Philippines Country Director

IIRR is one of the world's 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 IIRR's 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 IIRR's 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 RESPONSIBILITIES1. Strategic Leadership and Organizational DevelopmentLead the development, implementation, and periodic review of the IIRR-Philippines Country Strategy in alignment with IIRR's global vision and regional priorities.Represent the country program at local, national, and regional forums, strengthening IIRR's visibility and influence.Foster a strong organizational culture of performance, learning, inclusion, and accountability.2. Program Design, Implementation, and Quality AssuranceOversee 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 IIRR's 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 BuildingRecruit, 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 OversightEnsure 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 EngagementLead 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 IIRR's partnerships with NGOs, academic institutions, private sector actors, and government bodies.6. External Representation and Strategic PartnershipsServe 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 IIRR's strategic priorities and amplify the voices of the rural communities we serve.7. Risk Management and ComplianceEnsure adherence to national laws, donor regulations, and IIRR's 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 ABILITIESEducation and QualificationsMaster's degree or higher in international development, rural development, public administration, social sciences, or a related field.Professional ExperienceMinimum of 7–10 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 CompetenciesStrategic 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 ConditionsFrequent 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 (3–5 page summary)Contact information (telephone, email)Three character references with address and contact email/phone numbersClosing date of application is 31 August 2025 or until a suitable candidate is identified.

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We will respond to short-listed candidates only.

IIRR is an equal opportunity employer.

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