Country Director

Country Director (Philippines)

Location:
Onsite – Makati City

Schedule:
U.S. Core Business Hours (Night Shift, PH Time)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced
Country Director (CD)
to serve as the chief representative and strategic leader in the Philippines. The Country Director will provide vision, leadership, and operational oversight across all country programs and teams.

This role requires a dynamic humanitarian leader who can drive organizational strategy, ensure operational excellence, and build strong partnerships to advance long-term community resilience and sustainable impact. The CD will shape country strategy, manage diverse teams, and ensure strong alignment with global priorities and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to all programs and operations in the Philippines.

• Lead the development and implementation of country strategies and annual plans aligned with global objectives.

• Oversee financial, operational, and programmatic excellence, ensuring accountability and compliance with local and international standards.

• Build and maintain high-impact partnerships with government agencies, donors, private sector partners, and civil society organizations.

• Drive fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and diversification of funding sources to support long-term sustainability.

• Lead, mentor, and empower a multicultural senior leadership team while fostering a strong, inclusive, high-performance culture.

• Champion organizational values and safeguard the wellbeing, protection, and safety of staff, partners, and communities served.

• Represent the organization externally as the key spokesperson and ambassador in the Philippines.

Essential & Preferred Qualifications

1. Humanitarian Leadership & Contextual Expertise (40%)

• Proven experience leading humanitarian and emergency response initiatives in the Philippines.

• Strong understanding of disaster risk reduction frameworks, community resilience, and humanitarian coordination systems.

2. People-Centered Leadership (30%)

• Inspirational and empowering leader capable of motivating teams through change and challenge.

• Demonstrated ability to build inclusive, resilient, and accountable teams that promote learning and collaboration.

3. Fundraising, Relationship Building & Entrepreneurial Drive (30%)

• Proven success securing funding from institutional donors, private sector partners, and philanthropic organizations.

• Skilled in diplomacy, coalition-building, and strategic relationship management.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong business acumen and the ability to drive innovation and measurable impact.

Qualifications & Experience

• 15+ years of experience in relief and development or related sectors, with at least 5 years in senior management roles overseeing complex, multi-sector programs in the Philippines.

• Master's degree in International Relief & Development or related field (preferred), OR a Bachelor's degree with extensive relevant experience (20 years total; 7 years in senior management).

• Experience managing intercultural teams and leading organizational change or culture transformation.

• Strong background in budget management, financial oversight, compliance, and risk mitigation.

• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within matrixed global organizations.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Medical fitness and willingness to travel up to 25% within the Philippines and internationally.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and virtual collaboration tools.

• Non-profit or humanitarian sector experience strongly preferred.

Work Setup

•
Location:
Onsite – Makati City

•
Work Hours:
U.S. Core Business Hours (Night Shift in PH)

•
Travel:
Up to 25%, including field visits to rural and fragile areas