Country Program Manager

Sight and Life (SAL) is a Swiss-based charitable foundation and a leading name in nutrition science. With over 35 years of work in bringing life-saving research, knowledge, commodities and services to the most vulnerable populations, SAL combines evidence and innovation to drive greater impact. Through our local offices in Asia and Africa and teams across multiple countries, we are working to deploy evidence-backed innovative social business models that holistically address issues of hunger, micronutrient deficiencies, poverty and climate change.

Reporting to the Senior Program Manager, the Country Program Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of Sight and Life Foundation’s work in the Philippines. The work will focus on maternal health and nutrition, including creating an enabling environment in-country, program rollout, and impact, as well as financial and administrative operations. As Country Program Manager, he/she will be responsible for fostering and maintaining meaningful relationships with key stakeholders and project partners with the support of the Senior Program Manager.

The Country Program Manager plays a leading role in demonstrating progress in the programs and operations in the country and works in close consultation and coordination with the global teams.

• Lead existing SAL project on maternal health and nutrition on antenatal care strengthening including maternal supplements and calcium in the country.
• Serve as the main in-country contact for all external stakeholders; develop and maintain links with relevant senior government officials and with country representatives in donors, UN bodies, academia, and other international NGOs. 
• Roll out the project scope, activities and objectives in line with SAL business plans, program frameworks, and organizational strategic priorities and the country’s strategic priorities.
• Monitor changes in legal, regulatory, and administrative environments as well as policies and processes locally that impact programs.
• Explore local funding opportunities to expand the scope of the work of Sight and Life and partnerships for maternal health and nutrition.
• Maintain a positive and open communication channel with project partners, implementing partners and other government stakeholders. Facilitate periodic stakeholder consultations by setting up calls, events and conferences. 
• Working closely with SAL technical teams and monitoring network to ensure projects are implemented in line with the relevant quality standards.
• Writing donor reports in collaboration with other team members.
• Ensuring narrative reporting and financial accounting meet SAL and donor’s requirements.
• Working with the global finance team to ensure that accurate budgets and forecasting are drawn up for all activities and that activity costs are kept within budgets.
• Support senior leadership on new project proposals and fundraising efforts such as calls, lead follow-ups, and developing the implementation plan.

Reports to: Senior Program Manager
Works with: Leadership Team and global teams

Location: This is a local position based in-country with international travel for work.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to build rapport with staff, partners, government officials, donors, and community leaders. 
• Creativity and problem-solving skills. 
• Strong presentation skills. 
• Strategic planning skills. 
• Leadership, influencing and managerial skills.
• Ability to gain trust and secure donor funding. 
• Strong coaching and mentorship skills. 
• Superior organizational skills and ability to multi-task. 
• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive teams and work environments. 
• Demonstrated commitment to Sight and Life’s mission, vision, and code of conduct.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

• At least 6-8 years of total work experience.
• Experience in leading or coordinating collaborative programmes involving multiple partners.
• Prior experience working with government or government-adjacent stakeholders is a plus.
• Experience in a global, multicultural organization preferred.
• Proven knowledge and commitment to effective program design and delivery to achieve impact. 
• Proven experience in program design and/or strategy development to achieve impact.