Program Manager, Regional Migration

En Español: Gerente de Programa, Migración Regional

Location: Quito, Bogotá, or Panama City preferred. Other locations in Central or South America may be considered.
Reports to: Director, Strategy & Advocacy
Job Type: Fixed Term Contract, 12 months, with possibility of renewal
Compensation: Salary will be determined based on experience and qualifications and will be consistent with local salary scales in the country of employment.
Start Date: April 2025


The Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas (CEDA) is a strategy and advocacy organization that advances a regional approach to U.S. policy toward the Americas—grounded in thoughtful engagement, meaningful partnerships, and mutual respect. We conduct in-depth, field-based research to inform nuanced analysis and understanding. Through active engagement with diverse stakeholders, we cultivate awareness, foster dialogue, and build bridges between governments and civil society to drive collaborative solutions. CEDA is a trusted voice on regional dynamics—recognized for our critical lens, principled advocacy, and commitment to elevating underrepresented perspectives. Our work centers on migration, international relations, and evolving policy debates, connecting decision-makers, media, and civil society actors. We are a small but mighty team that elevates voices in diplomatic circles to support the rights, dignity, and well-being of people in the Americas. 

Position Overview:

The Program Manager, Regional Migration (PM) is a full-time position responsible for strengthening civil society engagement, advocacy, and multi-sector collaboration in migration and protection policy making across the Americas. The PM will work with civil society organizations, government actors, the private sector, and philanthropic partners to advance rights-based migration policies, foster cross-sector cooperation, and drive sustainable solutions.

As a core member of CEDA’s team, the PM will provide strategic recommendations, policy analysis, and advocacy leadership to ensure that civil society remains at the forefront of migration governance in the region. The PM will play a key role in capacity-strengthening, supporting grassroots organizations, migrant- and refugee-led groups, and advocacy coalitions to amplify their voices in policymaking processes. The ideal candidate will have:

  • A deep understanding of migration policy frameworks in the LAC region.

  • Strong stakeholder engagement, advocacy skills, and program management skills. 

  • Experience navigating government relations and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues that include civil society. 

  • Proven experience in program implementation, tracking deliverables and ensuring grant compliance. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Civil Society & Multi-Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

  • Establish and sustain strong relationships with grassroots organizations, refugee- and migrant-led groups, and national/regional civil society networks.

  • Support CSO advocacy efforts, coalition-building strategies, and engagement with diverse stakeholders, including government, philanthropic actors, and private sector stakeholders, promoting their active participation in migration policy discussions at national and regional levels.

  • Organize and lead multi-stakeholder dialogues, technical meetings, and roundtables to advance civil society rights-based solutions and legislative proposals in migration policymaking.

2. Program Management (Ecuador & Colombia)

  • Develop and oversee implementation of migration policy engagement and capacity strengthening initiatives in Ecuador and Colombia. 

  • Manage program work plans, timelines, and deliverables to ensure the successful execution, fostering collaboration and public-private partnerships.

  • Conduct program monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, and ensure grant compliance and donor accountability.

3. Government Liaison & Multi-Stakeholder Regional Engagement

  • Develop and maintain strategic relationships with government officials, the private sector, and philanthropic institutions in Ecuador, Panama, and Colombia to promote a coordinated response to migration.

  • Represent CEDA in diplomatic engagements, advocating for transparent and inclusive, rights-based migration policies.

  • Strengthen bilateral and multilateral engagement between civil society and government actors to support the development of policy frameworks that facilitate migrant regularization, refugee protection, and socioeconomic inclusion.  

  • Provide strategic guidance to policymakers on best practices for collaborative migration policymaking with CSOs.

4. Policy Monitoring & Research Support

  • Track and analyze migration policy trends across Latin America and the Caribbean, identifying opportunities for engagement and advocacy.

  • Develop policy briefs and reports to keep CEDA’s partners informed about key developments in migration governance.

  • Support the production and dissemination of research findings and policy recommendations to civil society organizations, policymakers, donors, and international stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in international relations, law, migration studies, human rights, or related field.

  • 7+ years of experience working with CSOs, migrant- and refugee-led groups, advocacy coalitions, or grassroots movements in migration, human rights, or social justice sectors.

  • Fluency in Spanish and strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

  • Strong knowledge of migration trends, policies, and governance structures in Latin America and the Caribbean, including regional and international human rights treaties, migration law, and refugee protection frameworks.

  • Deep understanding of rights-based approaches to migration governance and a commitment to amplifying civil society voices in policy discussions.

  • Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder coalitions and facilitating collaborative advocacy efforts.

  • Demonstrated experience engaging local, national, or regional government officials on migration governance, human rights, or advocacy efforts.

  • Proven ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, actionable strategies for civil society action.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead advocacy initiatives, and coordinate regional engagement efforts with minimal supervision, demonstrating project management skills.

  • Willingness and ability to travel regionally for in-person engagement with civil society and government stakeholders (30% travel expected).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in international relations, law, migration studies, human rights, or a related field.

  • Prior experience working in or alongside migration and protection-related civil society organizations, international NGOs, UN, or multilaterals.

  • Background in facilitating civil society participation in regional or international governance mechanisms.

  • Experience strengthening civil society capacity for policy engagement.

CEDA’s Core Values

At CEDA, each staff member and contractor applies these values to efficiently carry out their duties and propel our organization's mission forward.

  • Advance diversity and equity

  • Build bridges across different voices

  • Experiential learning

  • Respect and humanity

  • Informed policy

  • Collaborative problem-solving

  • Authentic, trusted partner

  • Adaptability

Benefits Information: As this is a contractor position, it does not include traditional employee benefits such as health, dental, or vision insurance. However, contractors are eligible to accrue paid time off (PTO), and the organization offers a home office stipend to support a productive and comfortable work environment.

The specifics of benefits and tax obligations vary depending on the country where the contractor resides and conducts business. Any applicable requirements will be reviewed and structured in accordance with local laws and regulations. Final details will be determined in accordance with local and regional labor laws and will be outlined in the offer letter.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample related to migration policy (max 750 words) to diana@weareceda.org. Please include "Program Manager, Regional Migration Application" in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received before April 7, 2025.


CEDA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate and actively promote diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and contractors. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.