Program Manager – Eurasia At International Republican Institute

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 Program Manager (PM) is responsible for the overall oversight and management of specified grants from start to end. The PM leads a team and contributes to the design of new programs.

Position Requirements

· Graduate degree in political science, international relations or related field.

· Minimum five years professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs and/or legislative bodies and officials.

· Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history and culture of the Eurasia region in particular.

· Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.

· Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff.

· Extensive experience working with USG funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.

· Demonstrated financial management experience in developing and administering program budgets.

· Ability to prepare, present and negotiate complex and sensitive agreements and/or project proposals with bilateral/multi-lateral agencies and other funder communities.

· Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor or technical consultant; sensitivity to working in advisory role with local organizations.

· 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 the region a significant amount throughout the year.

· Regional language fluency strongly preferred.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in designated countries

· Leads team to and contributes to the substantive design of new programs

· Oversees and is responsible for complete grant oversight of a program portfolio (which can consist of large/several grants), from fulfillment of substantive programmatic objectives to financial and compliance requirements for the life of the grant(s).

· 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

· Supervises staff assigned to the portfolio, including participating in the hiring, professional development and evaluation process for these staff. Sets specific goals and provides ongoing performance feedback.

· Serves as interface with any Resident Program Director(s) and local staff to implement projects.

· Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationship with relevant stakeholders, consultants, field and DC staff.

· Ensures that grant is completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with Funder and IRI policies and requirements, including approving field expenses.

· Maintains an understanding of Funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight

· Full understands assigned grant’s substantive, financial and compliance requirements

· Leads kick-off and close-out process

· Ensures compliance with all procurement policies in the implementation of the grant including all contract paperwork.

· Signs off on the approval form/blue sheet and prepare contract for Division leadership to sign

· Monitors program team’s grant budgets, spending (budget trackers), and offers guidance and assistance when needed, with Program Services support.

· Supports IRI’s external relations efforts.

· 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

· Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives (optional)

· Performs other duties as assigned.