Programme Manager

The Song Saa Foundation is a not-for-profit NGO based in the beautiful Koh Rong Marine National Park, Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia. We are partnered with Song Saa Private Island (SSPI), and we are seeking a motivated, dedicated and detail orientated Programme Manager to join the team, responsible for the daily operation of the Foundation’s coastal community and marine conservation programme

About the role

Based on Koh Rong (Cambodia), the Programme Manager (PM) will lead the development and implementation of the Foundation’s coastal community and marine conservation programme, managing day to day operations of the programme, including fundraising, communications, budgets, and donor liaison and reporting. The PM will routinely liaise with national and local government agencies, communities and community-based organisations, partner NGOs and for-profit entities, funders and donors. Reporting to the Foundation’s Executive Director, the PM will actively contribute to the long-term programme strategy.

The PM role will be challenging but fulfilling, an opportunity to play a leading role in community and marine conservation in Cambodia. Combining aspects of programme development, people management, expedition operations, fundraising, financial management, media relations and hands on marine conservation, the candidate will need to be professional, level-headed and enthusiastic. They will need to be able to work under pressure and adapt as necessary to fulfil the requirements of the Foundation.

Main Responsibilities

1. Programme management and implementation
2. Reporting, monitoring and evaluation of project outcomes and impact
3. Financial management
4. Fundraising proposals and donor engagement
5. Developing partner relations

Specific Responsibilities

Programme Management and Implementation

• Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of the Foundation’s community and marine conservation programmes in Cambodia
• Manage and coordinate the daily work of Foundation staff, including the Marine Scientist, Community & Marine Engagement Officer, Community Liaison and Boat Captain
• Drive the continued development of community and marine team projects, and drive the identification and advancement of new Foundation initiatives aligned with strategic priorities
• Maintain full operational oversight of Foundation activities, with working knowledge of and engagement across all projects
• Ensure compliance with Foundation’s procedures and policies, including health and safety, procurement and volunteer operations
• Promote and uphold safeguarding good practice across all projects
• Hold overall responsibility for programme human resources management, in coordination with the resort HR team, ensuring staff are supported and managed in line with Foundation policies and good practice
• Provide oversight and structured support to the Foundation’s Ocean Stewardship Programme (OSP) volunteers, Cambodian interns and partner organisation personnel, ensuring effective guidance, coordination, and professional development

Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Lead the preparation and timely submission of narrative and technical reports to donors, funders, and other key stakeholders in line with grant and partnership requirements
• Oversee internal programme reporting, consolidating and editing inputs from the community and marine teams for the Foundation’s Executive Director
• Strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems to demonstrate impact, tracking project outputs, outcomes, and impact indicators
• Support teams to maintain accurate data collection, management, and documentation of project evidence
• Contribute to the communication of Foundation activities, programmes, and impact to partners and key external stakeholders

Financial Management

• Ensure financial compliance and reporting accuracy to meet internal policies and donor-driven requirements
• Manage funding allocations and expenditures against approved budgets, including purchase requests and monthly reconciliations

Funding Proposals and Donor Engagement

• Act as a key representative for the Foundation’s programmes and long-term vision to stakeholders, VIP guests, media visitors, and external organisations to support visibility and funding opportunities
• Support the Executive Director to develop funding proposals to meet the long term strategic goals of the Foundation, identifying and exploring funding avenues

Partner Relationships

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with project partners, community groups, and relevant local and national authorities
• Represent the Foundation at meetings, forums, workshops, and conferences at national and sub-national levels, including in Phnom Penh and coastal Cambodia
• Maintain a constructive working relationship with the resort and its senior leadership team, participating in staff meetings and trainings and ensuring alignment with resort operations
• Collaborate with SSPI staff to strengthen their understanding of the marine ecosystem through Foundation-led training and knowledge-sharing

Other Responsibilities

• Oversee the maintenance, organisation, and inventory of field equipment, including dive gear
• Support the team in strengthening website and social media engagement by contributing content that highlights the impact of the Foundation’s work in both community and marine contexts

Extra Duties:

From time to time the PM may be asked to undertake duties that are not included in this job description. They should agree to undertake these duties as long as the request is reasonable and will not affect their health, safety or security.

Requirements

Essential:

• Bachelors degree in a science related discipline – preferably conservation, environmental or community development focused
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a managerial role, with responsibility for financial oversight, team leadership, and partner coordination; experience must extend beyond project management to include broader organisational or NGO management
• Proven track record in managing a culturally diverse team
• Good knowledge of diving operations, health and safety and risk management
• Minimum PADI Divemaster
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote setting
• Fluent in English with strong interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with Word, Excel and other MS Office products
• A passion for the natural world and a commitment to supporting the capacity building of developing communities
• A zest for adventure and a willingness to push beyond comfort zones

Desired

• Experience managing tropical marine research and/or conservation (highly desired)
• Experience with NGO fundraising (highly desired)
• PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (highly desired)
• At least 1 years expedition experience living in a remote region
• Experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, particularly relating to stakeholder engagement

Salary and benefits

• Monthly salary – $1250 inclusive of taxes
• All visa and work permits covered for international applicants
• Health insurance coverage under the ‘Brocon Health Plan’ (effective upon commencement of employment) with medical evacuation and inpatient treatment
• 18 days paid leave plus Cambodian public holidays
• Accomodation in Song Saa’s staff village (private room)
• Access to the Song Saa staff boat, use of non- motorised sports equipment and discounted spa treatments – subject to availability
• Three meals per day in the staff canteen
• Free WiFi around the resort and staff village
• Free laundry – uniforms and personal
• Free access to the Song Saa doctor when based on the islands

Start date

ASAP

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) to [email removed - click apply for more details]. Your covering letter should clearly detail why you fit the responsibilities and candidate requirements for the role. Generic covering letters will not be reviewed. Only successful applicants will be contacted. Good luck!