Senior Program Associate  

Job Summary

The Senior Program Associate provides high-level support across the entire project lifecycle, with emphasis on project development, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Working closely with the Project Development and Technical Services (Pdts) Team, the role ensures that concept notes are transformed into fully developed, compliant, and impactful projects aligned with Searca's Five-Year Development Plan.

I. Project Development

• Proposal Budget Modeling: Assist in the preparation of detailed project budgets, financial projections, and resource allocation plans, ensuring alignment with Searca's financial policies and donor requirements.
• Partnership Building and Engagement: Assist in the identification and engagement of partnership arrangements with Southeast Asian technical experts and specialists, and support negotiations to ensure optimal talent inclusion in project initiatives.
• Concept Note Development: Work on the preparation and finalization of concept notes, activity designs, and full project proposals for submission to potential funding agencies and institutional partners.
• Donor and Partner Relations: Provide logistical and administrative support for site visits and consultative meetings with donors, funding agencies, and institutional partners to strengthen collaboration opportunities.

II. Project Implementation, Monitoring, and Compliance

• Project Execution Oversight: Coordinate the end-to-end implementation of Pdts initiatives, including managing logistical requirements for regional workshops, meetings, and project activities.
• Financial Disbursement and Tracking: Ensure timely disbursement and utilization of project funds, maintain a detailed record of expenditures, and uphold financial accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitoring and Reporting Compliance: Oversee the preparation and submission of technical, progress, and financial reports, ensuring full compliance with deadlines and donor formats.
• Documentation and System Management: Maintain an organized, audit-ready system for all project files, contracts, official correspondence, and monitoring records.
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Support: Support the Pdts team in monitoring and evaluating project activities against approved work plans and expected results, ensuring data collected is accurate and verifiable.
• Results Dissemination Support: Support the promotion and dissemination of project results and outcomes through appropriate channels to ensure visibility and uptake of Searca’s impact.

Required skills:

1. Strong proficiency in project proposal development, including drafting of concept notes and activity designs.
2. Competence in financial reporting, data organization, and analysis.
3. Demonstrated experience in budget monitoring, disbursement documentation, and compliance with funder requirements.
4. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
5. Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, with proven capacity to synthesize information from diverse sources.
6. Knowledge of financial management processes, including preparation of financial claims and adherence to donor guidelines.
7. Proficiency in data encoding, management, and analysis using relevant tools and platforms.
8. Proficiency in standard computer applications (word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, search engines); familiarity with project management or M&E software is an advantage.

Join Searca and contribute to the transformation of agricultural systems across Southeast Asia!

Applications will be received no later than 15 December 2025, or until a suitable candidate is accepted/hired.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Management, or related field. Advanced training or certification in project management, M&E, or related areas is an advantage.

Work experience:

At least three (3) years of relevant experience in project management within a development, research, academic, or government setting. Familiarity with the Southeast Asian agriculture and development landscape is preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of Project Cycle Management, Proposal Development, and M&E principles.