Application Guide
How to Apply for Program Lead, Philippines
at Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Initiative
🏢 About Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Initiative
Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Initiative (LABRI) is a niche global organization that helps governments strengthen used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling systems, addressing a critical environmental health issue. Unlike large NGOs, LABRI offers the chance to work at the intersection of policy, research, and on-the-ground implementation, with a direct impact on reducing lead poisoning in vulnerable communities. Employees value the entrepreneurial, mission-driven culture and the opportunity to shape global strategy while focusing on a specific country context.
About This Role
As the Program Lead for the Philippines, you will own LABRI's in-country strategy to combat unsafe informal ULAB recycling, engaging government, industry, and civil society to drive policy change. You'll also contribute to global program expansion by leading applied research and supporting new country programs, requiring both strategic vision and hands-on project management. This role is ideal for someone who wants to blend high-level stakeholder engagement with analytical work and travel across Metro Manila to see impact firsthand.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve a morning call with LABRI's global team to align on research priorities, followed by an afternoon meeting with a Philippine government agency to discuss policy recommendations. You could also spend time analyzing data on informal recycling hotspots or drafting a stakeholder engagement plan, all while coordinating remotely with colleagues across time zones. Travel within Metro Manila for site visits or workshops occurs a few times a month.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Initiative Is Looking For
- At least 5 years of experience in environmental policy, waste management, or international development, with a proven track record of engaging government and industry stakeholders in the Philippines.
- Strong analytical skills and experience conducting applied research or policy analysis, ideally related to informal sector recycling, lead exposure, or circular economy.
- Exceptional project management abilities, with the capacity to juggle multiple workstreams, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality strategic plans in a remote setting.
- Fluency in English and Filipino, plus the right to work in the Philippines and willingness to travel up to 15% within Metro Manila for meetings and site visits.
📝 Tips for Applying to Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Initiative
Highlight any direct experience with lead-acid battery recycling, informal waste sector, or environmental health issues in the Philippines—this is a niche field and specificity will set you apart.
Demonstrate your ability to navigate Philippine government agencies (e.g., DENR, EMB) and build coalitions with civil society and industry; name specific agencies or organizations you've worked with.
Showcase your applied research skills by mentioning a project where you designed and executed a study that informed policy or program decisions, especially in a developing country context.
Emphasize your ability to work remotely and manage multiple workstreams; provide examples of how you've successfully coordinated cross-cultural teams or remote stakeholders.
In your cover letter, explicitly state your right to work in the Philippines and your willingness to travel within Metro Manila, as these are hard requirements.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your deep understanding of the Philippine context for ULAB recycling, including key stakeholders, regulatory gaps, and informal sector dynamics.', "A concrete example of how you've influenced policy or implemented a program that reduced environmental health risks in the Philippines or a similar setting.", 'Your experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and delivering results, particularly in a remote or decentralized team.', 'Your motivation for joining a small, global initiative like LABRI and how you can contribute to both the Philippines program and global expansion.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Visit LABRI's website and read their reports or case studies on ULAB recycling to understand their approach, partners, and impact metrics.
- → Research the Philippine regulatory framework for hazardous waste and ULAB recycling, including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and DENR administrative orders.
- → Investigate current initiatives and key players in the Philippines working on lead poisoning prevention, informal waste sector integration, and battery recycling.
- → Look up recent news or reports on lead exposure in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila, to understand the local context and urgency.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being vague about your experience in the Philippines or with ULAB recycling—candidates who don't demonstrate specific local knowledge or technical expertise will be overlooked.
- Focusing only on global or theoretical policy without showing how you've implemented strategies on the ground in a developing country context.
- Neglecting to mention your right to work in the Philippines or your willingness to travel, as these are non-negotiable requirements that should be clearly stated early.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: October 23, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Initiative!