JOB VACANCY

JOB DESCRIPTION 
 
Position Title: Grant Program Manager
Position Level: Managerial
Duty Station: General Santos City with travels to Manila, Iligan, and Cagayan de Olo
Reporting to: Country Director
Contract: One year fixed term with possibility of extension subject to funding availability

Purpose of Position:
The Grant Program Manager, in coordination with different departments of the ChildFund Japan Philippine Branch office in Manila, is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the project funded by the Japanese Government under the grant scheme “Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects.” The Grant Program Manager ensures that the construction of a classroom building in General Santos City and related training activities are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with donor and organizational requirements.

The Grant Program Manager provides strategic leadership, supervises the Civil Engineer, Project Manager, and Project Assistant, coordinates with contractors and partners, and ensures quality control and accountability.

Responsibilities:
A. Project Management & Implementation
– Lead the planning and execution of all construction and training activities in accordance with the approved proposal and work plan.
– Develop detailed implementation schedules, procurement plans, and costed work plans.
– Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and local government requirements.
– Monitor project progress and adjust plans as necessary to ensure timely completion.

B. Construction Management (Non-Technical Oversight)
– Provide overall management supervision of construction activities led by the Civil Engineer.
– Review progress reports submitted by the Civil Engineer and contractors.
– Monitor construction budget utilization and approve payments based on certified progress.
– Ensure construction timelines are met and risks are addressed.
– Escalate major technical, financial, or compliance issues to Country Director.
(Note: Technical supervision, quality control, and compliance with engineering standards are the responsibility of the Civil Engineer.)

C. Partner-Implemented Training & Capacity Development Oversight
– Coordinate closely with Notre Dame Business Resource Center Foundation (NDBRCFI) responsible for implementing training activities.
– Review and approve partner work plans, budgets, and training schedules.
– Monitor partner performance against agreed targets and indicators.
– Conduct field monitoring visits and coordination meetings.
– Ensure timely submission of narrative and financial reports from the partner.
– Support alignment of training activities with overall project objectives and donor requirements.
– Address performance gaps or implementation challenges in collaboration with the partner.

D. Proposal Development & Strategic Partnership
– Lead development of new project proposals in coordination with Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (ECOWEB) based in Iligan City.
– Facilitate joint needs assessments, planning workshops, and concept note drafting.
– Consolidate technical inputs, budgets, logframes, and implementation strategies.
– Ensure proposals are realistic, cost-effective, and aligned with donor priorities.
– Conduct periodic travel to Cagayan de Olo and other sites for face-to-face coordination and site validation.
– Strengthen long-term partnership and institutional collaboration.

E. Financial Management
– Oversee project budget utilization and ensure expenditures remain within approved limits.
– Work closely with the Project Assistant based in Manila to monitor burn rate and cash flow.
– Review and approve financial reports and supporting documentation.
– Ensure proper documentation for audits and donor reporting.

F. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
– Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs).
– Prepare periodic narrative and financial reports for donors and management.
– Conduct regular field visits to monitor progress.
– Document lessons learned and best practices.

G. Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
– Serve as the focal point for partners, local government units, school administrators, and community leaders.
– Facilitate coordination meetings and technical discussions.
– Represent the organization in external meetings related to the project.

H. Team Leadership
– Supervise project staff (e.g., Civil Engineer, Project Manager, Project Assistant, and Partner staff).
– Provide mentorship and performance feedback.
– Promote teamwork and accountability within the project team.

Additional Requirements
– Willingness to travel regularly to other parts of the Philippines.
– Strong partnership management and coordination skills.
– Required Skills and Experience: 

Education
– Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Civil Engineering, Development Studies, Public Administration, Education, or a related field.
– Master’s degree is an advantage.

Experience
– Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in project management.
– Demonstrated experience managing infrastructure-related projects (e.g., school or community construction projects).
– Experience coordinating with local NGOs or partner organizations.
– Proven experience in proposal development (concept notes, logframes, budgeting).
– Experience working in Mindanao and in remote Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities is a strong advantage.
– Experience working with international donors, especially Japanese donors, and compliance frameworks is highly desirable.

ChildFund Japan is an equal employment opportunity employer. In order to maintain appropriate gender balance within ChildFund Japan Philippine Branch, male candidates and individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Please note that the selection process may be completed before the application deadline. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.

Apply online via JobStreet: (TBA)