Program Manager – Sahel

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 Manager (PM) for Sahel is responsible for the overall oversight and management of specific grants from start to end and management of the program team. The PM leads a team, contributes to the design of new programs, long-range strategy for IRI programs, and serves as the primary liaison with IRI’s Field Office.

Position Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, or related field. Graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum 7 years professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with civil society organizations, youth leaders, government agencies, legislative bodies, and/or local government officials. Experience in country of portfolio a plus.
• Professional fluency in French is required.
• Experience working on programs focused on preventing/countering violent extremism; electoral processes; inclusion of marginalized populations; public opinion research (qualitative and quantitative); institution-building; civil society strengthening; youth leadership; etc.
• Knowledge of the politics, economics, history, and culture of the Sahel region and individual countries (Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Littoral states).
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff.
• Demonstrated experience working with USG funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Demonstrated financial management, including developing and administering program budgets.
• Ability to prepare, present, and negotiate complex and sensitive agreements and/or project proposals with bilateral/multi-lateral agencies and other donor communities.
• Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor, or technical consultant; sensitivity to working in advisory role with local organizations.
• 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.
• Willingness to travel within the countries of assignment.
• Ability to analyze and report on quantitative and qualitative public opinion research.
• Experience implementing programs in closed or closing societies strongly preferred.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on political and related developments in designated countries.
• Leads team and contributes to the substantive design of new programs.
• Contributes to the development of a comprehensive country strategy and program objectives.
• Oversees and is responsible for complete grant oversight of a program portfolio (which can consist of several large grants), from fulfillment of substantive programmatic objectives to financial and compliance requirements for the life of the grant(s).
• Anticipates potential problems, troubleshoots project problems, offers solutions, and actively works towards resolution.
• Supervises staff assigned to the portfolio including participating in the hiring, professional development, and evaluation process for these staff. Sets specific goals and provides ongoing performance feedback.
• Serves as primary interface with field-based Program Director and local staff.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationship with relevant stakeholders, consultants, field staff, and U.S.-based 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.
• Ensure team’s compliance with all IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight, accounting, procurement, and HR.
• Leads kick-off and close-out process for grants.
• Monitors program team’s grant budgets, spending (budget trackers), and offers guidance and assistance when needed, with program service support.
• Supports IRI’s external relations efforts.
• Travels as needed for program oversight and implementation; if an immediate need arises deploys on short-to long-term service in the field to maintain continuity of the program.
• Ensures IRI’s compliance with obligations vis-à-vis the host country law (labor law, NGO law, registration, etc.)
• Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.