Field Program Officer – Moldova

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 a mid-career position based out of the Chisinau Office. The PO works with the Resident Program Director (RPD) in the design and implementation of programs in Moldova. The PO closely monitors and analyzes political and economic developments in Moldova, develops program ideas, identifies program partners, and develops and maintains close relationships with them and with funders.

Candidates with a strong background and/or network in the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:

• Diaspora engagement
• Community organizing and community outreach
• Political parties, government, parliament
• Local and municipal governance
• Cooperation with NGOs

Professional working proficiency in Romanian and English is required for this position. Professional working proficiency in Russian is preferred, but not required.

To apply, applicants must email a CV/resume and a cover letter (both in English) to [email protected]. Deadline is 15th of April 2024.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
• 3-5 years’ total professional experience, with 1-2 years’ experience specifically in democratic governance and politics, working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs or legislative bodies, or equivalent combination.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively direct or participate in complex negotiations with bilateral and/or multilateral government agencies, other donors or relevant audiences.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience working with US Government funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Experience with program management, implementation and basic accounting necessary to draft and oversee a budget.
• Ability to understand grant-specific substantive, financial and compliance requirements.
• Excellent writing, research and communication 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.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Implements grant(s) and associated grant activities.
• Organizes and facilitates trainings for political parties, government officials, and diaspora stakeholders.
• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in Moldova to provide regional and country analysis and information.
• Anticipates potential problems, troubleshoots project problems and offers solutions and actively leads resolution of issues with creative and immediate solutions.
• Drafts activity reports to ensure high quality quarterly, semi-annual, final and other program related reports to DC.
• Directly supports the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) coordinator and program staff in developing M&E components for program activities, M&E plans and data collection tools.
• Contributes to the design of new programs and development of new program ideas.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Organizes meetings and briefings with national and local government officials, civil society leaders, political party members and other stakeholders, and represents IRI at external events.
• Provides efficient and timely action on logistics and accounting matters for program activities.
• Ensures accuracy of invoices for delivered goods/services by local vendors and submission of all program activities related documents in line with IRI requirements.
• Assists with written or oral translation when necessary; oversees written or oral translation conducted by other IRI staff or contractors.
• Travels as needed for program oversight and implementation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Political Science or related field.

Experience

Required

3-5 years:

Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field. Master’s degree is preferred. 3-5 years’ total professional experience, with 1-2 years’ experience specifically in democratic governance and politics, working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs or legislative bodies, or equivalent combination.