About the Role

CRDF Global is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the implementation of a large international program spanning multiple countries across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The program is delivered through several country-based projects led by Project Managers, with overall budget, reporting, compliance, and performance managed at the program level. This role is responsible for the successful delivery of the program from startup through closeout, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, in compliance with donor requirements, and to a high standard of customer service. The Program Manager serves as the operational lead for the award and works closely with technical, finance, procurement, contracts, and talent management teams. Panamanian work authorization is required.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Delivery 

• Lead program implementation across multiple countries, managing scope, schedule, budget, staffing, and deliverables.
• Supervise and support Project Managers responsible for country-level implementation.
• Maintain visibility into program performance, financial health, staffing, and risks, and provide regular reporting to leadership and donors.
• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for the client and ensure strong customer and stakeholder relationships.
• Ensure consistent application of program management processes, standards, and reporting across all projects.
• Oversee planning, reporting, monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance of program deliverables.
• Financial & Operational Management

Financial & Operational Management 

• Manage program budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Monitor expenditures, staffing plans, and project performance, identifying issues and implementing corrective actions when needed.
• Track key business and program metrics and support program growth opportunities, including proposal development and pricing activities.

Risk, Compliance & Vendor Management 

• Manage subcontractors and vendor relationships. 
• Oversee program compliance with award requirements, donor regulations, and CRDF Global policies. 
• Identify and mitigate operational, financial, and compliance risks. 
• Coordinate closely with contracts, procurement, and finance teams throughout the program lifecycle. 

Team Leadership 

• Lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers and program staff. 
• Foster effective collaboration across matrixed teams and functional departments. 
• Serve as an escalation point for program delivery, financial, contractual, and compliance matters. 
• Represent CRDF Global at meetings, workshops, conferences, and other events as needed. 

Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-country programs or portfolios of projects. 
• Strong skills in project and program management, budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and client engagement. 
• Experience working in cross-functional environments and leading geographically dispersed teams. 
• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain oversight of multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Familiarity with donor-funded programs and compliance requirements is highly desirable. 
• Technical knowledge relevant to the program area is beneficial, but this is primarily an operational and program management role.