Senior 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, Women’s Democracy Network (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 Senior Program Manager (SPM) is responsible for the overall oversight and management of WDN grant and will assist with the development and adjustments of project’s strategies to achieve projects goals. S/he will ensure that staff, consultants and partners are kept on track as to project deliverables and objectives. The SPM leads the WDN team and contributes to the design of new programs. 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. The SPM supports the Regional Director and Regional Deputy Director in division-wide or highly specialized tasks, according to changing conditions, unexpected opportunities or new information.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, gender studies or related field. Graduate degree preferred.
• 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 within international politics, economics, history and culture.
• Proven experience in report writing and project planning.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills in dealing with businesses.
• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff and ability to work closely with expatriate staff located in the region.
• Demonstrated financial management experience in developing and administering program budgets.
• Must have excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and Internet) and comfort working with database programs.
• 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.
• Must be able to work multi-task, be persistent and work under tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Spanish language skills preferred but not required.
• Ability and desire to travel.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Works with the Regional Director/Deputy Director with input from Division staff to develop and manage short and long term strategies in alignment with IRI strategic goals for the Division and/or regional/country strategies.
• Serves as a resource for program staff, including addressing implementation challenges and developing innovative and advance program ideas for program development or and new funding outreach efforts.
• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in gender and designated program countries/regions.
• Contributes to identification and analysis of new funding opportunities.
• Assists the Regional Director/Deputy Director with external relations, including with government representatives, political party leaders, civic leaders, etc.
• 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.
• 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.
• Supports the Regional Director/Deputy Director on division-wide activities requiring specialized expertise, such as public opinion research, making effective use of technology to achieve results while ensuring the integrity of the process, etc.
• Travels as needed for program oversight and implementation; if an immediate need arises deploys on TDY to maintain continuity of the program.
• Reviews and drafts as needed grant reports.
• Oversees implementation of specific grants or projects, as designated by the Regional Director/Deputy Director.
• Maintains an understanding of donor and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
• Understands a grant’s substantive, financial and compliance requirements.
• Understands fiduciary responsibilities, approves payments as designated by Regional Director/Deputy Director related to program costs following IRI protocols and is held accountable for maintaining appropriate documentation.
• Supervises Program Managers and Program Officers assigned including participating in the hiring, professional development and evaluation process for these staff.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Political Science or related field.

Preferred

Masters or better in International Studies or related field.

Experience

Required

7 years: 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.

Please apply directly to IRI’s recruitment site via the provided link: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/INT1048/JobBoard/201c19d1-4b06-d159-bba4-6a102267f555/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=3eee844f-24dd-4ee0-8e9d-7e369e1de10e