Program Officer – South Asia

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 South Asia. 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, South Asian politics, 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.

· Demonstrated experience working on or studying the politics, economics, history and culture of South Asia.

· Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.

· 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.

· Experience working with an international non-profit organization preferred.

· 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.

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.

· Supports field team in program planning and implementation.

· 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.

· Drafts, reviews 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 contributes to the development of new program ideas.

· Develops and coordinates new program ideas.

· Assists with assessing new funding opportunities and serves as proposal manager (as assigned) for new bid opportunities.

· 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.

· 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; if an immediate need arises deploys on short-to long-term service in a program in the field to maintain continuity of the program.

· Supervises Senior Program Associate and Program Associate, is involved in hiring and evaluation process. Sets specific goals and provides ongoing performance feedback.

· Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives.

· Performs other duties as assigned.