Program Manager, China in the World

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: Program Manager, China in the World 
Reports to: Director, China in the World  
Location: Manila, the Philippines

Scope: CIPE is recruiting for a Program Manager for the China in the World Practice. The selected candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing CIPE's strategic focus on democratic governance through private sector collective action initiatives to improve business participation, economic freedom, and opportunity across the region.
This role centers on managing partner grants and subgrantees, requiring strong skills in supervising local partners, building collaborative relationships, and ensuring effective grant implementation. The position involves strategy development, comprehensive grant portfolio management, intensive partner engagement, and external representation of CIPE.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies to accomplish CIPE's objectives on improving democratic governance and advancing market reforms.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies to accomplish CIPE's objectives on improving democratic governance and advancing market reforms.
• Design, implement, and manage a portfolio of partner grants and projects, working closely with subgrantees to ensure alignment with CIPE's goals for target countries.
• Supervise and provide technical assistance to local partners and subgrantees throughout the project lifecycle, from design through implementation and closeout.
• Monitor subgrantee performance and compliance, ensuring adherence to project objectives, financial requirements, reporting standards, and evaluation plans.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with partner organizations, identifying opportunities to design and implement effective democratic and economic reform programs.
• Manage day-to-day grant activities in close coordination with local partners, CIPE team members, and contractors to ensure successful project delivery.
• Conduct project evaluations through on-site visits, partner consultations, and coordination with independent evaluators, where appropriate.
• Oversee subgrantee finances and grant budgets, including monitoring partner spending, reviewing financial reports, approving expenditures, and projecting future expenses.
• Conduct extensive research and writing, including developing project concept papers, proposals, grant agreements, partner reports, correspondence, and public communications.
• Research and analyze political and economic developments related to Chinese investments to inform program strategies and identify partnership opportunities.
• Monitor and analyze regional political and economic developments and assess their impact on CIPE projects and partner organizations.
• Develop and disseminate high-quality written content for external audiences, including blogs, op-eds, policy briefs, and analytical reports.

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, International Relations, International Development, Political Economy, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience managing international development grants and subgrantees, with demonstrated expertise in grant lifecycle management from design through closeout.
• Strong knowledge of USG grant compliance requirements and federal grant management standards.
• Proven track record of supervising and monitoring subgrantees, including reviewing financial reports, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and providing technical assistance to local partners.
• Experience with international development programs aligned with CIPE's mission, including economic freedom, democratic governance, business advocacy, and entrepreneurship.
• Experience working on China-related issues and tracking Chinese investment is preferred.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce grant agreements, partner reports, and program documentation with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex grant portfolios, oversee budgets, and ensure financial and programmatic compliance in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse partners and stakeholders.
• High degree of cultural competence and experience working with international partners.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and grant management systems.
• Willingness to travel internationally for extended periods to conduct site visits and partner consultations.