• Research and Analysis: Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to gather, synthesize, and interpret complex data.

• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders (local, national, and international).

• Project Management: Above-average skills in project planning, organization, monitoring, and coordination.

• Computer Proficiency: Proficient in standard computer software applications (word processing, presentation software, spreadsheets, databases, search engines, and quantitative analytical tools).