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 Program Manager (PM) is responsible for the overall oversight and management of IRI’s programs in the Central Asia region and management of the relevant program teams. The PM leads a team and contributes to the design of new programs.

Position Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, or related field. Graduate degree preferred.
• Five to seven years professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs and/or legislative bodies and officials. Experience working on elections and/or managing inclusion programming, particularly focused on youth and women.
• Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history and culture of the Eurasia region and familiarity with the political context of the countries in Central Asia.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage, delegate and oversee multiple tasks.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff.
• Extensive experience working with USG-funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Demonstrated financial management experience in developing and administering program budgets.
• Ability to prepare, present and negotiate complex and sensitive agreements and/or project proposals with bilateral/multi-lateral agencies and other funder communities.
• Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor or technical consultant; sensitivity to working in advisory role with local organizations.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team to coordinate and lead the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet program goals.
• Willingness to travel within Eurasia a significant amount throughout the year.
• Ability to analyze and report on quantitative and qualitative public opinion research.
• Proficiency in Russian or one of the local languages in the countries of assignment preferred but not required.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in Central Asia.
• Leads team in and contributes to the substantive design of new programs.
• Contributes to the development of comprehensive country strategies and program objectives.
• Monitors various project objectives and ensures that staff, consultants and partners are kept on track to achieve results.
• Anticipates potential problems, troubleshoots project problems, offers solutions, and actively takes part to lead resolution of them with creative and immediate solutions.
• Supervises staff assigned to the portfolio, including participating in the hiring, professional development and evaluation process for these staff. Sets specific goals and provides ongoing performance feedback.
• Serves as a resource for program staff, including addressing implementation strategies and challenges, developing innovative program ideas, and leading business development efforts for her/his assigned portfolio.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationships with relevant stakeholders, consultants, field and DC staff.
• Ensures grants are completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with funder and IRI policies and requirements, including approving field expenses when relevant.
• Maintains an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
• Understands assigned grants’ substantive, financial and compliance requirements.
• Leads kick-off and close-out process.
• Ensures compliance with all procurement policies in the implementation of the grant including all contract paperwork.
• Monitors program team’s grant budgets, spending (budget trackers), and offers guidance and assistance when needed, with Program Services support.
• Supports IRI’s external relations efforts.
• Travels as needed for program oversight and implementation; if an immediate need arises deploys on short-to long-term service in a program in the field to maintain continuity of the program.
• Participates in cross-functional teams and initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Political Science or related field.

Preferred

Masters or better in Political Science or related field.

Experience

Required

5-7 years:

Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, or related field. Graduate degree preferred. Five to seven years professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs and/or legislative bodies and officials. Experience working on elections and/or managing inclusion programming, particularly focused on youth and women.

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)

Advancing Democracy Worldwide