French & English-Speaking Senior Program Officer at Equal Access

Equal Access International (EAI) – a non-governmental organization (NGO) headquartered in Washington, D.C. – partners with communities around the world to co-create sustainable solutions utilizing community engagement and participatory media and technology. With funding from bi-laterals, multi-laterals, foundations, and individual donors, EAI has a 20-year track record implementing social change projects around the world and currently operates through 12 country programs across Asia and East and West Africa.

EAI is seeking a French and English-speaking Senior Program Officer to join the Program Management Unit (PMU) at the headquarters in Washington, DC. The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of programs, providing administrative, financial, operational, contractual, and programmatic backstopping support for EAI programs under the supervision of the Team Lead of the Program Management Unit (PMU). The Senior Program Officer will have comprehensive understanding of project objectives, activities, funding parameters, and timeline. The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for a program’s administrative tasks, troubleshooting complex operational matters, identifying, and mitigating areas risk to programming, and escalating issues to management with proposed solutions. This role will offer the opportunity to learn and apply competencies in the areas of project management, compliance and financial oversight, technical support, and proposal development. This position is also subject to special duties and assignments as designated by the direct supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Administration

• Performs duties and responsibilities consistent with understanding of client requirements, and within the quality standards set by the immediate supervisor
• Leads filed team communications and is responsible for EAI’s reputation with field staff
• Addresses field inquiries and needs promptly, recommending solutions to resolve a variety of issues, including programmatic, technical, client, contractual, compliance, personnel, financial, and administrative matters
• Uses strong knowledge of procurement processes to ensure field and HQ procurements align with EAI’s Procurement Manual; mentors program field staff to strengthen adherence to applicable manuals
• Responsible for managing, as applicable, contract-related procurement, subcontracting, expenditure and budget monitoring, long-term and short-term personnel, travel, report editing and formatting, success story drafting and other relevant matters
• Ensures activities are conducted in accordance with EAI policies and client rules and regulations. Serves as the main contractual point of contact within EAI, and to the client as appropriate
• Oversees headquarters project electronic files and monitors field filing structure for completeness
• Leads start-up and closeout and supports project implementation throughout the entire life cycle of every assigned project
• Serves as primary contact for short-term consultants on administrative items. Anticipates inquiries and needs and ensures they are promptly addressed to continue a positive relationship between consultants and EAI
• Responsible for drafting SOWs and job descriptions and shortlisting CVs
• Supports field personnel recruitment and other operational issues
• Involved in all security related communications, as needed will lead safety and security measures with the field
• Performs other project and contract administration duties as required

Financial

• Responsible for budget monitoring, tracking level of effort utilization, deliverables, reviewing invoices, subcontractors, expense reports, etc. to monitor compliance with funder and EAI policies
• Updates budget monthly and monitors monthly burn rates
• Provides timely and accurate monthly financial forecasting

Technical & Learning

• Possesses knowledge of countries and regions relevant for work assignments
• Has a strong understanding of international development, foreign assistance programming
• Responsible for ensuring and supporting the development of work plans/GANTT charts, project frameworks and M&E plans, and ensures technical activities are implemented on time and within the allocated budget and scope of work
• Provides basic technical information to support projects, business development efforts, EAI’s knowledge base and other work products
• Supports the development of contract deliverables and other work products in compliance with EAI and client standards
• Serves in a supporting role for proposals such as pricing, coordinating, recruiting, and writing. Will also provide research, writing, budgeting, recruitment, coordination, and administrative support
• Establishes and maintains productive relationships with clients, funding agencies, government ministries, vendors, partners and consultants that serve to enhance EAI’s reputation and contribute to business development opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area
• 4-7 years of relevant work experience, with demonstrated ability to handle progressive levels of responsibility
• Experience in international development and backstopping programs in developing countries
• Proven ability to backstop large-scale programs and/or portfolios, manage complex budgets
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English to effectively present information, respond to questions, and prepare written reports in a professional and timely manner
• Proficiency in French
• Proficiency in English
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, US and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, funders, and policymakers
• Capacity to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Smooth multi-tasking among multiple responsibilities, ability to think innovatively and introduce new concepts
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to travel (20%) internationally sometimes in demanding physical and/or security situations.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a 40 hour per week full-time position. Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

TRAVEL

This position is based at EAI’s Washington, DC office with up to 20% international travel, sometimes in demanding physical and/or security situations. There may be local travel depending on events and donor activities.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

EAI is an equal opportunity employer. EAI welcomes and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all employees and applicants seeking employment. EAI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making or any other protected classifications, activities, or conditions as required by federal, state and local laws. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at EAI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities and qualified individuals who have limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical related condition.