Resident Program Director – Thailand At International Republican Institute

Job Description:

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the core values in their day-to-day operations.

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.

Based in Bangkok, Thailand, the Resident Program Director (RPD) works with IRI DC staff on the design and implementation of IRI’s programs in Thailand. The RPD is responsible for all programmatic, personnel, outreach and accounting matters in Thailand. In consultation with IRI/Washington, the RPD designs and implements a long-term strategy for IRI programs in the country, manages program activities and budgets, and is responsible for compliance with both USG and local laws and regulations governing current funding.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, international development or related field; graduate degree preferred.
• Six to eight years professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with national and state-level government officials, political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs, and youth and women demographics.
• Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor or technical consultant; sensitivity to working in advisory role with local organizations.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• 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 donor communities.
• Demonstrated experience working with USG-funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff.
• 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 within the country of assignment throughout the year.
• Willingness to live and work in a challenging environment.
• Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history and culture of Thailand or the Southeast Asia region.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Serves as the IRI’s senior representative in Thailand, developing credibility with and maintaining good relationships with all relevant stakeholders, including U.S. and foreign diplomats and donor agencies, host-country government representatives, and program partners.
• Oversees the implementation of all program activities oversees ensuring consistency with grant work plans and objectives.
• Oversees all operations related to the IRI field presence and ensures IRI is in compliance with local laws regarding IRI’s legal status in the country and employment of local staff.
• Monitors and approves field office budgets and expenses, in collaboration with DC program staff and the Regional Project Accountant, to ensure that expenditures remain within budget allocations.
• Maintains an understanding of donor and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
• Leads business development efforts, including identifying and seeking out potential new or additional sources of funding with real-time costs estimates for proposal budgets, and/or the development of new program ideas, coordinating with DC staff.
• Participates in the substantive design of new programs and contributes to the development of new program ideas.
• Ensures adherence to monitoring and evaluation plans, including the monitoring of programs and evaluation/analysis of program results.
• Provides information and contributes to sections of quarterly, semi-annual, final and other relevant reports for funders.
• Supervises local field staff, including participating in the hiring, professional development and evaluation process for these staff. Sets specific goals and provides ongoing performance feedback and conducts on-going mentorship of local staff.
• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in specific countries to provide regional and country analysis.
• Actively supports IRI’s communication strategy including IRI’s branding and outreach plans on projects assigned, including drafts and updates program summaries and other outreach materials, drafts web stories, tweets, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.