Senior Program Manager, Africa
About The Position
The Senior Program Manager (SPM) for the assigned region is responsible for the overall oversight and management of grants managed by the regional team. The role includes proactive engagement with Project Specialists supporting implementation and field-based implementers delivering programming. The SPM also supports regional leadership in business development, external engagement, and management and support of field-based implementers. The position plays a key role in developing proposals that align with Institute and regional strategies, advance context-specific goals, and reflect IRI’s comparative and competitive advantages. The position is based in Washington, DC, and is expected to work in the office at least three days per week. Travel is required as needed for program oversight and implementation, including willingness to travel within the region.
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, or a related field.
- At least six years of professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with political parties, civil society organizations or INGOs, and/or legislative bodies and officials.
- Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history, and culture of the assigned region, and familiarity with its political context.
- Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated management experience, including the ability to motivate and manage staff.
- Extensive experience with USG-funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
- Demonstrated financial management experience developing and administering multiple simultaneous program budgets.
- Ability to prepare, present, and negotiate complex and sensitive agreements and/or project proposals with bilateral and multilateral agencies and other funders.
- Ability to communicate skills and experience as a trainer, advisor, or technical consultant, with sensitivity to advisory work with local organizations.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, coordinating and leading other professionals to meet program goals.
- Willingness to travel within the region.
Nice To Haves
- Graduate degree.
- Experience with economic governance, political economy, trade and investment, or private-sector development programs, with exposure to regional trade corridors, critical minerals, or extractive-sector governance.
- French language skills.
Responsibilities
- Monitor, analyze, and report on political and related developments in the assigned region.
- Lead the team and contribute to the substantive design of new programs.
- Contribute to comprehensive country strategies and program objectives.
- Oversee the full grant lifecycle for a program portfolio, including substantive objectives and financial and compliance requirements.
- Anticipate and troubleshoot programmatic and financial project problems, propose solutions, and help lead their resolution.
- Establish, maintain, and develop productive working relationships with stakeholders, consultants, field staff, and headquarters staff.
- Ensure grants are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with funder and IRI policies and requirements, including approving field expenses.
- Maintain knowledge of funder and IRI policies and procedures for grant compliance, procurement, and oversight, and advise field and DC staff to support compliance.
- Understand the substantive, financial, and compliance requirements of assigned grants.
- Monitor project kick-off and close-out processes to ensure regional considerations and planning are addressed.
- Monitor program team grant budgets and spending, including budget trackers, and provide guidance and assistance with Program Services support.
- Support IRI external relations efforts in coordination with Division Leadership.
- Travel as needed for program oversight and implementation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Significant coverage of health, dental, and vision insurance costs.
- Employee Assistance Plan and access to mental health experts through Rula.
- Retirement plan with a generous employer contribution, vested after 12 months.
- Hybrid work, typically three days in the office and two days teleworking per week.
- Company-paid holidays, parental leave, and generous vacation, sick, and personal leave days.
- Dependent Care FSA.
- Annual allowance for professional development courses and seminars, plus access to eCornell e-learning.
- Regular competitive reviews of internal and external compensation equity.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
