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 Senior Program Manager (SPM) will serve on a full-time basis and report directly to IRI’s Resident Program Director based in Hungary. The SPM will lead program implementation in coordination with IRI’s D.C.-based program staff and contracted anticorruption expert. The SPM will identify and establish working relationships with municipal governments and local civil society organizations, as well as political parties, state institutions and international organizations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field. Graduate degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum seven years of program management experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working in a political environment and directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs, and/or legislative bodies and officials.
• Experience with program management, implementation and basic accounting necessary to draft and oversee a budget.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (writing and speaking) in English and Bulgarian.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• 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.
• Highly organized and with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the Bulgarian political context and sensitivities of working on development issues in Bulgaria.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex, politically charged, environments.
• Knowledge and practice in monitoring, evaluation, and learning process, preferred.
• Knowledge of United States government funder regulations, preferred.
• Extensive program design and proposal development experience, especially for USG sources, preferred.
• Previous experience working to brief and develop materials for high-level executives, thought leaders, politicians, etc.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, as needed.
• Innovative, creative, enthusiastic approach to problem-solving.

Primary Functions and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the implementation of all program activities ensuring consistency with grant workplans and objectives.
• Lead organization of program activities, both within individual municipalities and at the national level.
• Participate substantively in the design of new programs and contribute to the development of program ideas.
• Collaborate closely with the anticorruption expert and D.C. team in planning and implementing program activities.
• Manage project-specific budgets and expenses, in collaboration with field and Washington, D.C. headquarters program staff, to ensure that expenditures remain within budget allocations and rules of allowability.
• Compile essential monitoring and evaluation data from programmatic activities and prepare weekly reports, and assist the D.C. program team in preparing quarterly, semi-annual, final and other relevant reports. Develop data collection tools and MEL plans in coordination with the D.C. program team.
• Actively support IRI’s communication strategy.
• Lead on-the-ground funder engagement and business development outreach, including identifying and meeting with potential new funders and partner organizations, cultivating those relationships, and positioning IRI for future funding opportunities.
• Maintain an understanding of donor and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
• With oversight from the Resident Program Director in Hungary, manage Bulgaria field office operations and ensure IRI is compliant with local laws regarding IRI’s legal status in the country and employment of local staff.
• Manage other local field staff, directing and coordinating their work implementing activities in support of specific program objectives. Participate in the hiring, professional development and evaluation process for these staff. Set specific goals and provide ongoing performance feedback.
• Other responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Political Science or related field.

Experience

Required

7 years:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field. Graduate degree strongly preferred. • Minimum seven years of program management experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working in a political environment and directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs, and/or legislative bodies and officials.

Advancing Democracy Worldwide