Center for Global Impact Program Manager, Elections

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’s Center for Global Impact (CGI) is designed to help IRI learn, innovate, and lead in global democratic development programming. Comprised of experts specializing in a range of technical areas and program staff who oversee global and cross-cutting initiatives, the Center leads the Institute’s efforts to contribute to thought leadership, respond to emerging global challenges and trends, facilitate global initiatives, and serve as an incubator for new ideas and cutting-edge approaches. The CGI Program Associate is an entry level position for program work at IRI and provides administrative and programmatic support for current and developing programs.

The election integrity team provides technical assistance to country teams across IRI, implements global programs under the technical area of bolstering electoral integrity, directly plans and executes international election observation missions (IEOM), and contributes to thought leadership. The Program Manager will play a vital role in successfully achieving these objectives.

The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for the overall oversight and management of CGI’s electoral integrity grants. The PM leads the elections team, contributes to the implementation of electoral observation missions, and designs new programs. The PM for Elections serves a multi-faceted role as both implementer of the CGI elections portfolio and implementer of regional election integrity programs that concern international and/or domestic election observation. S/he supports planning and logistics for election observation conducted on behalf of the Institute as well as develops program ideas, drafts proposals, conducts research, drafts white papers under the theme of safeguarding electoral integrity, and supports program implementation such as hosting external events, conferences, and activities that concern election observation. S/he consults with regional program teams based in Washington D.C. and in field offices on elections-related programming. S/he works closely with the Senior Advisor in providing cross-divisional technical advice and in business development efforts.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in Political Science, International Relations, Development, Conflict Studies, etc. Graduate degree strongly preferred.
• Five to seven years professional experience in democratic governance and politics, working directly with political parties, voter education and outreach, civil society organizations/NGOs and/or legislative bodies and officials.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of elections cycles, international and regional standards and covenants for credible elections, methodologies for citizen and international election observation, Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE) and election-related Gender Based Violence (GBV) with prior study in the topic area preferred.
• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff and ability to work closely with expatriate staff located in the region.
• 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 approaches with bilateral/multi-lateral agencies, funder communities, and diplomats.
• 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.
• Experience in basic database development and maintenance.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English.
• Mastery of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Detail-oriented individual with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively, complete tasks without oversight, and communicate clearly and consistently in a virtual and/or hybrid work environment.
• Ability to travel internationally is required.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on electoral developments in program countries/regions.
• Oversees and is responsible for complete grant oversight of the elections portfolio, from fulfillment of substantive programmatic objectives to financial and compliance requirements for the life of the grant(s).
• In coordination with Senior Advisor, responsible for leading and managing aspects of election observation missions including but not limited to donor engagement, staffing and logistics, data analysis, internal and external report writing, and oversight of regional teams assigned to serve on global election observation missions.
• In coordination with regional divisions, leads election observation missions’ program kick-off and close-out process.
• Leads elections team and contributes to the substantive design of new programs.
• Contributes to the development of a comprehensive portfolio strategy and program objectives.
• Participates in external working groups focused on safeguarding election integrity and meetings with cross functional teams and initiatives as needed.
• Anticipates and trouble shoots project challenges and acts to lead resolution of challenges with creative and immediate solutions.
• Supervises staff assigned to the portfolio, including participating in the hiring, professional development, and evaluation process. Sets specific goals and provides ongoing performance feedback.
• Supports CGI’s communication strategy: branding and outreach plans on projects assigned, drafting, and updating program summaries and other outreach materials, drafting web stories, tweets, etc.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationship with relevant stakeholders, donors, consultants, field and DC staff.
• Ensures that grant is completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with Funder and IRI policies and requirements, including approving field expenses.
• Maintains an understanding of Funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
• Fully understands assigned grant’s substantive, financial and compliance requirements.
• Ensures compliance with all procurement policies in the implementation of the grant including all contract paperwork.
• Maintains project site and documents on SharePoint and related project portals.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.