Philippines Country Director

International Institute of Rural Reconstruction; Cavite City; Hybrid; PHP 4,800,000 - 7,200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Philippines Country Director at the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction provides strategic leadership and full oversight of country operations, including financial, human, and program resources. The role requires securing funding, strengthening partnerships, and representing IIRR with government and donors.

The post reports to the Asia Regional Director and champions community-led development across climate resilience, biodiversity, food systems, and health.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years in international development with senior leadership experience.
• Track record in managing complex programs and donor reporting.
• Experience with diverse donors (USAID, EU, multilateral, foundations).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of country operations, including financial, human, and program resources.
• Represent IIRR with government, civil society, and donors; secure funding and partnerships.
• Oversee program design, delivery, monitoring, and quality assurance across projects.
• Lead risk management, compliance, and safeguarding according to policies.
• Recruit and develop staff; foster inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Ensure transparent reporting to stakeholders and strong governance.
• Travel regularly to project sites and regional meetings as needed.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Donor engagement

Team management

Proposal writing

Financial management

Education

Master’s degree or higher in international development

Job description

IIRR seeks development professionals interested in establishing a career with an international organization. Qualified women are encouraged to apply.

Philippines Country Director

Philippine Program

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.

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 RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development

• Lead 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. Resource Mobilization and Donor Engagement

• Lead 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.

3. Financial and Operational Oversight

• Ensure 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.

4. Program Design, Implementation, and Quality Assurance

• Oversee 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.

5. Team Management and Capacity Building

• Recruit, 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.

6. External Representation and Strategic Partnerships

• Serve 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 Compliance

• Ensure 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 ABILITIES

Education and Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher in international development, rural development, public administration, social sciences, or a related field.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 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.
• Demonstrated success in proposal development and resource mobilization.
• Experience working with diverse donors (e.g., USAID, EU, multilateral agencies, philanthropic foundations).

Core Competencies

• Strategic 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 Conditions

• Frequent 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.
• Hybrid work may be considered(minimum 2 days a week on-site in Silang).

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 withcontact email/phone numbers and professional affiliation

Please note that all items listed above are required; incomplete applications will not be considered. Closing date of application is May 30, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Follow IIRR on social media to learn more about our work and to stay informed about future opportunities to join the organization.

We will respond to short-listed candidates only.

IIRR is an equal opportunity employer.