Senior Program Officer – Europe and Eurasia

Organization: IFES - International Foundation for Electoral Systems
Location: Arlington (United States of America)
Grade: BAND 7 - Mid-level - Mid level
Occupational Groups: Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: 2020-07-31

IFES is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. "All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.” The Senior Program Officer Ukraine is an advanced professional position at IFES providing tactical support to the program division. Specific duties will include development, support and oversight of multiple projects in Ukraine funded by multiple donors. Job Responsibilities:

Serve as primary interface with Country Director and field local staff to implement projects. Achieve project requirements within budget, established time frame, standards of quality, and donor satisfaction.
Prepare budgets, review and approve field expense reports, wire requests, field wire transfer requests, vendor and consultant payments, etc. Responsible for oversight, critical review, and reporting of project financials in partnership with Finance team. Provide support during procurement of goods and service and advice on compliance to IFES policies and procedures.
Establish, maintain, and develop productive working relationship with field staff, subordinates, consultants at large, and other departments within IFES HQ mainly with Contracts and Grants and finance.
Represent program management at offsite venues for the purpose of business development and information dissemination as directed.
Contribute to and inform program design, knowledge of tools towards implementation of projects, knowledge management and thought leadership, and collection of resources.
Work with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team in the field and HQ to design and determine indicators, ensure that the field has the tools to monitor progress made towards indicators, periodically check in with field team on data collection and progress toward meeting objectives, and share experience with regional teams.
Monitor and evaluate project progress and performance, including reviewing deliverable, and make recommendations where project activities may need to be adjusted based on M&E results.
Troubleshoot project problems. Identify and implement creative solutions.
Monitor pending IFES grant/contract actions and modifications and coordinate timely action and response.
Travel to field office to monitor project activities.
Actively participate in business development/proposal development/new initiative processes.
Provide professional developmental opportunities for junior program staff. Evaluate performance of supervisee(s), and provide constructive feedback and proactive management. Offer input into performance of Country Directors.
Work with Human Resources to source and recruit critical talent.
Work with Contracts and Grants to ensure timely acquisition and delivery of services.
Support design, review/selection, and implementation sub-awards, including review of quarterly narrative and financial reports, as well as processing invoices.
Ensure the quality of monthly/quarterly narrative reports.
Provide input into annual work plans, performance monitoring plans, and other programmatic reports.
Develop a sound understanding of IFES technical areas and on the relevant region/country.
Other duties as assigned.

POSITION SCOPE: Provide varied support functions and perform moderately complex job duties requiring knowledge of business/proposal development, program management, financial management, donor interface, and research and development initiatives. Contribute to program planning, development, and management. Manage work activities with internal and external partners to ensure achievement of assigned objectives project(s). Performance and outcomes are subject to management oversight. DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING: Multi-factor decision-making requiring research and analysis, subject to supervisory guidance. Analyze and interpret issues, propose and implement solutions relying on knowledge of professional standards, principles and sound judgement. Initiate contact with staff in other departments to exchange substantive information and coordinates activities necessary to achieve work goals. Authority to make decisions on issues of program design, delegations to junior staff, and financial oversight for assigned projects. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Lead project budget planning. Critical review and reporting of project financials in partnership with Finance. Work with field team on quarterly and annual projections for donors and internal budgeting. Authority to research, negotiate, and recommend purchases of materials, equipment and logistical arrangements. RELATIONSHIPS: Develop and maintain collaborative relationships, which require highly-developed interpersonal skills, involving active listening and problem solving, to assure desired outcomes. Seek opportunities to improve working relationships and work outcomes with internal and external partners. Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s Degree in international relations, political science, international development preferred. Experience: Minimum of 8 years of work experience in the international development sector. Significant experience with budget management and oversight of large single project or multiple small projects, including projections, pipelines, and modifications. Experience managing and providing guidance and supervision to employees. Experience supporting business development efforts. Proposal writing experience preferred. Related Skills or Knowledge: Experience with program management, project design, and business development. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with USAID grant and contract proposals, regulations, and procedures. Familiarity with USAID and other international donors (DFID and GAC) and key program personnel. Strong financial management skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel required. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Knowledge of political contexts in multiple Europe and Eurasia countries preferred. Field experience desirable. APPLY HERE www.ifes.org

Tags: International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)