Job Summary

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day-to-day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include:

Excellence– We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people. Freedom– We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive. Respect- We believe in trust, empathy and empowering people. Teamwork- We believe in diversity, inclusion and the power of global collaboration. Transparency– We believe in open communication and clear decision-making. Accountability- We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

The International Republican Institute (IRI) is seeking a Chief of Party (CoP) for the upcoming Strengthening Civic Engagement in Kazakhstan activity funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The CoP will be the primary point of contact for the project and oversee project implementation and local staff working on the project. This position will be based in Astana, Kazakhstan, and report to the Regional Deputy Director for Eurasia based in Washington, DC. This role is contingent on funding and USAID approval. The anticipated start date of the award and this role is October 2024 but subject to change.

Position Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience working in civil society strengthening or related field in the region.
• Successful track record in supervising, designing, managing, and implementing donor-funded technical assistance projects, including at least 5 years of progressive experience in managing and leading development programs of a similar size and scope in Kazakhstan with a focus in the areas of governance, democracy, civil society strengthening and human rights.
• Demonstrated leadership and skills in strategic thinking and planning, operational and financial management, conflict mitigation and negotiation, and communications.
• Deep understanding of the political and economic situation in the region and of the current political and civic environment in Kazakhstan and ability to make adjustments to the project in response to opportunities or obstacles.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to establish strong working relationships and apply diplomacy skills with project stakeholders, including senior officials in national, provincial, district, and local government; civic leaders; private sector leaders; and international donors.
• Broad knowledge of and networks with the international donor and diplomatic community in Kazakhstan required.
• Ability to coordinate with U.S. government and other donor programs supporting civil society and human rights.
• Must have professional-level English proficiency, both written and oral; Kazakh and/or Russian language skills preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, International Development, or other relevant field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Knowledge of USG funder regulations strongly preferred.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

• Provide overall program leadership, management, and technical direction.
• Serve as the program’s key liaison with the funder, project stakeholders and beneficiaries, and partners in the public and private sectors.
• Identify and meet with project partners, including coordination with other organizations implementing projects focused on civil society, human rights, or other relevant topics.
• Supervises staff assigned to the portfolio, including leading the hiring, professional development and evaluation process for these staff. Sets specific performance goals and provides ongoing performance feedback.
• Manage and supervise the work of project subawardees and contractors.
• Ensure that all assistance is technically sound, appropriate for the regional context, and compliant with local laws and regulations.
• Lead the creation and implementation of a strategic, long-term programmatic vision.
• Oversee work planning, performance management, donor reporting, and strategic communications.
• Oversee monitoring and evaluation efforts for the project, including leading discussions on project learning and adaptive project management.
• Maintain an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
• Travel as needed for project oversight and implementation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Political Science or related field.

Preferred

Masters or better in Business Administration or related field.

Experience

Required

10 years:

Minimum 10 years of experience working in civil society strengthening or related field. Successful track record in supervising, designing, managing, and implementing donor-funded technical assistance projects, including at least 5 years of progressive experience experience in managing development programs Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, International Development, or other relevant field required; master’s degree preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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