Program Manager, Philippines

Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. We're always on the hunt for curious, passionate, and innovative thinkers to join our team, to help us do what we do better.

An international nonprofit headquartered in New York, our mission is to transform the life of every person impacted by cleft lip and palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide free life-changing comprehensive cleft treatment to our beneficiaries. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach 2 million children in 90+ countries to date and we're just getting started. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time.

We are looking for Program Manager to join our team in the Philippines. He/she will  support the development and implementation of Smile Train programs across his/her assigned regions and provinces in the Philippines. The Program Manager is expected to manage various administrative tasks, working with partners, and reporting to donors to ensure effective implementation of Smile Train programs, in line with regional and global objectives and guidelines.

The Program Manager will report to the Area Director for Southeast Asia. This is a full-time role based in the Philippines, starting as soon as possible. Significant domestic travel is expected (approximately 50%).

 Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Support Area Director for Southeast Asia to implement program activities at partner hospitals in assigned regions and provinces, including the continuous monitoring of progress towards financial, programmatic, and medical (i.e. Smile Train's safety and quality protocol) compliance.
• Maintain consistent communication and good working relationships with existing partner hospitals, visit hospitals and conduct site visits as requested/needed, and work together to ensure the success of current and future programs.
• Receive, review, and analyze grant requests from local stakeholders, carry out 'due diligence' to advise supervisors on whether the requests are in line with Smile Train's overall strategy and requirements.
• Work with various local vendors to ensure effective and on-time implementation of Smile Train programs.
• Gathering information to develop reports to local donors as requested.
• Maintain good communication with local donors, including receiving and attending to their requests (additional reports, gatherings of information and materials for communications, etc.).
• Develop resources or generate internal reports as needed/requested (this may include material translation).
• Help grow the organization's brand and raise awareness for Smile Train programs by:
  • supporting efforts to share Smile Train's global messaging locally;
  • upholding and furthering best practices in comprehensive cleft care;
  • gathering marketing content (e.g. photos/videos/stories, etc.);
  • organizing and hosting visits by Smile Train ambassadors, donors/supporters and staff;
  • and, supporting supervisors in maintaining good communications and working relationships with all key external stakeholders (e.g. medical professionals, social and voluntary organizations, government functionaries, media, and patients/families).
• Serve as a point of contact for operations within the assigned regions and provinces, communicate regularly with Area Director for Southeast Asia and Regional Director for Asia, and keep the Management informed about all the significant developments and key plans.
• Proactively respond and work with supervisor and Smile Train regional and global teams so as to keep communication channels open, projects integrated, and the organization moving together.

Essential Selection Criteria

• Bachelor's degree and/or higher academic level (master's degree) in Public Health, Business, Social Sciences, Public Relations or any related course.
• At least 10 years work experience in a leadership or managerial position in reputable non-profit (global charity and NGOs) or for-profit organizations. Experience in fundraising is a plus.
• Exhibits maturity, accountability and integrity in all professional responsibilities
• Demonstrates passion for improving the health and well-being of the children and community
• Highly proficient in English – both oral communication and technical writing skills.
• High degree of computer literacy (Microsoft Office, Zoom, etc.), ability to navigate databases and analyze datasets with keen attention to details.
• Team Player, strong ability to network, develop and create professional relationships, ability to work with a global team, exhibiting cultural sensitivity, strong time management skills, and capacity to work independently.

Application details

Smile Train believes that a workforce made up of people from diverse social, racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds results in a dynamic workplace and enhances the important work that we do. We are committed providing equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, marital/familial status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual and reproductive health decisions, military status, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply.

To apply, please send your latest curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role on or before 07 December 2025.

As part of the application process, candidates are required to submit a formal recommendation letter authored by their current or most recent supervisor. This letter should provide a comprehensive assessment of the applicant's professional capabilities, work ethic, and suitability for the opportunity they are pursuing.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.