Program Officer – Central Africa

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) will work closely with the Washington, D.C. program team and Field Office-based teams to implement projects for current and developing programs in the Central Africa portfolio, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea among others. S/he will closely monitor and analyze political and economic developments in countries of responsibility, develop program ideas, and drafts proposals to maintain and expand the portfolio. S/he will also identify program partners and donors and develop and maintain close relationships with them. The PO is also involved in new business development efforts.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, or related field.
• Three to five years’ professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with civil society organizations/NGOs, legislative bodies, political parties, and generally field stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history and culture of sub-Saharan Africa. Specific knowledge of Central Africa preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience working with U.S. Government-funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Experience with program management, program implementation, and basic accounting necessary to draft and oversee a budget.
• Demonstrated management experience, including ability to motivate and manage staff.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively direct or participate in complex negotiations with bilateral and/or multilateral government agencies, other funders, or relevant audiences.
• 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 to new and challenging environments.
• Ability to speak and read French is required.
• Spanish language proficiency a plus

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on political and related developments in Central African countries to provide regional and country analysis and information.
• Oversees implementation of specific grant(s) and associated grant activities under the supervision of the Program Manager and in collaboration with the Central Africa Field Office teams.
• Maintains an understanding of donor and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight, and understands grant’s substantive, financial, and compliance requirements.
• Monitors budget and program expenditures to ensure that IRI projects remain within budget allocations.
• Oversees and participates in all monitoring and evaluation efforts for grants assigned.
• Leads efforts to evaluate and uses information related to the approved grant work plan.
• Writes/collaborates with the Central Africa Field Office teams, and edits/adds information to ensure high quality quarterly, semi-annual, final, and other relevant reports for funders.
• Contributes to the substantive design of new programs and the development of new program ideas in accordance with the strategy identified for the portfolio.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders in Washington, D.C. and abroad.
• Actively supports IRI’s communication strategy including IRI’s branding and outreach plans.
• Represents IRI at external events.
• Travels as needed for program oversight and implementation.
• Helps oversee workloads and tasks of Program Associate, is involved in hiring and evaluation process.
• Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives (optional).
• Anticipates potential problems and offers solutions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.