Senior Program Manager At Center for Operational Analysis and Research

Position Title: Senior Program Manager – Myanmar
Reference Number: 2310M02
Position Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Start Date: December 1, 2023
Assigned Unit/Team: Myanmar
Supervisor: COAR Myanmar Country Director

Overview: This scope of work (SoW) outlines the Senior Program Manager (SPM) position with the Center
for Operational Analysis and Research (COAR). The SPM will be expected to directly administer one
significant project and supervise others administering other projects within the same portfolio. The SPM is expected to ensure proper allocation of resources, lead on recruitments of required personnel, manage
relationships and communication with clients (including narrative reporting & updates), work closely with the finance department on budget management, work closely with client procurement teams on administrative requirements, ensure compliance with internal COAR policies, and perform any other technical or administrative functions as required.

About COAR: COAR is an independent social enterprise that directly supports practitioners, policymakers,
and donors by facilitating humanitarian and development interventions in complex, fragile, and high-risk
environments.

Objectives:
● To directly manage a large analytical research platform project, focused on supporting a major donor
in the international aid response in Myanmar;
● To oversee the general administration of other projects in the COAR Myanmar portfolio, and to ensure the successful set-up, implementation, and close-out of future projects in a professional and cost efficient manner;
● To work with clients and client procurement teams to ensure budgetary and administrative compliance, project amendments, and proper workflows.

Activities:
Project Cycle Management
● Plan the delivery of one overall project and its activities in accordance with the proposal/client requirements, in consultation with the COAR Myanmar Country Director
● Develop and regularly update a detailed work plan for this project, in line with client and supervisor
specifications and timelines
● Plan and monitor all required resources for project implementation (including staffing requirements,
for both permanent staff and fixed-term consultants)
● In consultation with the COAR Myanmar Country Director, recruit, interview and select qualified candidates based on project requirements and organizational human resources policies, procedures
and practices
● Monitor, evaluate, propose, and implement changes and improvements to the project based on observations and discussions with internal and external stakeholders
● Regularly engage with COAR’s finance team to produce operational budgets, closely monitor costs, and remain within defined profitability targets.
● Liaise with technical experts to ensure quality control and assurance for all deliverables before submission

Program Management
● Oversee and assist other PMs in the management of their own programs, particularly as related to finance, administration, compliance, and documentation
● Oversee weekly internal meetings with other PMs and colleagues to coordinate resources, conduct
administration and finance, and contribute to organizational growth and improvement
● File all documentation in line with COAR’s filing systems
● Alongside the Research Coordinator and other PMs, financially allocate and track the receipt of monthly timesheets and invoices from all project staff
● Ensure that work is compliant with the client’s procedures, contractual arrangements and conditions
(including finances, procurement, recruitment etc.) at all times.

Client Management
● In conjunction with COAR Myanmar Country Director act as a focal point for client engagement, ensuring communication is fast, clear and precise
● Ensure that deliverables are timely and of high standard, immediately alerting clients of any foreseen
delays
● Proactively communicate with clients’ staff regarding any clarity required for work deliverables
● Ensure the client is constantly up to date on work streams and any modifications
● Lead on client meetings with the support of technical project staff
● Regularly engage with clients and client procurement teams to file necessary amendments to ongoing projects
● Regularly engage with clients and client procurement teams to file necessary renewal documentation
to ensure the smooth continuity of programming
● Support the finance and contract compliance teams with the preparation of invoices to client in compliance with contract clauses

Organizational
● In coordination with COAR Myanmar Country Director, engage with external stakeholders and peers to increase the visibility of COAR’s profile in both Myanmar and the Southeast Asia region
● Support COAR Myanmar Country Director and the business development coordinator, by contributing to proposals/bids and engaging with potential clients
● Engage in broader organizational meetings
● Join global senior management team meetings alongside the Managing Director, COAR Myanmar Country Director, Senior Advisor, Country Directors, and other organization stakeholders

Contextual
● Maintain a working knowledge of research, analysis, and third-party monitoring methodologies and best practice as these pertain to COAR’s projects
● Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the political, economic, social, humanitarian, military and conflict-related, infrastructure-related, and geopolitical dynamics in Myanmar
● Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of client-needs, aid response architecture, relevant UN agencies, funds and programmes, as well as the programmes, interventions, and activities of relevant international NGOs and local civil society organizations

Deliverables
The project manager will:
● Manage the full project lifecycle, ensuring successful implementation
● Manage the financial and administrative aspects of COAR Myanmar project(s)
● Collaborate with COAR team members to ensure the delivery of high-quality products.

Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate for the COAR Senior Program Manager position will have:
● A MA degree in business management, political science, international affairs, public administration, public policy, international development, or a related field
● A minimum of six years’ work experience in the design, management and implementation of client funded projects, preferably within the field of research and analysis
● Demonstrated experience in finance, procurement, logistics, and administration
● Demonstrated knowledge of the Myanmar context
● Strong understanding of donor requirements, regulations, and rules, particularly as related to UNOPS
● Work experience with an implementing organization, such as a UN agency or local/international NGO highly desirable
● Demonstrated understanding of donor-funded humanitarian, early recovery, stabilization, and/or development architecture
● Strong interpersonal, organizational, managerial, and leadership skills
● Excellent command of Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
● Demonstrated ability and/or willingness to work under tight deadlines, and liaise with donor representatives and partner organization colleagues under pressure and during off-work hours
● Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently within a remote-based team
● Strong presentation, reporting, and communication skills
● High level of professionalism
● Commitment to discretion and confidentiality
● Strict adherence to COAR’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies at all times.