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Manager, Southeast Asia Operations

Location: Manila, Philippines

About IDinsight

We amplify social impact by partnering with leaders to develop tailored solutions. Our mission is to use data and evidence to help leaders combat poverty worldwide.

IDinsight is a mission-driven global advisory, data analytics, and research organization that helps global development leaders maximize their social impact. We tailor a wide range of data and evidence tools, including randomized evaluations and machine learning, to help decision-makers design effective programs and rigorously test what works to support communities. We work with governments, multilateral agencies, foundations, and innovative non-profit organizations in Asia and Africa. Our work spans a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, education, health, governance, sanitation, financial inclusion, and other areas.

We have expertise in a variety of rigorous approaches and methodologies, which we tailor to each client depending on their needs and constraints. To achieve a positive social impact we:

• Support clients’ use of data and evidence for routine and major decision-making.
• Inform funding decisions – toward high-impact initiatives and away from less effective programs or approaches.
• Create and share tools, knowledge, and ideas that expand the use of data and evidence for social good.

Our diverse, growing team of roughly 180 outstanding colleagues operate in nearly two dozen countries around the world.  Learn more about our mission and values at www.IDinsight.org.  

About the SEA Operations Manager role

Responsibilities

The SEA Operations Manager will supervise all aspects of the SEA office’s operations as it grows. They will manage the Southeast Asia Operations Associate and work closely with the Southeast Asia Regional Director and the Global Operations team. The Manager will be responsible for operations as well as ensuring compliance - we are open to candidates with experience in both of these areas, or candidates who have experience in one and are interested in learning the other. More specifically, the Operations Manager will be responsible for:

• Oversight of major operations workstreams
  • Determine operations strategy and operations for the SEA office together with the SEA Regional Director and SEA Administrative Lead 
  • Ensure that the SEA office has the best-in-class systems and policies in place. These systems may be in support of IDinsight’s client-facing social impact work, including project management, knowledge management, client development, or internal goal-tracking systems. They may also be people-related, including performance management, office administration, contracts and compensation, safety and security, and various policies.
  • Build processes and contribute to designing policies that enable the Region to function efficiently
  • Problem-solve critical operations issues
  • Mentor and manage the performance of direct reports (Administrative Lead and Administrative Assistant)

• Recruitment
  • Work with SEA leadership to set hiring goals and support in developing a strategy to meet these targets, especially for senior-level positions 
  • Proactively identify, build, and maintain a strong network of potential candidates through proactive market research and ongoing relationship management
  • Engage with third-party recruiting firms to find the best talent for senior-level positions
  • Oversee recruiting activities and events within the countries in which we work

• Finance and Compliance Management
  • Ensure compliance with local laws and accounting standards, including annual registration processes, tax filings and other reportorial requirements
  • Support the internal finance team in preparing office overhead budgets
  • Liaise with local service providers (such as auditors and accounting firms) and review their deliverables to ensure accuracy
  • Tracking and processing payments made to IDinsight Philippines
• Safety and Security
  • Lead safety and security initiatives 
  • Ensure compliance with DOLE and local government standards and organize required trainings for office teammates

• Legal, Immigration and Expansion
  • Coordinate with local legal counsel regarding any contract, policy and case reviews
  • Lead work visa and immigration application processes for employees, in coordination with our local legal counsel
  • Manage the legal expansion of the SEA office into new countries, when applicable 

• Project Staffing Support
• Collaborate with Regional Chief of Staff to assign SEA office team members on projects, based on capacity and specialization

Qualifications

• Passionate about global development and social impact
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience, preferably with multinational nonprofits or social enterprises in the Philippines
• University degree preferably in Business Administration, Sociology, Psychology, International Development, Human Resources, Communications, or equivalent
• Technical experience with HR functions, financial reporting, and local labor laws and compliance requirements (such as with BIR, SEC, and statutory agencies) in the Philippines
• Demonstrated track record as a self-starter and leader, including comfort with ambiguity and dynamic environments and workstreams
• Ability to conceive, execute, and lead strategic initiatives, but also high attention to detail and willingness to get his/her hands dirty on the nuts and bolts of running an organization.
• Strong desire for professional growth and development with a track record of openness to give and receive feedback
• Ability to work with international, cross-cultural, and diverse teams 
• Safety Officer and First Aid certification is a plus but not required

Professional development

Skill and career development are core to IDinsight's values and long-term impact strategy, and have been noted highlights of teammates’ experiences. IDinsighters receive significant mentorship from IDinsight leadership, support from talented peers, and are given considerable autonomy when ready. They maintain professional development plans and are given "stretch" opportunities designed to strengthen a variety of skills. Real-time feedback is embedded in our culture and formal structure enables maximum professional growth. Additionally, teammates have access to an annual professional development stipend that they are encouraged to utilize to explore their career interests and develop their skills.

Nuts & bolts

Location

This position is based in IDinsight’s Philippines office. 

Start date

The start date of this position is by April 2025 with preference for candidates that can start immediately. 

Work authorization

IDinsight is not able to sponsor work authorization for this role. Successful candidates must have work authorization for the Philippines.

Compensation

Compensation and benefits are commensurate with the qualifications and experiences IDinsight is hiring for, and competitive within the global development sector. We are especially proud of the people-focused benefits we offer including comprehensive international health insurance, including mental health coverage; paid vacation, sick, and parental leave; relocation benefits; a travel stipend; technology and work from home stipends; a professional development budget; and more.

How to apply

Please click the "Apply for this job online" button at the top right. The application asks various questions in order for us to get to know you, and requires a CV and cover letter. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please ensure that your CV includes relevant professional and personal experience as well as details on academic qualifications. CVs can range from one to two pages. Please note, headshot photographs, parental details, birth dates, marital status and other personal information not relevant to the application do not need to be included in your CV. Additionally, we strongly encourage you to use your cover letter to highlight why you want to work for IDinsight specifically, and what has prepared you to succeed in the role you’re applying for. A customized cover letter is an important part of IDinsight’s recruiting process as it allows us to understand your motivations for the position, relevant skills, and clarity of writing.

More information, including details on IDinsight’s hiring process and frequently asked questions, can be found online at IDinsight Careers. Any questions should be directed to careers@IDinsight.org. 

IDinsight’s commitment to reducing power asymmetries

IDinsight is committed to reducing power asymmetries in the social sector. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion reflects our understanding of the need for the sector to abandon unhealthy practices of the past. We wish to be part of a new generation of international NGOs who are honest about this history and transparent about our role in the present. Our commitment is also aligned with the impact of our work. 

We seek a workforce that is inclusive of a variety of perspectives that will help us refine and improve our methods and relationships, and strengthen the services we provide our clients and their communities or constituencies. The following commitments represent our vision for the IDinsight team:

IDinsight is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a diverse and supportive workplace.