Program Manager, Pakistan
Department
Programs
Employment Type
Foreign Consultant
Minimum Experience
Experienced
Compensation
$20,000 USD Annually
Organizational Overview
Smile Train is the world’s leading cleft focused organization. Our goal is to transform the lives of every person impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our patients with free, life-changing, comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach more than 2 million children in 90+ countries in the past 25 years, and we still feel like we’ve just started. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time!
Make a Difference!
As Smile Train’s Program Manager, Pakistan, the Program Manager will serve as the primary operational point of contact and local representative for Smile Train’s work in Pakistan. The Program Manager will manage partner relationships, oversee safe and high-quality cleft programs, support program growth and improvement, and ensure alignment with country-level, regional, and global strategies. This role requires frequent travel to partner locations and events, including in remote or underserved areas.
Reports To: PMENA Area Director
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the main relationship manager for treatment and non-treatment partners, including hospitals, government stakeholders, training institutions, and relevant health-sector networks.
- Support partner onboarding and ensure partner teams understand Smile Train protocols, reporting requirements, systems, contractual obligations, and safety and quality standards.
- Manage communications between partners, regional leadership, and headquarters to support clear understanding, timely action, compliance, and adoption of Smile Train guidance.
- Conduct due diligence, partner needs assessments, and regular partner visits to assess program quality, safety, effectiveness, efficiency, and opportunities for improved cleft care coverage.
- Develop annual program plans and measurable objectives in line with Smile Train’s global programmatic strategy, country priorities, budget parameters, and key performance indicators.
- Manage program budgets responsibly, track spending, review funding applications, approve vendor invoices within authority, and ensure funds are used as intended and in line with program priorities.
- Monitor partner performance and program data, including safe and quality cleft interventions, professionals trained, partner/patient feedback, and other agreed KPIs.
- Coordinate capacity-building activities, workshops, audits, and training for partner teams in collaboration with regional teams, headquarters subject matter owners, local experts, and advisory groups.
- Ensure timely submission and review of treatment reports, final grant reports, partner documentation, credentials, payment details, and other administrative requirements.
- Identify, escalate, and help resolve program, compliance, reputational, regulatory, financial, safety, quality, or fundability risks in collaboration with regional leadership and headquarters teams.
- Support beneficiary feedback mechanisms and work with partners to ensure patient and community feedback is addressed appropriately.
- Represent Smile Train locally and support awareness, advocacy, content collection, patient and partner stories, events, donor or auditor visits, and brand-compliant communications.
- Strengthen relationships with relevant external stakeholders and advocate for sustainable, safe, high-quality, comprehensive cleft care, including the inclusion of cleft care in national health priorities where appropriate.
- Oversee any assigned Cleft Leadership Center, helpline referral, donor visit, pilot initiative, or external collaborator reporting requirements, as applicable to Pakistan and the regional portfolio.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a proactive, culturally sensitive program professional with strong partner management skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to high-quality, safe, patient-centered cleft care. The candidate should be able to work independently, manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and translate field insights and data into practical program improvements.
- Strong relationship-building skills with hospitals, medical professionals, government actors, and community stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to represent Smile Train’s mission, values, strategy, and standards clearly and professionally.
- High level of cultural sensitivity, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and respect for rural and underserved community contexts.
- Detail-oriented, organized, solutions-focused, and able to manage competing tasks, deadlines, and documentation requirements.
- Ability to use data, partner feedback, and field observations to inform program decisions and continuous improvement.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in public health, Social Sciences, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 5+ years of relevant experience in program coordination or management, preferably in public health, global health, development, or nonprofit programming.
- Demonstrated experience managing partners, grants, budgets, reporting, compliance processes, and field-based program implementation.
- Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and the ability to navigate databases, dashboards, and datasets.
- Fluency in English and Urdu is required; strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
- Ability to work effectively with a global team across time zones and cultures.
- Non-Profit experience preferred.
- Strong time management, organizational, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
- Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision, initiative, confidentiality, and accountability.
Compensation
$ 20,000 USD Annually
Travel
This is a full-time role. Significant travel is expected to partner locations, events, and field sites within Pakistan, including travel to remote or underserved areas as needed.
Accountability Expectations
- Ownership of Outcomes: Take full responsibility for one’s own performance, ensuring alignment with Smile Train’s mission and objectives.
- Transparent Communication: Communicate openly and effectively with team members, fostering trust and a shared understanding of expectations and priorities.
- Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity to contribute to an inclusive and supportive team environment.
- Empowerment: Effectively communicate with supervisors to ensure you are equipped with the resources, guidance, and autonomy you need to excel in your role.
- Team Cohesion: Contribute to a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared accountability, helping the team to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Why You’ll Love Working Here!
Smile Train offers a range of innovative benefits...
Meaningful Work – Be part of work that creates meaningful, lasting impact — changing the world one smile at a time.
We’ve Got You Covered – Enjoy a generous stipend towards medical expenses to help prioritize the health of you and your family.
Rest and Recharge - Enjoy a generous vacation package, paid holidays, and sick time so you can rest, recharge, and return feeling your best.
Family Matters - We support employees through life’s most important moments with paid parental leave, giving you time and flexibility for the people who matter most.
Learn and Grow - Take advantage of an annual professional development stipend and opportunities to expand your skills and continue learning.
Work Your Way – Thrive with a remote work model built for connection, balance, and impact.
Travel the World – See our impact firsthand while partnering with global colleagues and programs through opportunities for domestic and international travel.
Application Process
Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply.
To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. Only those who provide a cover letter as directed will be considered. We encourage interested applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Location
Pakistan (Remote)
Department
Programs
Employment Type
Foreign Consultant
Minimum Experience
Experienced
Compensation
$20,000 USD Annually