Program Officer, LAC

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 PO is responsible for designing and implementing a strategy for IRI’s programs in her/his countries of assignment. S/he closely monitors and analyzes political and economic developments in countries of responsibility, develops program ideas, and drafts proposals on a range of democracy and assistance programs. S/he also identifies program partners and develops and maintains close relationships with them and with funders. 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 political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs or legislative bodies, or equivalent combination.
• Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history and culture of the region.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills in English.
• 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.
• 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.
• Experience working in challenging political and operational contexts.
• 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.
• Intermediate to Advanced proficiency in French, Spanish and/or Portuguese desired.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in specific countries to provide regional and country analysis and information.
• Anticipates potential problems and trouble shoots project problems and offers solutions and actively takes part to lead resolution of them with creative and immediate solutions.
• Oversees implementation of specific grant(s) and associated grant activities.
• Maintains an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
• Understands assigned grant’s substantive, financial and compliance requirements.
• Supports efforts to ensure that grants are in compliance with grant agreements and completed on time.
• Monitors and ensures proper tracking of budget estimates and program expenditures to ensure that IRI projects remain within budget allocations.
• Oversees updates to budget tracker and leads regular team budget analysis discussions.
• 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.
• Reviews and edits/adds information to ensure high quality quarterly, semi-annual, final and other relevant reports for funders [Depending on staffing, may be responsible for drafting funder reports].
• Contributes to the substantive design of new programs and contributes to the development of new program ideas.
• Assists with assessing new funding opportunities and serve as proposal manager and/or develops budgets (as assigned) for new bid opportunities.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders in DC and abroad.
• Actively supports IRI’s communication strategy including IRI’s branding and outreach plans, including drafts and updates program summaries and other outreach materials, drafts web stories, tweets, etc.
• Represents IRI at external events.
• Travels as needed for program oversight and implementation.
• Supervises Program Associates and is involved in hiring and evaluation process. Sets specific goals and provides ongoing performance feedback.
• Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives (optional).
• Performs other duties as assigned.