Vaco by Highspring

Country Director

Posted: 11 minutes ago

Job Description

Country Director (Philippines) Onsite - Makati City | U.S. Core Business Hours ShiftAbout the RoleWe 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 programs and teams in the country.This role requires a dynamic humanitarian leader who can drive organizational strategy, ensure operational excellence, and build strong partnerships to achieve long-term community resilience and sustainable impact.The Country Director will be responsible for shaping country strategy, managing diverse teams, and fostering 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, and civil society organizations.* Drive fundraising, donor engagement, and diversification of funding sources to support long-term sustainability.* Lead, mentor, and empower a multicultural senior leadership team, fostering a strong, inclusive, and performance-driven culture.* Champion organizational values and safeguard the wellbeing, protection, and safety of staff, partners, and communities served.* Represent the organization externally, serving as a key spokesperson and ambassador in the Philippines.Essential & Preferred Qualifications1. Humanitarian Leadership & Contextual Expertise (40%)* Proven experience leading humanitarian and emergency response initiatives in the Philippines. *Strong understanding of local disaster risk reduction frameworks, community resilience, and humanitarian coordination systems. 2. People-Centered Leadership (30%) * Inspirational and empowering leader who can motivate teams through change and challenge. * Builds inclusive, resilient, and accountable teams that foster learning and collaboration. 3. Fundraising, Relationship Building & Entrepreneurial Drive (30%) * Demonstrated success in securing funding from institutional donors, private sector, and philanthropic partners. * Skilled in diplomacy, coalition-building, and strategic relationship management. * Entrepreneurial thinker 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 Bachelor's degree with extensive relevant experience (20 years total, 7 years in senior management). * Experience managing intercultural teams and leading organizational change and culture transformation. * Strong background in budget management, financial oversight, compliance, and risk mitigation. * Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within matrixed, global organizations. * Excellent communication, partnership, 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 time) * Travel: Up to 25%, including field visits in rural and fragile areas

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