Program Officer – 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 PO will work closely with the Washington, D.C. program team and the Mali Field Office-based team to implement projects of the portfolio in countries of the region. S/he will closely monitor and analyze political and economic developments in countries of responsibility and contribute to program ideas and business develop efforts to expand the portfolio. S/he will also identify program partners and develop and maintain close relationships with them and with donors.

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 Sahel and West Africa’s littoral states preferred.
• Previous experience in Sahelian or West African littoral states strongly 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 capacity to work individually and as a team, including with junior staff and ability to motivate and mentor them.
• 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 to West Africa / Sahel countries required.
• Ability to speak and read French is required.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on political and related developments in Sahelian and West African littoral countries (Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire) 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 Mali Field Office team.
• 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. Previous experience working on USG funded democracy and governance programs preferred.
• Monitors and updates 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 Mali Field Office team, and edits/adds information to ensure high quality quarterly, semi-annual, final, and other relevant reports for funders.
• Contributes significantly to program design of new programs and the development of new program ideas in accordance with the strategy identified for the portfolio, including writing proposals.
• 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.