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 Officer (PO) is responsible for designing and implementing a strategy for IRI’s programs in the country. S/he closely monitors and analyzes political and economic developments in the country of responsibility, develops program ideas, and drafts proposals on a range of democracy and assistance programs. S/he also identifies program partners and develops and maintains close relationships with them and with funders. The PO is also involved in new business development efforts.

This is a Washington, DC based position.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field.
• Three to five years of professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs or legislative bodies, or equivalent combination.
• Demonstrated experience working with US Government funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively direct or participate in complex negotiations with bilateral and/or multilateral government agencies, other donors or relevant audiences.
• Excellent research, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience with program management, implementation, and basic accounting necessary to draft and oversee a budget.
• 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.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities.
• Fluency in regional language is preferred.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in the Eurasia region to provide regional and country analysis and information.
• Oversees implementation of specific grant(s) and associated grant activities.
• Understand assigned grant’s substantive, financial and compliance requirements.
• Anticipates potential problems and trouble shoots project problems and offers solutions.
• Maintains an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
• Supports efforts to ensure that grants are in compliance with grant agreements and completed on time.
• Monitors and ensures proper tracking of budget estimates and program expenditures to ensure that IRI projects remain within budget allocations.
• Oversees and participates in all monitoring and evaluation efforts for grants assigned.
• Drafts, reviews and edits funder reports to ensure high quality quarterly, semi-annual, final and other program related reports to DC.
• Contributes to the substantive design of new programs and developing new program ideas.
• Supervises Program Associates and is involved in the hiring and evaluation process. Sets specific goals and provides ongoing performance feedback.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Assists with assessing new funding opportunities and serves as proposal manager (as assigned) for new bid opportunities.
• Supports meetings and briefings with national and local government officials, civil society leaders, political party members and other stakeholders.
• Assist IRI’s capacity-building and research activities, including workshops, briefings, stakeholder mapping exercises, exchanges, and dialogue forums (optional).
• Represents IRI at external events.
• Travel as needed for program oversight and implementation.
• Participates in cross-functional teams and initiatives (optional).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Political Science.

Experience

Required

3-5 years:

•Demonstrated experience working with US Government funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes. •Demonstrated ability to effectively direct or participate in complex negotiations with bilateral and/or multilateral government agencies, other donors or relevant audiences. •Excellent research, written, and oral communication skills. •Experience with program management, implementation, and basic accounting necessary to draft and oversee a budget.

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)