Associate Program Officer, Philippines

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build the institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include enterprise ecosystems, democratic governance, business advocacy, anti-corruption & ethics, and trade.

Position:                     Associate Program Officer

Position Type:           Full-time

Location:                   Asia Pacific Regional Hub, Philippines

Duration:                   Initial one-year term with possible renewal

Reporting to:             Program Manager under the overall supervision of the country director

Overview

CIPE’s Asia Regional Initiatives addresses interconnected challenges to improve democratic governance, economic competitiveness, and institutional resilience across the Indo-Pacific region. The Center’s regional programs coordinate systematic interventions that strengthen business environments, expand entrepreneurial opportunities, and build institutional resilience through anti-corruption frameworks, counter corrosive capital influence, and enhance institutional capacity for crisis response and democratic transitions.

Position Summary
The Associate Program Officer will provide comprehensive programmatic and administrative support to the Country Director and Program Manager in implementing Asia Regional Initiatives focused on economic freedom, opportunity expansion, and resilience building across various countries. This position serves as a critical program support role requiring strong coordination skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships while supporting complex, multi-country programming.

Tasks and Activities

1. Multi-Country Program Development, Research and Documentation

• Assist in coordination of program activities across various countries, ensuring consistent implementation approaches while adapting to local contexts
• Support development and maintenance of regional and country program work plans, timelines, and milestone tracking systems under Program Manager guidance
• Conduct background research on economic and governance trends across Asia-Pacific region to inform program planning
• Assist in preparation of presentations, briefing materials, and communication products for senior management, donors, and stakeholders
• Monitor regional developments, policy changes, and emerging issues that may impact program implementation and strategic direction
• Coordinate logistics for regional coordination meetings, annual planning sessions, and cross-country learning events
• Maintain comprehensive program documentation systems including country profiles, stakeholder databases, and activity tracking tools
• Support Country Director and Program Manager in building and maintaining relationships with business associations, government agencies, and development partners across priority countries
• Help coordinate communication with program officers, implementing partners, and key stakeholders to ensure timely information flow and coordination
• Assist in organizing and facilitating stakeholder meetings, conferences, and regional dialogue events
• Maintain regular communication with donors, development partners, and regional organizations on program implementation progress

2. Program Management, Partner Engagement and Donor Relations

• Support Program Manager in program management processes including proposal review, due diligence, and compliance monitoring
• Assist in development of grant agreements, partnership MOUs, and/or partner contracts ensuring compliance with donor requirements and CIPE policies
• Monitor program implementation progress, track deliverables, and coordinate reporting requirements with implementing partners
• Support financial management including budget tracking, expenditure monitoring, and variance analysis across multiple country programs
• Assist in preparation of donor reports, quarterly updates, and annual assessments documenting program achievements and challenges
• Support development of funding proposals, concept notes, and resource mobilization materials under Program Manager guidance
• Coordinate donor visits, briefings, and evaluation missions including logistics, documentation, and follow-up activities
• Maintain donor and partner database and communication tracking systems ensuring timely responses and relationship management
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products such as briefs, case studies, or policy notes.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Systems

• Support implementation of program monitoring and evaluation framework including data collection, analysis, and reporting activities
• Assist in coordination of external evaluations, impact assessments, and learning studies documenting program effectiveness and lessons learned
• Contribute to development of knowledge products, case studies, and policy recommendations based on program experiences and outcomes
• Support organization of learning events, peer exchanges, and knowledge sharing activities connecting program participants across countries

4. Communication and Outreach

• Support program communication activities including website updates, newsletter development, and social media engagement
• Maintain program information systems including stakeholder databases, activity tracking tools, and document management platforms
• Support preparation of program materials, training resources, and capacity building tools for use across country and regional programs

Qualifications
Education: A bachelor's degree in social sciences, public policy, development studies, international relations, economics, or a related field is typically required. Advanced or master’s degree is highly desirable.

Experience: Minimum two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project management, private sector development, and/or advocacy and research. Experience working with business associations, NGOs, advocacy groups or civil society organizations, international organizations, government or donor-funded projects, is highly desirable.

Policy Analysis Skills: Experience in conducting policy research, writing policy briefs, and providing recommendations for policy change on topics such as economic development, governance and anti-corruption, economic security, digital economy, international trade and investment policy or international development.

Research and Analytical Skills: Strong research skills to analyze policies, identify gaps, and propose recommendations for strengthening private sector participation in policy reforms. Experience in conducting policy research and stakeholder consultations.

Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for effectively communicating with stakeholders, crafting persuasive messaging, and disseminating accurate information suitable for a global audience. Ability to tailor messages for different audiences and channels

Collaboration and Networking: Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, media organizations, academic institutions.

Ethical Standards: Commitment to upholding ethical standards and integrity in all aspects of work, including the handling of sensitive information and engagement with diverse stakeholders.