Program Manager – Poland (Warsaw)

Job Summary

IRI is currently recruiting a Program Manager (PM) for employment in IRI’s Poland office, based in Warsaw. The PM position is a leadership role primarily responsible for the implementation of a political party & elections-focused project in Poland. The PM with a wide range of duties in program strategy and design, program implementation, stakeholder management, travel throughout Poland, external relations duties, and more. The PM will report to the Resident Program Director and closely coordinate with Washington, DC-based staff.

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the core values in their day-to-day operations.

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.

Position Requirements:

• Graduate degree in political science, international relations, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in international development, politics, international exchanges or related field.
• Familiarity with Central and Eastern European politics and political parties
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Ability to prepare, present and negotiate complex and sensitive agreements and/or project proposals with bilateral/multi-lateral agencies and other funder communities.
• English proficiency
• Intermediate Polish language proficiency, or familiarity with other Slavic languages
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Experience writing proposals and reports.
• Strong ability to initiate, foster, interact, and maintain relationships with contacts and stakeholders in a diverse and multicultural environment, with sensitivity respect, discretion, tact, and professionalism.
• 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.
• Ability to travel throughout Poland to implement program activities.
• Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentially regarding all aspects of work.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

The Program Manager will have a broad set of duties and responsibilities, including the following:

Program Strategy & Design

• Monitor current events and developments to provide political and programmatic analysis and recommendations for the portfolio.
• Contribute to the development of a comprehensive country strategy and program objectives. Subsequently works to implement strategy, including motivating staff members to accomplish goals.
• Conceptualize and design new program interventions consistent with IRI program objectives and available budgets.
• Communicate with possible implementing partners, arrangements regarding cooperation, conducting negotiations
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Programming Implementation

• Oversee the implementation of program activities, and ensures consistency with work plans, donor requirements, and objectives.
• Write and review time-sensitive program documents, activity reports, funding proposals, and training materials.
• Organize and carry out trips, trainings, meetings, workshops, conferences, and other events.
• Anticipate potential problems and trouble shoots project problems and offers solutions and actively takes part to lead resolution of them with creative and immediate solutions.
• Maintain an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
• Work in concert with HQ’s Evidence and Learning Practice and program personnel to monitor and evaluate the performance of IRI and partner organizations’ program activities, identifying successes and failures and recommending program adjustments accordingly.
• Supervise staff assigned to the portfolio, including participating in the hiring, professional development and evaluation process for these staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

External Relations

• Support DC-based team in business development efforts and strategic outreach
• Cultivate relationships and communicate regularly with relevant stakeholders, local partners, members of the donor community, and implementing partners
• Represent IRI at public functions as requested and share summaries.
• Support IRI’s external relations efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.