Job Description
The Head of the Manila Office will lead FSD’s Representative Office in Manila, providing strategic oversight and serving as the key liaison between FSD Headquarters in Geneva and the Manila team. Since its establishment in 2006, the office has grown into a hub of around 60 finance, administrative, and ICT professionals who provide essential support to FSD, its global operations, and a small number of partner NGOs.
This position is intended for a highly experienced professional. Candidates who are retired or semi-retired will also be considered, provided they bring the necessary expertise and availability to fulfill the role. The Head of Office will be responsible for ensuring that the Representative Office operates efficiently, and in full compliance with FSD policies and donor requirements.
The role includes oversight of Finance, HR, IT, and Administrative functions, with direct supervision of the respective Team Leads for each area. The Head of the Manila Office reports directly to the Head of Finance & Administration, based in Geneva.
This position requires strong operational leadership, as well as extensive experience in humanitarian donor funding, budgeting and financial management, HR oversight, and IT governance. Proven senior management expertise within the development sector or international NGOs is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Governance Oversight
Team Leadership & Mentoring
Compliance & Risk Management
Stakeholder Engagement
This position is intended for a highly experienced professional. Candidates who are retired or semi-retired will also be considered, provided they bring the necessary expertise and availability to fulfill the role. The Head of Office will be responsible for ensuring that the Representative Office operates efficiently, and in full compliance with FSD policies and donor requirements.
The role includes oversight of Finance, HR, IT, and Administrative functions, with direct supervision of the respective Team Leads for each area. The Head of the Manila Office reports directly to the Head of Finance & Administration, based in Geneva.
This position requires strong operational leadership, as well as extensive experience in humanitarian donor funding, budgeting and financial management, HR oversight, and IT governance. Proven senior management expertise within the development sector or international NGOs is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Governance Oversight
- Serve as the primary liaison between FSD HQ and the Manila Office.
- Provide high-level guidance to the Team Leads for Finance, HR, IT, and Administration.
- Ensure that Manila operations remain aligned with HQ objectives, donor requirements, and FSD’s standards.
- Represent the Manila office in internal strategy discussions and selected external engagements.
Team Leadership & Mentoring
- Supervise and mentor the Team Leads in Finance, HR, IT, and Administration.
- Finance: Supervise the Finance Team Lead in ensuring donor compliance, financial reporting, forecasting, and HQ coordination.
- HR: Oversee recruitment, local Philippine and international payroll, benefits, compliance with labor law, and HR policy alignment with HQ.
- IT: Provide oversight for IT systems, cybersecurity, and ERP platforms.
- Administration: Ensure efficient office management, procurement, facilities, and logistics.
- Support professional development, performance reviews, provide mentorship and lead capacity-building, and succession planning for the Manila team.
- Foster a collaborative, respectful, and efficient workplace.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Monitor compliance with Philippine labour laws, donor requirements, and FSD policies.
- Oversee adherence to quality and security standards, including ZEWO, ISO, and data protection.
- Ensure effective internal controls are implemented across all finance & accounting, HR, IT, procurement, and administrative functions.
- Escalate risks, challenges, and critical issues to HQ promptly.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintain effective communication channels between HQ, Manila office, and other stakeholders.
- Represent FSD Manila at relevant meetings with local authorities, partners, or donors as needed.
- Participate in meetings, networks, trainings and seminars as and when requested by HQ Operations Geneva.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post as may be required.