With over 70 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.

Come join our 34,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories!

Employee Contract Type:

Local - Fixed Term Employee (Fixed Term)

Job Description:

Purpose of the position

The Regional Program Director will provide strategic leadership and overall management for the "Building Climate-Adaptive Solutions through Inclusive Market Networks" (BASIN) program, ensuring its effective implementation, coordination, and achievement of outcomes across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. This role will collaborate closely with World Vision East Asia Regional Office (EASO), World Vision Australia (WVA), Field Offices (FOs), and key stakeholders to advance economic resilience, gender equality, and climate adaptation in the Mekong subregion.

The Director will be responsible for ensuring that the BASIN program’s projects work interdependently and achieve the overall program goals in alignment with the organizational strategy. This will involve supporting Project Manager across the region to accomplish the planned objectives, particularly in supporting local communities for climate adaptation, inclusive economic development, and gender equality. The Director will also be responsible for positioning World Vision’s strategic priorities within key external networks, including governments, donors, and partner organizations. Additionally, the role will include representing the BASIN program in high-level engagements with external stakeholders such as governments, DFAT, UN agencies, and international NGOs to share and learn evidence, and influence policy to promote best practice programming.

Job Responsibilities:

Program Leadership and Oversight

Lead the implementation of the BASIN program, ensuring alignment with WV regional and national strategic plans, including frameworks for climate-smart agriculture (CSA), gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI).Coordinate the strategic engagement with key external stakeholders such as DFAT, government ministries, international organizations, and regional platforms (e.g., the Mekong River Commission), ensuring the program’s alignment with broader development priorities in close consultation with WVAProvide direction and support to Field Offices, ensuring timely delivery of program outputs, meeting budget and timeline expectations, and quality standards.Oversee the preparation and submission of regular program reports and ensure that progress aligns with donor expectations and standards.Identify and support business development initiatives, including proposal development and strategic partnerships, to secure additional funding and expand the BASIN program's impact in close consultation with Manager, WVA Grant Acquisition.

Team Management and Coordination

Lead the program team, including technical advisors, regional finance officer, and MEAL specialist, ensuring collaboration and effective resource utilization.Convene regular coordination meetings with WVA Grant Manager, Country Project Managers, regional staff, and other stakeholders to review progress, address challenges, and drive decision-making.Ensure alignment and integration with other MAP activities and regional initiatives. Facilitate professional development opportunities and foster a learning culture across the program, providing staff with tools and knowledge to improve effectiveness.

Stakeholder Engagement

In coordination with relevant teams, support external relations and business development, particularly in relation to climate resilience, gender equality, and market inclusivity, by engaging with governments, DFAT, regional institutions, and civil society organizationsRepresent the BASIN program in high-level engagements, particularly with DFAT, donor agencies, governments, regional institutions, and key partners in close consultation with WVA.Actively participate in regional platforms, advocating for climate resilience, gender equality, and inclusive markets, contributing to the collective identification of solutions.Position WV strategies for addressing climate adaptation and resilience at regional and international forumsEngage senior leadership and external partners to secure increased resources for impactful programming. Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including DFAT, donor agencies, potential partners and regional platforms, to identify and secure funding opportunities aligned with BASIN program objectives and impacts.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

Collaborate with the University of Technology Sydney, (UTS) to generate and disseminate knowledge products, including research, policy briefs, and lessons learned.   Facilitate regional exchange forums to amplify program impact and encourage cross-learning among stakeholders.                 In coordination with relevant technical advisors and key stakeholders, develop briefing papers, policy briefs, and reports to raise the program’s profile and engage with the media on program-related issues.   

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Learning, and Knowledge Management

In coordination with the Regional MEAL Specialist and country-level MEAL teams, oversee the implementation of MEAL frameworks, ensuring consistent tracking of program outcomes and impacts.Ensure the program aligns with MAP EOPOs (End-Of-Portfolio-Outcomes) and contributes to evidence-based advocacy efforts.Foster cross-country learning and collaboration, promoting the exchange of best practices and insights.Develop a centralized knowledge management system to store and share program documentation, research, and technical resources, ensuring accessibility for informed decision-making.

Financial Management

In coordination with the Regional Finance Officer, oversee financial management for the BASIN program, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and donor requirements.Coordinate with the Regional Finance Officer, WVA, and FOs to ensure effective budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.Monitor and track financial performance, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely reporting in accordance with program goals and financial guidelines.

Risk Management and Quality Assurance

Develop and implement a risk management plan to identify and mitigate risks that may impact program delivery, including environmental and political factors in the region.Ensure that the program adheres to WV and WVA policies and standards, particularly in relation to safeguarding, child protection, and gender equality.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND EXPERIENCE

Required

Advanced degree in Development Studies, Agriculture, Climate Change, Business Administration, or related fields.

Required Professional Experience

At least 8 years of experience in managing complex, multi-country programs focused on climate resilience, economic development, or gender equality.Proven experience in managing cross-cultural teams and working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and donors.Experience in working with DFAT or other international donors, ensuring program alignment with development priorities and effective resource mobilization.Demonstrated ability in program monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and donor expectations.Proven expertise in systems-level approaches, including value chain development, climate-smart agriculture, and GEDSI frameworks.Strong leadership, coordination, and stakeholder management skills, with experience working in cross-cultural and multi-sectoral environments.Excellent understanding of the socio-economic and environmental challenges in the Mekong subregion.Demonstrated ability to generate and use evidence to inform policy and practice.Strong interpersonal and communication skills.Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.Ability to manage diverse teams and foster collaboration.Commitment to World Vision’s values and principles, including child protection and safeguarding.

Required Language(s):

English: Excellent oral and written communications skills

Required travel and/or work environment accommodations:

Frequent travel to Cambodia and Vietnam, 40 %

Preferred Experience,  Knowledge and/or other Qualifications

Experience in working with market actors, cooperatives, and private sector entities to develop inclusive business models.Familiarity with regional platforms like the Mekong River Commission and their role in policy advocacy.Proficiency in one or more languages spoken in the Mekong subregion.

Application deadline: 22nd February 2025

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local and International Applicants (IA's) Accepted