Call of Interest - Senior Program Manager

ABOUT ASI 

Adam Smith International is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies more stable, and governments more effective. Our clients are governments, international organizations, companies, and foundations. For three decades in almost one hundred countries, they have come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that address the big challenges facing the world. 

As a development consultancy, our work centers on international development management. Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of experts, who contribute their experience and knowledge, where and when it is needed. Our core service lines include education, infrastructure and climate change, inclusive markets, governance, justice, security and peacebuilding, public financial management and revenue reform, mining, oil and gas as well as cross cutting services, such as monitoring and evaluation. 

We are a certified B-Corp with a triple bottom line of financial, social and environmental accountability. In 2021, B-Corp selected us as one of the Best for the World™ B-Corps for “Workers” and “Customers”. We have also set a strategic objective of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and a net positive contributor to the environment by 2030. By sharing our knowledge and experience, we help to improve learning in our industry, as well as the positive impact we can have on people’s lives. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

This is a speculative role to help us build talent pool for experienced program managers for the Pakistan platform. At ASI, Senior Prorgram Manager is expected to lead and manage key programmatic activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client expectations. The role is critical in maintaining the success of our programs and supporting the team to achieve measurable outcomes.  

KEY RELATIONSHIPS 

Internal: 

• Team management: Project Managers  

• Technical team members 

• Accountability and reporting: Programme Director and ASI Head of Pakistan 

• Financial Management: Project Accountant, Local and HQ Finance Teams 

• People Management: ASI Pakistan HR Manager 

• Operational Management: ASI Pakistan Operations team 

• Other ASI Program Teams 

External: 

• Client - FCDO 

• Relevant Government representatives 

• Consortium partners and suppliers 

• Other consultants, donors and NGOs operating in Pakistan 

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING 

TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE ROLE 

• Oversee the development of quarterly and annual reports for the client, ensuring reflection of client priorities along with accuracy and comprehensiveness of programme results. 

• Deliver high-quality programme management, coordinating closely with the technical team to ensure activities are designed and implemented to reflect stakeholder priorities. 

• Assure that programme's M&E and VfM frameworks (indicators, sources, reporting) are as precise, streamlined and timely as possible. They should be able to ensure targeted results, timely identify underperforming activities and help in reallocating resources to more impactful activities. 

PROGRAMMATIC ASPECTS OF THE ROLE 

• Oversee the management of programme budget to achieve commercial criteria, deliver Value for Money (VfM) and meet both ASI and client's requirements for financial forecasting and reporting. 

• Develop and implement business processes and management mechanisms in coordination with the Programme Director. 

• Oversee implementation of Business Process Manual with particular attention to the programme recruitment and procurement processes. 

• Ensure that the programme’s identification, analysis and management of risks is proactive, comprehensive and controlled. This includes active management of risks, development and implementation of solid mitigation strategies. 

• Facilitate relations between Advisers and counterparts to ensure that all stakeholders remain engaged and extend full support to the programme and its objectives. 

MANAGERIAL ASPECTS OF THE ROLE 

• Manage the performance of project managers, clearly communicate expectations and draw on their expertise effectively. 

• Support program team's career development to fill the gaps and ensure motivation throughout the programme. 

• Ensure that Advisers understand ASI’s Duty of Care policies and procedures and comply with them by liaising with ASI Pakistan’s Security and Operations staff. 

• Play an active role on the Pakistan SMG, helping build the capability, positive ethos, and overall effectiveness of the Pakistan office. 

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• A Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, post-graduate qualification will be ideal. 

• At least 10+ years of experience in managing large-scale, complex FCDO programmes. 

• Desirable. - Experience of working in Pakistan (remote experience will be considered) 

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage diverse teams across multiple locations. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders, but especially the client, i.e. FCDO. 

• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans, costed workplans etc that align with the goals and objectives the programme. 

• Proficiency in budgeting, financial planning, and monitoring to ensure efficient use of resources. 

• Expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with climate and disaster response initiatives, as well as familiarity with FCDO risk reporting criteria. 

• Strong skills in assessing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure programme impact and effectiveness. 

• Understanding of climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development principles. 

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU    

You are welcome to submit your CV (no more than two pages) and a one-page cover letter setting out your motivations and suitability. The deadline for applications is 24th September 2025.   

As this is a speculative role, we may not be able to respond to every application. All applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted if and when we decide to move forward. 

ASI encourages applications from candidates of all social backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and orientations.