Program Manager – Women’s Democracy Network 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 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.

Established by IRI in 2006, WDN empowers women around the world to participate in political processes and equips them with the skills needed to assume greater leadership roles in government, political parties and civil society. WDN connects aspiring and accomplished women leaders across the globe, creates forums for sharing ideas and experiences, and provides technical training and resource materials. WDN is also responsible for assisting IRI’s regional teams to use a gendered lens while implementing work with political parties, civil society strengthening and local governance programming.

The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for the overall oversight and management of WDN grants. The PM leads the WDN team and contributes to the design of new programs. The WDN PM serves a multi-faceted role as program developer and implementer. S/he develops program ideas and drafts proposals on a range of gender themes, subsequently supporting program implementation throughout the range of programmatic activities. S/he consults with regional program teams based in Washington D.C. and in field offices on gender programming. S/he manages gender programs and works closely with the Deputy Director in providing cross-divisional technical advice and in business development efforts.

Position Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, gender studies or related field. Graduate degree preferred.
• Five to Seven years professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly on women’s programming or with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs and/or legislative bodies and officials. Experience working on elections and/or managing elections observation programs.
• Working knowledge of gender, international politics, economics, history and culture.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff and ability to work closely with expatriate staff located in the region.
• 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 work independently and as a member of a team to coordinate and lead the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet program goals.
• Spanish language skills preferred but not required.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in gender and designated program countries/regions.
• Leads team to and contributes to the substantive design of new programs.
• Contributes to the development of a comprehensive portfolio strategy and program objectives.
• Oversees and is responsible for complete grant oversight of a program portfolio, 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.
• 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.
• Fully understands assigned grant’s substantive, financial and compliance requirements.
• Leads program kick-off and close-out process.
• Ensures compliance with all procurement policies in the implementation of the grant including all contract paperwork.
• 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 (and willing, understanding COVID concerns) for program oversight and implementation.
• Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.