Program Manager, Center for Global Impact

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 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 Program Manager (PM) serves as part of the Center, serving a multi-faceted role as program developer and implementer. The PM is responsible for the overall oversight and management of programs and management of the Program team. The PM oversees a team and contributes to the design of new programs. They develop program ideas and drafts proposals on a range of governance themes, subsequently supporting program implementation through a range of activities. They consult with regional program teams based in Washington D.C. and in field offices on governance program.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.

Position Requirements:   

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field. Graduate degree preferred.
• 5 to 7 years professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with government actors, civil society organizations/NGOs and other key actors, with a focus on inclusion and conflict prevention.
• Extensive experience with program management, project implementation, financial management and budgetary oversight. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage, delegate and oversee multiple tasks across diverse projects and multiple teams.
• Proven experience executing fast-paced, high-level events in the field and in Washington, D.C. from planning to implementation.
• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate, manage and professionally develop junior staff.
• Extensive experience working with USG funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor or technical consultant; sensitivity to working in advisory role with local organizations.
• 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. 
• Proven experience leading the entire business development capture life cycle, to include serving as lead technical writer on winning proposals.
• Exceptional organizational and detail-oriented skills.
• Exceptional ability to operate under strict deadlines and ability to easily shift priorities.
• Willingness and ability to travel to challenging environments, up to 20% of the time.

 Primary Functions & Responsibilities

• Oversees and is responsible for complete grant oversight of a program portfolio (which can consist of large/several grants), 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.
  • Understands assigned grant’s substantive, financial and compliance requirements.
  • Leads efforts to ensure that grants comply with grant agreements and are completed on time.
  • Monitors and ensures proper tracking of budgets and program expenditures to ensure that IRI projects remain within budget allocations and leads regular team budget analysis discussions.
  • Oversees and participates in all monitoring and evaluation efforts for grants assigned.
  • Responsible for the creation of event materials, training curricula and other tools as needed.

• 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.
• Substantively contributes to business development efforts regarding technical areas under purview, including proposal writing.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationships with relevant stakeholders, including Washington, D.C. and field-based staff and external experts.
• Travels as needed for program oversight and implementation.
• Represents IRI at external events.
• Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.