Program Manager, MENA

International Republican Institute • Washington, DC

29d • Hybrid

About The Position

The International Republican Institute (IRI) advances democracy and freedom by linking people with their governments, supporting politicians to be responsive to citizens, and motivating citizens to engage in the political process. IRI is seeking passionate individuals who embody its Core Values to contribute to its dynamic team. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Team at IRI designs and implements country-specific and regional programs across the MENA region, supporting local actors to strengthen democratic governance, transparency, political parties, civic institutions, and access to accurate information. The Program Manager (PM) for MENA will oversee and manage grants, engage with project specialists and field implementers, and support MENA leadership in business development and external engagement. The PM will play a key role in proposal development, ensuring alignment with IRI and regional strategies. This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC, requiring 3 days in the office per week, contingent on project funding.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/INGOs and/or legislative bodies and officials.
• Substantive knowledge of the MENA region, including its political dynamics, historical and cultural context, and current governance landscape.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills, including the ability to produce high quality reports, proposals and briefings for diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated management experience managing staff and project teams, with the ability to mentor, supervise and motivate high performance.
• Extensive experience working with USG-funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Demonstrated financial management experience in developing and administering multiple, simultaneous program budgets.
• Experience preparing, presenting and negotiating complex and sensitive agreements and/or project proposals with bilateral/multi-lateral agencies and other funder communities.
• Demonstrated ability to serve in a training, advisory or technical support role with local or regional partners, and a sensitivity to cross-cultural and power dynamics.
• Strong team player with the ability to work independently, coordinate multi-team efforts and drive toward programmatic goals.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the region, sometimes on short notice.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree preferred.
• Experience working with programming in closed societies/sensitive contexts is preferred.
• Second language preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in the Middle East and North Africa region.
• Leads project teams and contributes to the substantive design of new programs.
• Manages and oversees work of project teams (Specialists, Associates, others) assigned to regional project implementation.
• Contributes to the development of comprehensive country strategies and program objectives.
• 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 and troubleshoots project problems and offers solutions and actively takes part in leading resolution of them with creative and immediate solutions. This pertains to both programmatic and financial troubles or areas of concern.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationships with relevant stakeholders, consultants, field and HQ staff.
• Ensures that grant(s) are completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with Funder and IRI policies and requirements, including approving field expenses.
• Maintains an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance, procurement and oversight and advises field and DC staff on their team on these policies and procedures to ensure team compliance.
• Fully understands assigned grant’s substantive, financial and compliance requirements.
• Monitors kick-off and close-out process of all projects to ensure regional equities and planning considered.
• Monitors program team’s grant budgets, spending (budget trackers), and offers guidance and assistance when needed, with Program Services support.
• Supports IRI’s external relations efforts in coordination with Division Leadership.
• Travels as needed for program oversight and implementation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Significant coverage of health, dental, and vision insurance costs.
• Meaningful assistance programs through an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and Rula (access to mental health experts).
• Retirement plan with generous employer contribution (vested after 12 months).
• Hybrid and telework options.
• Company-paid holidays, parental leave, generous vacation, sick, and personal leave days.
• Dependent Care FSA
• Annual allowance for professional development courses and seminars along with access to world-class E-Learning via eCornell.
• Regular competitive review of internal and external equity to ensure fairness in pay for employees working in similar jobs requiring comparable knowledge, skills, and experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level