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 Associate (PA) is the entry level position for program work at IRI and provides administrative and programmatic support for current and developing programs in the Southern Africa region (to include Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia, Mozambique, and Southern Regional programming – exact country portfolio to be dependent on existing funding and specific staffing needs).

Position Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, conflict management, African affairs, or related field.
• 0-1 year of experience in international development, African affairs, or related field
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint required – knowledge and command of data visualization software.
• Excellent writing, research, and communication skills.
• International experience preferred.
• Knowledge of/experience working on issues in Southern Africa region a plus.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis preferred.
• Portuguese language skills strongly preferred.
• Detail-oriented and ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

• Processes and follows-up on procurement requests, approvals, and monitoring once approved, including processing payments
• Monitors budget tracking and budget projections.
• Contributes to writing quarterly, semi-annual, final, and other relevant reports for funders
• Compiles and facilitates submission of contract packages
• In collaboration with the program team and IRI’s Evaluation & Learning Practice Department, takes a significant part in developing, compiling, and analyzing M&E data.
• Updates program databases, contract trackers, budget projections, etc.
• Provides logistical support for DC meetings and events for the Regional Division
• Supports IRI’s communication strategy including IRI’s branding and outreach plans on projects assigned, including drafts and updates program summaries and other outreach materials, drafts web stories/blogs, tweets, etc.
• Supports the Field Program Team for all activity logistical preparations (contracts, travel booking, etc.).
• Travels to country of implementation on ad hoc basis and as needed.
• Regularly reads about political developments in countries assigned and contributes toward summarizing/analyzing these developments in quarterly reports, proposals and memos for division leadership and/or the Front Office.
• Participates in program design and strategy brainstorming sessions
• Participates in business development, such as in writing proposal portions and drafting budgets
• Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives
• Performs other duties as assigned.