Program Officer

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Officer (PO) shall provide support in the Collaboration for Rights Enhancement (CORE), a five (5) year program implemented by The Asia Foundation (the Foundation).

Project Background:

Given the context of a changing human rights landscape in the Philippines, the CORE project aims to support the promotion and protection of human rights as the foundation of equitable and sustainable development.

Through this Australian government-supported program, The Foundation will implement activities that develop and consolidate existing mechanisms in various local areas to contribute to a sustainable human rights culture. This includes accessibility for those needing support, protection of human rights defenders, and ongoing attention to rebuilding the support of duty bearers and the general public for upholding human rights principles.

The PO shall help manage the CORE project for the Foundation. Reporting to the project’s Senior Program Officer, they will be responsible for project implementation – execution of project activities and monitoring, as well as various tasks related to project budget, effective planning, and resource procurement.

Internal

• Closely collaborate with the CORE project’s Senior Program Officer and Assistant Program Officer
• Interaction with the Senior Legal Advisor, Director, and members of the Law and Human Rights unit, as well as all The Asia Foundation staff
• Coordinate closely with The Foundation’s enabling services units (finance, sub-awards and audit, procurement) for administrative matters and concerns related to program implementation.

External

• Regular contact with the Foundation’s partners, consultants, and stakeholders for project implementation and monitoring purposes

REQUIREMENTS

Experience

At least three to five years of relevant experience in project management, preferably with experience working with development and human rights organizations

Background in law or related fields is an advantage.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, including education, political science, international relations, economics, or other related degree in the social sciences or humanities

Background in law or legal studies is an advantage.

Other Requirement and Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Filipino
• Computer proficient in word processing, spreadsheets and database management
• Strong management skills and professional organizational abilities
• With initiative, strong attention to details, and ability to multi-task
• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to handle dynamic personalities
• Able to take self-manage, independently prioritize tasks, and confidently develop plans of action with minimal direction
• Knowledge of USAID, Australia-DFAT or other international donor agency requirements and regulations is an advantage
• Must comply with the organization’s Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct and other Policies

Nature of Work:

• The PO shall be directly supervised by the project’s senior program officer
• Project management and execution; also involves partner management responsibilities:
  • The work shall involve and in-depth knowledge and understanding of procurement processes including letter of contract and grants preparation

Job Functions

The PO, under the supervision of the Senior Program Officer and the Senior Legal Advisor, shall undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

Internal within the team and the Foundation:

• Execute the CORE project’s workplan by overseeing the day-to-day implementation of its activities
  • Activity monitoring – Undertake regular monitoring of project activities and prepare feedback reports
  • Grants and consultant management – Coordinate with project partners in the implementation of project activities
  • Budget monitoring – Collaborate with finance and grants staff of The Foundation on matters related to the budget, such as making reasonable spending projections and monitoring actual expenditures of the CORE project
  • Donor reporting – Prepare narrative progress reports, briefers, and success stories for funding partners and the Foundation’s headquarters
  • Communications – Ensure the project’s compliance with The Asia Foundation and the CORE project’s funding partner requirements on communications
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the CORE project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan
• Supervise the CORE Project’s Assistant Program Officer
• Provide support to program activities related to the various human rights and justice programs of the Foundation’s Law and Human Rights Unit

In relation to external partners:

• Liaise with project partners and other key stakeholders throughout project implementation

Other Responsibilities

The PO shall perform other relevant functions as may be required by the Country Representative, Deputy Country Representative, and supervisors at the Law and Human Rights Unit.

Work Arrangement

The PO must be based in Manila, able to report to The Asia Foundation office in Mandaluyong City at least once a week and able to go on occasional travel as may be required by the project activities.