The Senior Program Manager is responsible for an understanding and application of principles, concepts, practices and standards of program management for a portfolio of ABA programs in the Center for Global Programs. The Senior Program Manager will also contribute to the development of new concepts, techniques, and standards and is viewed proficient/expert in technical subject matter(s) and in program management within the organization and across program management disciplines – full-cycle program management, technical approach, start-up/close-out processes, country registration, budgeting and partnership development.

Principal Duties/Job Responsibilities Job Functions and Responsibilities

Project Management

• Leads theory of change and work plan development, activity budgeting, and monthly and annual oversight of all programs within a program management unit, while ensuring adherence to programmatic and financial award requirements, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 2 CFR 200, and other regulatory procedures

• Develops and implements some or all of the following MEL components in coordination with the MEL team: program performance indicators, targets, and methods; and evaluation questions that suitably addresses learning in programs and for the broader sector. Leads “reflection points” mid-program to adapt program approaches based on learning and assessment of MEL performance versus work plan progress.

• Manages expenditures, pipelines, annual and life-of-program spending, ensuring adherence to donor and ABA policies. Conducts budgetary analysis and makes modifications for optimal budget utilization under grants.

• Leads and trains both DC and field-based teams on procurement processes. Ensures compliance with U.S. Government and ABA regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the 2 CFR 200, and other regulatory procedures, designing and implementing systems to ensure programmatic compliance. Identifies potential violations before they occur and takes steps to prevent them.

Business Development

• Leads the overall proposal development process for large programs, often over $1,000,000 involving multiple organizations or countries. Leads technical writing or budget development where needed.

• Leads the cultivation of existing and new donor and key partner relationships in DC on programmatic activities, liaising with, e.g., the State Department program officers, grants officers/representatives, or agreement officers/representatives on a given program or region.

• Leads coordination efforts with stakeholders, both internal and external. Experience in the creation, fostering, nurturing, and expansion of working relationships with host governments, regional legal leaders, other NGOs, and similarly situated entities.

• Contributes to current and future programming, through technical and operational approaches. Independently lead larger-scale (>$1,000,000 in total or multi-partner/multi-country program development.)

Other Tasks

• Manages program staff based in Washington, DC. Leads and manages HR matters in the field and DC and works in tandem with the HR department on all staff matters. Follows established recruitment processes and ensures adequate oversight.

• Applies do no harm principles in the program or country of operations. Possesses a general awareness of economic, political, and social trends in the operating environment, and develops and implements of risk mitigation strategies. Proactively identifies oncoming risks and leads the country team in implementing risk mitigation strategies.

• Coordinates with communications and outreach departments to provide input through a variety of products such as blogs, briefers, website updates, and others.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and at least eight (8) years of program management experience; OR

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school or master’s degree and at least six (6) years of program management experience. NOTE: If the law degree is from a non-U.S. law school, the degree may not be required to be from an ABA-accredited law school.

• At least four (4) years of previous supervisory experience.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Degree in international development or any other discipline relevant to the work of American Bar Association – Rule of Law Initiative.

• Previous work experience in managing international development and human rights programs .

• Knowledge of relevant region/country.

• Experience of managing programs in relevant region/country both on the ground overseas and from the headquarters.

• Interest in and commitment to rule of law, democracy and governance, human rights, gender equality and social inclusion.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders.

• Strong research, writing, analytical, knowledge management, and communication skills.

• Effective time management and a strong ability to multi-task, adapt and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills and familiarity with social media.

• Ability and willingness to be an effective team player.

• Fluency in written and spoken English.

• Language proficiency, if not fluency, in one or more other languages.

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.