Senior Advisor — Program Coordination (CEPPS)

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) seeks a Senior Advisor to join the Program Coordination (PC) team. As an institutional support team, PC serves as the primary point of contact with donors on compliance and award management issues; negotiates award terms and conditions with NDI’s donors; manages the administration and coordination of the Institute’s global funding mechanisms; reviews and edits proposals, reports and deliverables; develops and provides training, tools and resources to staff on award management, donor compliance and NDI policies and procedures; and supports knowledge management by maintaining agreement documents and donor information accessible to staff in central files. Institutionally, PC works to support a common understanding of donor strategies, policies and compliance areas to ensure efficient, responsive and adaptive program design and award management, and institutional efficiencies, as well as a system for continual learning, adapting and communicating internally and externally. Additionally, PC ensures consultations are taking place between/among appropriate regional, functional and institutional support teams on donor issues and programmatic developments, and that NDI is meeting donor requirements and expectations.

Position Summary

In coordination with NDI’s Chief Program Officer, the Senior Advisor will serve as NDI’s senior representative to Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) and be responsible for NDI’s day-to-day technical and operational management of the consortium and any award issued to CEPPS. CEPPS is a co-equal, legal joint venture established in 1995 between the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). CEPPS has a 26-year track record of collaboration and leadership in democracy, human rights and governance support working in more than 60 countries. Currently, CEPPS is the holder of the Democratic Elections and Political Process (DEPP) leader with associates award (LWA) from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and continues to implement a number of associate awards issued under the previous LWA.

Essential Accountabilities/Responsibilities

• Serve as NDI’s senior representative to CEPPS for day-to-day technical and operational management of the consortium, as well as contributing to CEPPS’ strategic planning and implementation.
• Manage NDI’s overall portfolio under any award issued to CEPPS, coordinating with CEPPS management, the three CEPPS partner organizations, and internally to ensure effective and coordinated programming and award management.
• Oversee NDI’s CEPPS manager and coordinator on day-to-day award management.
• Track and analyze CEPPS data to inform NDI decision making and strategic approach.
• Work with the CEPPS senior administrative director and CEPPS partner senior representatives to develop and manage the annual CEPPS budget.
• Monitor NDI’s management budget, as well as analyze program portfolio budgets as needed, during the course of the year, to inform forward looking budget and program planning at the CEPPS and NDI levels.
• Work with CEPPS leadership and partner senior representatives to develop, review, and refine CEPPS’ internal policies, procedures, and systems to strengthen CEPPS’ technical and organizational structures and ensure it is organized effectively to meet its commitments under any award.
• Coordinate with the appropriate NDI technical and/or institutional support teams to ensure alignment between CEPPS and NDI systems and procedures, and that NDI staff are informed and educated in these systems and procedures.
• Act as an interlocutor between NDI, CEPPS and the partners on various issues that may arise to coordinate, communicate and find consensus on a way forward in a responsive, effective and efficient manner.
• Oversee the proposal design and development process, including providing guidance on NDI’s approach to any notice of funding opportunity and strengthening NDI’s internal CEPPS proposal process.
• Work closely with program teams to ensure NDI donor compliance and responsiveness, including timely submission of deliverables under all awards.
• In coordination with CEPPS leadership, ensure a system for continual learning, adapting and communicating internally and externally, including developing an internal NDI information management system to ensure NDI’s responsive, effective and efficient implementation.
• Ensure NDI staff understand their roles under CEPPS’ lead coordinating partner model and staff uphold their duties and responsibility under the model.
• As necessary, lead and facilitate discussions with USAID when NDI is the lead coordinating partner.

Parameters

• Incumbent operates under general direction, works in accordance with established procedures and objectives.
• Incumbent regularly interacts with staff at all levels within NDI.
• Incumbent regularly interacts with NDI donors and other stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Political Science, International Affairs, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management or a related field; Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of fourteen (14) years of experience in program and/or award management for an international development organization, foundation and/or donor agency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Advanced understanding of global Democracy, Rights and Governance (DRG) issues.
• Experience with U.S. government donors and regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of program and/or award management processes and requirements.
• Effectively interacts with all levels of staff, as well as as external partners, including members of donor organizations.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills for identifying problems, determining options for resolution, and coming to consensus on next steps.
• Strong attention to detail, with a propensity to complete work accurately and with a focus on quality.
• Action-oriented with an advanced level of proficiency to prioritize work and multi-task in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to take initiative and anticipate needs, and willingness to take on new responsibilities.
• High degree of professionalism and strong work ethic.
• Capacity to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team; maintain collaborative spirit and approach to work; provide guidance and coordination with and among staff.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to practice discretion and maintain the confidentiality of grant and institutional information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel and PowerPoint; knowledge of/proficiency in Google Suite tools preferred.

Certifications/Licenses (desired)

• Not Required

Work Environment

• This position generally is performed in an office environment and may be suitable for telework.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
• No international travel is required in this role.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting/mobility—to work at a desk and move around work areas.
• Speaking/hearing—to engage orally in conversation with others and conduct presentations.
• Seeing—to effectively use a computer screen and for reading and interpreting printed materials, memos and other paperwork.
• Reaching/handling—to input information into computer systems and retrieve and work with appropriate paperwork, equipment and supplies.

ADA Notation:

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Comments:

To comply with tax and legal obligations, all candidates for DC-based positions must reside in Maryland, DC or Virginia. While there may be flexibility for remote/hybrid work environments, candidates must be residents of MD, DC or VA or relocate prior to the start of employment at NDI.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department.

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