Senior Program Associate - Governance
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.
The International Republican Institute’s Center for Global Impact (CGI) is designed to help IRI learn, innovate, and lead in global democratic development programming. Comprised of experts specializing in a range of technical areas and program staff who oversee global and cross-cutting initiatives, the Center leads the Institute’s efforts to contribute to thought leadership, respond to emerging global challenges and trends, facilitate global initiatives, and serve as an incubator for new ideas and cutting-edge approaches.
The Senior Program Associate serves as part of the Governance program within CGI, serving a multi-faceted role providing administrative and programmatic support. Working closely with the Senior Governance Specialist s/he takes the lead in preparing and maintaining programmatic budgets, managing subawards, grants, contracts, and payments. S/he also provides support to the team members in developing program ideas and draft proposals and quarterly reports, and supports program implementation related to anti-corruption, environmental governance and democratic transitions, among other topics. Under the supervision of the Senior Governance Specialist s/he consults with regional program teams based in Washington D.C. and in field offices on governance programs. S/he guides the Program Associate on various aspects of providing administrative and programmatic support for current and developing programs.
Position Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field.
- 2 – 3 years of experience in international development or related field.
- Experience with budgeting and ensuring grant compliance.
- Deep Interest and some knowledge on topics related to governance e.g., anticorruption, environmental governance, democratic transitions, transparency and accountability etc.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required.
- Excellent writing, research, and communication skills.
Primary Functions & Responsibilities:
- Supports the Governance Specialist and guides the Program Associate to implement grant(s) and ensure grant compliance, including logistical support for program activities and events.
- Maintains an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
- Tracks and follows-up on pending procurement requests, approvals and monitoring once approved.
- Tracks spending and regularly updates budget tracker; cross-references with PSR on monthly basis and interacts with appropriate Project Accountant and other Accounting staff.
- Assists in monitoring program activities related to the approved grant work plan.
- Support efforts to evaluate and uses information related to the approved grant work plan.
- Drafts quarterly, semi-annual, final and other relevant reports for funders.
- Participates in budget analysis on a regular basis.
- Contributes to and supports aspects of the proposal development process for new funding opportunities, including the development of new program ideas.
- 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.
- Travels as needed for program support and implementation.
- Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
Required
Bachelors or better in Political Science or related field.
Experience
Required
2-3 years: Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field. 2 – 3 years of experience in international development or related field.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities:
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)