TERMS OF REFERENCE
Job title: Program Manager
Department: Social Innovation (SOAR) Program
Expected time to start: As soon as possible
Venue: Hanoi, with some travel to other provinces and countries when necessary
A. BACKGROUND
Management and Sustainable Development Institute (MSD United Way Vietnam) is one of Vietnam's leading organizations advancing sustainable development through social innovation, ecosystem collaboration, and inclusive partnerships. As a member of United Way Worldwide, MSD works with businesses, startups, government agencies, financial institutions, international organizations, civil society organizations, and communities to co-create innovative solutions for sustainable development challenges in Vietnam and the region.
During the 2026-2030 period, MSD aims to mobilize and coordinate the power of communities and multi-stakeholder ecosystems to advance inclusive growth and sustainable development in Vietnam.
MSD's strategic directions for 2026-2030 include:
- SOAR - Social Innovation program: Co-creating innovative solutions for inclusive growth and sustainable development
- CandY - Children and Youth program: Expanding opportunities and unlocking the potential of children and youth
- GREEN - Green living and Resilient communities program: Strengthening resilient and adaptive foundations for communities
Within this strategic vision, the Social Innovation (SOAR) Program serves as MSD's platform for ecosystem building, innovation partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration. SOAR focuses on connecting businesses, startups, financial institutions, development partners, public sector actors, universities, and communities to co-create practical and scalable solutions for social and environmental challenges.
The program's strategic priorities include:
- Advancing ESG and responsible business practices
- Promoting green finance and sustainable economic models
- Strengthening social open innovation ecosystems and impact entrepreneurship
- Supporting youth-led innovation and inclusive technology solutions
- Applying citizen-generated data, AI, and innovation tools to improve sustainable development outcomes
- Building ecosystem partnerships that connect innovation with real community impact
MSD is currently undergoing an exciting transformation toward a more innovation-driven, ecosystem-oriented, and technology-enabled organization. We are looking for professionals who are not only capable of implementing projects, but who are eager to shape ideas, influence systems, build partnerships, and grow into future leaders within the organization.
This role is expected to contribute actively to that journey through leadership, partnership development, innovation, and strategic ecosystem engagement.
B. ASSIGNMENT REQUESTS
1. Purpose: The Social Innovation Program (SOAR) Manager will play a key role in leading and scaling MSD's Social Innovation (SOAR) initiatives, driving ecosystem partnerships, ESG and sustainability engagement, and innovation programs with businesses, startups, development partners, and communities.
2. Working location: Mainly in Hanoi and possible travels to project sites, and some other provinces and countries when assigned. The travel fee and per diem will be under MSD's cost norm system;
3. Reporting Line: Direct report to and be supported/coached by Program Director;
4. Supervision: Officers, Assistants, Interns, Volunteers;
5. Main responsibilities:
- Operation: Taking charge in the implementation process of projects under the SOAR portfolio throughout the project management cycle (design, developing a work plan, coordinating the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation). The main assigned projects for this post are, but are not limited to:
- Future Solution Project (Shinhan Square Bridge Vietnam project): Work with the Program Manager to coordinate and drive partnerships among startups, host organizations (businesses and corporates), and civil society organizations to implement and scale innovative solutions addressing social and environmental challenges in Vietnam. The role supports the development and management of a pipeline of startups and partner organizations, facilitating matching, collaboration, and pilot implementation of technologies in real-world contexts. In parallel, the position contributes to strengthening stakeholder engagement and ecosystem building, ensuring sustained collaboration beyond individual pilots. The role also supports documentation, knowledge sharing, and communication of project outcomes, while identifying opportunities to expand partnerships and scale successful models within the social open innovation ecosystem.
- INSPIRE Mekong project: Lead and manage the overall implementation of the INSPIRE Mekong project, ensuring effective delivery of all project components, including outreach, training, innovation activities, and post-program incubation. The role is responsible for building and maintaining partnerships with universities, businesses, mentors, and local stakeholders to co-design and implement youth innovation initiatives in the Mekong Delta. The position oversees project planning, coordination, and quality assurance across all phases of the program-from participant recruitment and capacity building to hackathon, demo day, and follow-up support. In parallel, the role leads stakeholder engagement and ecosystem development to ensure sustained collaboration and support for youth-led solutions. Additionally, the position is responsible for monitoring progress, documenting results, and communicating project outcomes, while identifying opportunities to strengthen partnerships, mobilize resources, and scale the program's impact within the Mekong region.
- AGREEN and ESG project: Lead the implementation of the AGREEN project in its scaling phase, focusing on promoting green finance for ESG-compliant agricultural enterprises. The role manages and strengthens engagement with enterprises, banks, financial institutions, and policy stakeholders, moving beyond dialogue to build structured partnerships and practical collaboration models. The position is responsible for leveraging existing research, case studies, and project evidence to develop policy recommendations and actionable insights for stakeholders. In parallel, the role develops and manages a pipeline of ESG-oriented agricultural enterprises, supporting their readiness to access green finance through technical support and connections with financial partners. Additionally, the position facilitates pilot initiatives between enterprises and financial institutions to test and scale green credit models. The role also leads strategic communications and ecosystem engagement to position AGREEN as a key initiative in green agriculture finance, while identifying opportunities for partnerships and future project expansion.
- Sustainable Coffee - ESG project: Coordinate and lead MSD's implementation of the Sustainable Coffee project, focusing on promoting ESG adoption across the coffee value chain. The role is responsible for engaging and strengthening the capacity of cooperatives, SMEs, business associations, and civil society actors to apply sustainable production and responsible management practices. The position oversees the implementation of core project components, including capacity building, development and application of ESG tools, and facilitation of multi-stakeholder platforms to enhance collaboration among enterprises, communities, financial institutions, and government partners. In parallel, the role supports the integration of citizen-generated data and knowledge products to inform decision-making and policy dialogue. Additionally, the position contributes to improving market linkages and access to green finance by connecting ESG-ready enterprises with investors, buyers, and relevant partners. The role also leads documentation, communication, and knowledge dissemination, while identifying opportunities to strengthen partnerships and scale ESG practices within the coffee sector.
- Other innovation projects focusing on living lab of innovation (updating)
- Implement the communications activities in different channels of the SDGI projects;
- Support event organization and communications of MSD in general;
- Document the project and provide updates/ communication for projects in charge.
6. Work plan: Workplan of MSD strategy
7. Why join MSD:
At MSD, we believe leadership is built through ownership, innovation, and collaboration. We are looking for professionals who are eager not only to implement projects, but also to shape ideas, build partnerships, and contribute to meaningful systems change in Vietnam.
Joining MSD means having the opportunity to:
- Take ownership of high-impact initiatives in ESG, green finance, social innovation, and ecosystem building
- Work with diverse stakeholders across sectors, including corporates, startups, financial institutions, government agencies, development partners, and communities
- Contribute to pioneering initiatives shaping responsible business, sustainability, and innovation ecosystems in Vietnam
- Access a strong professional network through national, regional, and international partnerships
- Gain hands-on learning through real project implementation, ecosystem engagement, and cross-sector collaboration
- Grow through a clear professional development pathway toward Program Manager and strategic leadership roles within MSD
- Work in a dynamic, innovation-driven, and mission-oriented environment that values initiative, creativity, and continuous learning
- Receive a competitive salary and benefits package, along with opportunities for national and international exposure
We strongly invest in talent development and mentorship. We believe the next generation of leaders in sustainability and social innovation should be empowered not only to manage projects, but also to influence systems, inspire collaboration, and shape the future.
C. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in sustainability, development studies, business, economics, innovation, or related fields.
- At least 3-5 years of experience in project or program management, preferably in development, ESG, sustainability, or innovation-related projects.
- Demonstrated experience in multi-stakeholder engagement, working with businesses, financial institutions, government agencies, civil society organizations, or development partners.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects or workstreams independently, including planning, coordination, and delivery across different project phases.
- Experience in partnership development, ecosystem building, or project scaling is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with ESG, sustainable development, green finance, or social innovation; hands-on experience in related projects is an advantage.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts, research findings, and project insights into clear and actionable messages.
- Experience in developing knowledge products or communication materials (e.g. reports, briefs, presentations, or digital content) is an advantage.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt and work in a dynamic, multi-project environment.
- High level of English proficiency (both written and verbal) for reporting, research, and stakeholder engagement.
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally when required.
D. RECRUITMENT PROCESS
The recruitment process includes 3 rounds:
- Round 1: CV and Cover Letter Screening
- Round 2: Short Written Test for Shortlisted Candidates from Round 1
- Round 3: In-person Interview at MSD Hanoi Office for Shortlisted Candidates
E. APPLICATION
Interested candidates can send inquiries or applications in English (including CV and Cover Letter) to the email: with the subject: SOAR PROGRAM MANAGER 2026_Name of Applicant (e.g: SOAR PROGRAM MANAGER 2026_Nguyen Van A) as soon as possible, before 23:59, Sunday, Aug 16, 2026.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as the recruitment process may close before the stated deadline once a suitable candidate has been identified.
MSD is an organization working for the best benefits of children and has a child-safeguarding policy. All staff is required to strictly follow the child-safeguarding policy and are committed to developing an enabling and safe environment to children. Alcohol and tobacco use is strictly prohibited at work.
